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.
Paparazzi photos show what Goldie Hawn, 77, really looks like – and everyone’s saying the same thing
Goldie Hawn is a name almost anyone will recognize. The actress has been a mainstay in the American media for decades because of her immensely successful career.
Behind the scenes, Hawn and her actor boyfriend Kurt Russell have been together for four decades (they celebrated their 40th anniversary on Valentine’s Day this year), and they’ve remained just as committed to one another as they were back in the very beginning.
Given the various allures and distractions life in the spotlight can bring, it’s a wonder that neither ever seems to have put a foot wrong.
What makes Kurt and Goldie’s relationship so very special – and, we might add, so real in the eyes of the public – is their steadfast dedication to each other. They don’t wield their romance as a tool to heighten their celebrity presence, nor have they ever been embroiled in scandals or publicity stunts to hijack the locomotive PR train.
Instead, theirs is a partnership that appears to be a throw-back to a by-gone era, an inspiring and very agreeable union that reminds us all what true love is really about.
As well as sharing adoration for one another, they also defend each other when scrutinized by the media. In fact, Russell defended Hawn when she was recently called cruel names by internet trolls, and when some pretty unflattering paparazzi photos of her emerged online.
One photo in particular shows her in Aspen, Colorado, rocking ugg boots, quilted pants, and a black turtleneck. At 77, she looks fantastic, but most people couldn’t help but comment on how old she now looks – cruelly saying she’s “gone too far” and no longer looks like herself.
Hawn has fought against agism in Hollywood by simply ignoring the comments, embracing getting older and not letting the teasing faze her. Russell is also incredibly supportive of his partner, with Hawn telling People magazine that Russell told her before a dinner date: “You’re unbelievable. I cannot believe how [beautiful] you look.”
After 40 years, the couple is still as in love as they were at the start, and their love story just goes to show the power of love. Despite facing harsh public opinions about their appearances, the couple doesn’t let this affect them.
Hawn especially continues to exude grace and confidence as she embraces the natural process of aging.
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