Bill Hayes Dead, Days Of Our Lives Legend Passes Away At 98

Bill Hayes, a multi-talented performer, and legendary soap veteran best known for his long-time role as Doug Williams on Days of Our Lives (DOOL) passed away at the age of 98 on Friday, January 12th.

Days News: Bill Hayes’ Legacy

He was born on June 5th, 1925, in Harvey, Illinois, officially named William Foster Hayes III. Mr. Hayes served in the U.S. Navy Air Corps, and then completed his English and Music degree in 1947, attending DePauw University. His first break in showbiz was when he auditioned for a musical in Chicago.

He was a singer on the Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca variety show in the early 50s and also had a supporting role in Stop, You’re Killing Me in 1952.

In addition, he starred in the Broadway hit, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Me and Juliet, in 1953. Among his other accomplishments, he recorded a version of the Ballad of Davy Crocket in 1955 that hit the #1 spot on Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks and sold over two million copies.

DOOL News: Bill Hayes’ Days On Days

Hayes entered the role of DOOL’s Doug Williams in 1970 and played the part on and off for over five decades. As a part of the Horton family, Doug entered the land of Salem as a convict and lounge singer.

From #Days of our Lives Publicity:

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.… pic.twitter.com/rmUtcmZeaU

— ryan w (@SourceRyan) January 13, 2024

Of course, the highlight of Bill’s Days’ career was meeting his wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes, who plays Julie Williams on the show. The two not only shared a beautiful love story onscreen but offscreen as well.

In fact, Doug and Julie were considered daytime drama’s first official super couple, capturing the cover of Time magazine in January 1976; the first and only soap actors to accomplish this incredible goal.

Over his time on Days, Bill scored two Daytime Emmy nominations and was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Daytime Emmy in 2018, along with his wife, Susan.

On behalf of everyone here, we wish Bill Hayes’s family, friends, colleagues, loved ones, and fans our deepest condolences during this challenging time. Continue to check this site often for more Days of Our Lives news, updates, and spoilers.

Editorial credit: Michael Mattes / Shutterstock.com