Harvey, Illinois – Bill Hayes, a beloved star of the long-running NBC soap opera “Days of Our Lives,” passed away on Friday at the age of 98, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
Hayes portrayed the iconic character of Doug Williams on the daytime serial for five decades, starting in 1970. His journey on the show began just five years after its debut, and it was during his time on set that he met his real-life wife, actress Susan Seaforth, who also featured on the series set in the fictional town of Salem.
After their meeting, Hayes and Seaforth tied the knot in 1974. Their on-screen counterparts followed suit two years later. In a testament to their popularity, the couple graced the cover of Time magazine in a special feature on the widespread appeal of daytime soap operas.
Ken Corday, the executive producer of “Days of Our Lives,” paid tribute to Hayes, stating, “I have known Bill for most of my life, and he embodied the heart and soul of ‘Days of Our Lives.’ While we grieve his loss and will miss him dearly, Bill’s unforgettable contributions will continue to live on in our hearts and the stories we share, both on and off the screen.”
Throughout his time on the show, Hayes’ character endured numerous trials, including encounters with a deranged ex-wife, exploding ovens, and serial killers. As one of the longest-running characters on the soap, he became an integral part of the series, with his portrayal earning him two Daytime Emmy nominations in 1975 and 1976. In 2018, Hayes and Seaforth-Hayes received a lifetime achievement award from the Daytime Emmy Awards.
Hayes’ career in the entertainment industry began in 1949, during the early days of network TV, where he starred in popular shows such as “Fireball Fun-for-All” and “Your Show of Shows.” He made his Broadway debut in the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical “Me and Juliet” in 1953, and went on to tour nationally in several stage productions, including “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Student Prince,” “Anything Goes,” “Camelot,” and “The Pajama Game.”
In 1956, Hayes even had a hit with his rendition of “The Ballad of Davy Crockett,” a song made famous by actor Fess Parker on the Disney-produced series. Despite being a divorced father of five, Hayes found his stride in the role of a former con artist turned nightclub singer on “Days of Our Lives.”
After a temporary departure from the show in 1984 due to diminished airtime for their characters, the couple eventually returned in 2003, surprising viewers who had presumed their characters to be deceased. Hayes continued to make occasional appearances on the show and devoted much of his time to stage performances in the 1990s. He also earned a doctorate in education from West Virginia University.
Bill Hayes leaves behind a profound impact on the world of entertainment, captivating audiences through his decades-long portrayal of Doug Williams on “Days of Our Lives.” His contributions will be fondly remembered by fans and industry peers alike.
(Note: This article does not quote any news organization and is written in AP News Style.)