Renowned actor and singer Bill Hayes, best known for his iconic role as Doug Williams on NBC’s long-running soap opera “Days of Our Lives,” has sadly left us at the age of 98. Hayes, who, alongside his real-life wife Susan Seaforth Hayes, portrayed one of the most beloved couples on daytime television, passed away on Friday in Los Angeles.
A Distinguished Career Across Six Decades
Bill Hayes’ career was a remarkable journey spanning over six decades. Born on June 5, 1925, in Harvey, Illinois, Hayes served in the Navy Air Corps during World War II before graduating from DePauw University in 1947 with a degree in English and music. Initially drawn to singing, he later transitioned to acting and became a household name through various entertainment mediums.
Hayes’s legacy includes over 2,000 episodes on “Days of Our Lives” and a significant contribution to the world of music. His 1955 rendition of “The Ballad of Davy Crockett” became a No. 1 hit in America, selling over four million copies.
From Broadway to Soap Operas: A Versatile Talent
Hayes’ journey took him from Broadway, where he made his debut in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Me and Juliet” in 1953, to national tours with productions like “Bye Bye Birdie.” Despite initial reservations about joining a soap opera, Hayes embraced the role of Doug Williams in “Days of Our Lives” in 1970, becoming an integral part of the show’s history.
A Love Story On and Off Screen
Bill Hayes and Susan Seaforth Hayes not only shared the screen as Doug and Julie but also found love in real life. They married in 1974 and celebrated nearly 50 years of marriage. The couple’s on-air wedding in 1976 mirrored their real-life ceremony, creating a unique connection between their personal and professional lives.
An Enduring Impact on Daytime Television
Hayes’ portrayal of Doug Williams earned him two Daytime Emmy nominations in 1975 and 1976. The couple received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Daytime Emmys in April 2018, a testament to their enduring impact on the soap opera genre.
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Fondly remembered by fans and colleagues
Executive producer Ken Corday expressed his heartfelt condolences, stating, “I have known Bill for most of my life, and he embodied the heart and soul of Days of Our Lives. Although we are grieving and will miss him, Bill’s indelible legacy will live on in our hearts and the stories we tell, both on and off the screen.”
A Life Well-Lived, Leaving Behind a Lasting Legacy
Bill Hayes’ extraordinary life, filled with music, acting, and a love that transcended both reel and real, has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. As fans mourn the loss of a true icon, his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who cherished his work on and off the screen.