Actor Bill Hayes, who portrayed Doug Williams on Days of Our Lives, has passed away at the age of 98. The beloved daytime TV star played the role for over five decades.
The daytime TV actor Bill Hayes played the character of Doug Williams on and off for more than five decades.
In 1970, he initially took on the role of Doug Williams and crossed paths with his future wife, actress Susan Seaforth Hayes, during the filming of the series.
His 98th birthday was commemorated last June on the American daytime soap set, where he was embraced by fellow cast members.
On Friday, surrounded by his family, Bill Hayes passed away, as confirmed by his agent to the BBC. The specific cause of his death has not been disclosed.
Born as William Foster Hayes III in Harvey, Illinois, in 1925, Hayes kick-started his career as a musician and achieved success with the hit song, “The Ballad of Davy Crockett.”
Shifting his focus to acting, he secured his most significant role on NBC’s Days of Our Lives in February 1970, portraying a convict with a side gig as a lounge singer. Over the subsequent 50 years, he intermittently took on the role of Doug Williams until 2023.
His co-star, Seaforth Hayes, preceded him by two years on the daytime soap, embodying the character of Julie Williams. Their on-screen partnership evolved into a real-life romance, leading to their marriage in 1974. The couple exchanged vows once more on television, reflecting the enduring popularity of their on-screen relationship, even earning them a cover feature on Time magazine that year.
In 2018, both actors were honored with the Daytime Emmys Lifetime Achievement Awards. Prior to his marriage to Seaforth Hayes, he had five children from a previous union with Mary Hobbs.
Bill Hayes, known for his iconic role as Doug Williams, will always hold a special place in the hearts of soap opera fans. His charismatic presence and compelling performances captivated audiences for decades, leaving an indelible mark on the world of daytime television. Whether you’ve been a fan since the early days of the show or are just discovering his work, it’s impossible to deny the impact Hayes had on the genre.
His talent and dedication to his craft serve as an inspiration to aspiring actors everywhere. So, here’s to Bill Hayes, a true icon who will forever be remembered for his contributions to the timeless art of storytelling. Rest in peace, and thank you for the memories.
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