Bill Hayes, who played the charming con man Doug Williams on the long-running soap opera “Days of Our Lives” alongside his real-life wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes, passed away on Friday (January 12) in Los Angeles at the age of 98.
His rep confirmed the tragic news to TMZ, although a cause of death was not disclosed.
Hayes joined the cast of “Days of Our Lives” in 1970, playing the role of Doug Williams, and quickly became a fan favorite. His on-screen chemistry with Seaforth was undeniable, and their romance mirrored their blossoming relationship off-screen.
They married four years later on October 12, 1974, and their love story transcended the script, with “Doug and Julie” tying the knot on the show a remarkable three times, the first of which featured their actual wedding vows!
In 1976, they became the only daytime drama stars to be featured on the cover of Time magazine for an article titled, “Soap Operas: Sex and Suffering in the Afternoon.”
However, creative differences with producers in 1984 resulted in a scaled-back presence for the beloved couple. Despite the shift, both Hayes and Seaforth remained fixtures on “Days of Our Lives” even after its move to the Peacock streaming platform in 2022.
Before captivating audiences in Salem, Hayes was a successful singer. The veteran actor wrote the 1955 song “The Ballad of Davy Crocket,” which rocketed to Number 1 on the U.S. charts.
He was also a regular personality on Sid Caesar‘s iconic TV variety series, “Your Show of Shows.”
Bill Hayes lived a life rich in creativity, love, and laughter. Condolences to his family and friends.
