Bill Hayes, a pivotal figure of day-time television passed away at the age of 98.
Hayes was probably best known for his portrayal of Doug Williams on Days of Our Lives since 1970, appearing in over 2,100 episodes of the show. The role of the former con artist-turned-lounge singer became one of the longest-running characters in the show’s history.
Hayes was born in Harvey, Illinois, in 1925. Before becoming an actor, he started a career of a musician and a performer, reaching a Billboard chart-topping hit with The Ballad of Davy Crockett in 1955.
In 1953, Hayes had his Broadway debut in Me and Juliet and over the course of a decade he appeared in a number of productions.
By 1970, Hayes, a divorced father of five, was hoping to land a role closer to home when he joined the cast of Days of Our Lives, a decision that would define his career and endear him to millions of viewers.
It was on set that he met the great love of his life, actress Susan Seaforth, who played Julie Williams. Their on-screen chemistry translated into real life and the two tied the knot in 1974. They stayed together until Hayes’ passing.
Speaking of the instant connection they felt when they laid eyes on each other, Seaforth once said, “I’d seen enough to know that he was special.” Others could also see their unexplained connection. “We had a scene together shortly after meeting, and the head writer saw something going on between the two of us, just two people looking at each other, and he threw out the other plot lines he had for our characters,” she added.
Hayes and Seaforth Hayes were both honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 2018 Daytime Emmys for their enduring contributions to television. The couple’s acceptance speech was heartfelt, with Bill expressing gratitude for the fans who considered them part of their own lives.
Honoring Hayes, a representative for the Peacock series told The Times in a statement, “It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Bill Hayes. One of the longest running characters on ‘Days of our Lives,’ Bill originated the role of Doug Williams in 1970 and portrayed him continuously throughout his life. He and his wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes, remained the foundation of the Williams-Horton family spanning more than 50 years.”
“I have known Bill for most of my life and he embodied the heart and soul of ‘Days of Our Lives,’” executive producer Ken Corday said in a statement. “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.”
In addition to his iconic role on Days of Our Lives, Bill Hayes had other notable television appearances, including roles in Matlock and Frasier. During the 1950s and 60s, he featured in TV adaptations of popular musicals such as Kiss Me, Kate and Once Upon a Mattress. He also portrayed John Brooks in the 1958 TV movie Little Women.
The cause of Hayes’ death hasn’t been disclosed with the public.
Rest in peace, legend.
JUSTIN AND HAILEY BIEBER’S BABY NAME FINALLY REVEALED – THE HEARTWARMING REASON WILL SURPRISE YOU!
When Justin and Hailey Bieber announced they were expecting a baby, fans were thrilled. The couple, who have been married for almost six years, are now parents to a baby boy.
They have now revealed the baby’s name, which shows they are continuing a sweet family tradition.
Justin and Hailey shared the news of their baby boy’s arrival on social media. The couple got married in September 2018. In May of this year, they announced they were expecting their first child together.
After announcing the pregnancy, Hailey kept her fans updated and shared how her pregnancy was going.
The couple announced their baby’s name on social media with a caption that said, “WELCOME HOME JACK BLUES BIEBER .” The proud dad, Justin, was excited to share the news of his son’s arrival and his name with everyone.
By revealing the name, Justin showed that they are keeping a family tradition. The baby’s initials, ‘JB,’ are the same as his dad’s and grandfather’s.
It’s well-known that Justin Bieber has the initials ‘JB,’ and his dad does too, since his name is Jeremy Bieber. Justin’s younger siblings also share the same initials, with his sister named Jazmyn Bieber and his brother named Jaxon Bieber.
Interestingly, Justin’s dad, Jeremy, also has the middle name Jack.
Although the couple hasn’t shared a picture of their baby’s face yet, they did post a picture showing the baby’s foot. In the picture, you can also see Hailey’s hand and a fuzzy blanket next to the baby’s foot.
Many of the couple’s celebrity friends were excited to see them become parents. Khloé Kardashian commented, “Jack Blues!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!! I love this tiny foot so so much.”
Hailey’s close friend, Kylie Jenner, also wrote, “I can’t handle this little foot, JACK BLUES.”
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