Bill Hayes, the beloved star of the long-running soap opera Days of Our Lives, has passed away at the age of 98. The US actor, known for his portrayal of Doug Williams, breathed his last surrounded by his family, as confirmed by his agent.
Born William Foster Hayes III in 1925, Hayes initially embarked on a career in music, achieving success with The Ballad of Davy Crockett. However, he later transitioned to acting and made his mark with his iconic role on NBC’s Days of Our Lives, which he first took on in 1970. His character, a convict and lounge singer, became a fixture on the show for over five decades, with his last appearance in 2023.
Notably, Hayes met his real-life partner, actress Susan Seaforth Hayes, on the set of the soap opera. Their on-screen romance blossomed into a genuine relationship, culminating in their marriage in 1974. The couple’s portrayal of love on the show garnered widespread acclaim, even landing them on the cover of Time magazine. In recognition of their contributions to the industry, both Hayes and Seaforth Hayes were honored with the Daytime Emmys Lifetime Achievement Awards in 2018.
Aside from his successful career in entertainment, Hayes was also a father to five children from a previous marriage to Mary Hobbs.
