A Heartfelt Tribute to the Most Beloved Actor

The iconic soap opera Days of Our Lives honored the late Bill Hayes in its latest episode, marking a heartfelt farewell to a beloved cast member. Fans described the moment as “the end of an era.”

Thursday’s episode featured Hayes’ final appearance on the show, six months after his passing at the age of 98. The emotional scene included his real-life and on-screen wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes.

Hayes first joined the show in 1970 as Doug Williams, a lounge singer with a mysterious past as a prisoner. His character quickly became a fan favorite.

He earned two Daytime Emmy nominations in 1975 and 1976 for his outstanding performances, cementing his legacy as a soap opera legend.

Hayes was a regular on Days of Our Lives until 1984, then returned for guest roles in the late 1980s and mid-1990s, continuing to appear periodically.

In 1999, he rejoined the show full-time. In 2004, his character was dramatically “killed off” by Dr. Marlena Evans, played by Deidre Hall.

However, fans were overjoyed when Doug reappeared, alive and well, on a tropical island — a fitting twist in true soap opera fashion. Bill Hayes’ enduring presence left a lasting impression on viewers for over five decades.