Bill Hayes, a beloved and iconic figure on the long-running soap opera Days of Our Lives, has passed away at the age of 98, according to People.
Hayes, born William Foster Hayes III, played the role of Doug Williams on Days of Our Lives since 1970, making him one of the show's longest-running characters.
His portrayal of Doug Williams was a cornerstone of the Williams-Horton family for over five decades.
A representative for the series shared the news, stating, "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."
Days of Our Lives' executive producer, Ken Corday, remembered Hayes as a central figure in the show's history.
Corday said, "I have known Bill for most of my life and he embodied the heart and soul of Days of our Lives. 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."
Hayes celebrated his 98th birthday last summer while on the set of the show. His fellow cast members marked the special occasion with a personalized cake featuring a photo of the actor in his younger years, and "Happy Birthday Bill" was written on the bottom.
His wife, Susan Seaforth-Hayes, who is 80 years old, joined him for this momentous celebration.
During the birthday tribute, Susan shared that Hayes was the first person to ever sing on daytime television, a significant achievement in the history of television. As she spoke about this historic first, the cast and crew gathered to sing "Happy Birthday" to him.
A video of this heartfelt tribute was posted on the couple's joint Instagram account, expressing gratitude to the cast and crew for celebrating Hayes' 98th birthday on set.
In 2018, Hayes received the Daytime Emmy's Lifetime Achievement Award for his remarkable portrayal of Doug Williams on Days of Our Lives.
The soap also played a significant role in his personal life, as he and Susan met on the set of the show, sharing an on-screen kiss in July 1970. They eventually became a real-life couple and were married in October 1974. To commemorate their love, the couple had a second wedding when their television characters also exchanged vows on October 1, 1976.
Hayes is survived by his son, William Foster Hayes IV. His legacy as a beloved actor and his enduring contributions to Days of Our Lives will continue to be cherished by fans and colleagues alike.
