Tallahassee, FL – Bill Hayes, a beloved actor known for his role on the long-running NBC soap opera “Days of Our Lives,” passed away on Friday at the age of 98. Hayes portrayed the character of Doug Williams on the daytime series for over five decades, having joined the show in 1970. His time on the series not only brought him professional success but also introduced him to his real-life wife, actress Susan Seaforth. The couple tied the knot in 1974 and two years later, their characters were married on the show.
Hayes and Seaforth made a significant impact on the soap opera genre, their influence culminating in a cover story on the popularity of daytime soaps in 1976, where they appeared on the cover of Time magazine. Executive producer Ken Corday spoke fondly of Hayes, stating that he embodied the heart and soul of “Days of Our Lives.” Corday acknowledged the grief felt by Hayes’ colleagues and fans but emphasized that his indelible legacy would continue to live on in the show’s narratives.
Throughout his tenure on the soap opera, Hayes’ character of Doug Williams became one of the longest-running characters. The dynamic duo of Doug and Susan faced numerous trials and tribulations within the show, including encounters with deranged ex-spouses, exploding appliances, and even serial killers. Hayes’ remarkable portrayal earned him two Daytime Emmy nominations in 1975 and 1976, while both he and Seaforth-Hayes received lifetime achievement awards from the Daytime Emmy Awards in 2018.
Prior to his iconic role on “Days of Our Lives,” Hayes began his career in the early days of network television in 1949. Notably, he starred on Olsen & Johnson’s “Fireball Fun-for-All” and later worked on Sid Caesar’s “Your Show of Shows.” Born in Harvey, Illinois, Hayes made his Broadway debut in 1953 in the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical “Me and Juliet.” He also toured nationally, showcasing his talents in beloved stage musicals such as “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Student Prince,” “Anything Goes,” “Camelot,” and “The Pajama Game.”
Hayes’ multifaceted career extended beyond the realms of acting and singing. In 1956, he achieved pop music success with his rendition of “The Ballad of Davy Crockett,” a song popularized by actor Fess Parker. By 1970, Hayes found his niche in the role of a formerly imprisoned con artist turned nightclub singer on “Days of Our Lives.” Though Hayes and Seaforth-Hayes left the show in 1984 due to decreased airtime for their characters, they eventually returned in 2003, surprising viewers who had presumed their characters to be deceased.
Bill Hayes’ contributions to the entertainment industry and his enduring portrayal of Doug Williams will forever be cherished by fans worldwide. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who admired his talent and celebrated his characters’ triumphs and trials on “Days of Our Lives.”
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