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.
Co-host of ‘The View’ triggers Matthew McConaughey, his reply is very unexpected
A vocal supporter of “responsible gun ownership,” Matthew McConaughey got into a heated argument with Joy Behar of The View when she questioned the actor’s anti-gun views.
During his appearance on the show, McConaughey talked about the value of his career as a father of three and promoted his children’s book Just Because. The actor was praised by co-host Sunny Hostin for being “so outspoken against violence, and gun violence in particular” after she veered off course.
You thought about running for Texas governor in 2021, but ultimately decided to put your family first. Do you believe holding public office will be in your future? Hostin enquired.
“Yes, if that’s where I think I can be most useful,” the Interstellar actor answered. “At this time, I want to be the most helpful father I can be.”
“Do you think you could get elected in Texas being anti-gun?” Behan asked again.
“One thing about me and politics, to give you a direct statement right there, is me playing a game I’m not interested in playing,” McConaughey said, pointing a finger at Behar.
“Okay, don’t do it,” Behar said, attempting to diffuse the situation by stating, “I did want to say that I’ve done a lot of research in terms of your advocacy, and I don’t think you’re pro-gun responsibility and legislation.”
At a White House meeting after the 2022 Robb Elementary School tragedy in Uvalde, Texas, where an 18-year-old former student killed 19 pupils and two teachers, McConaughey urged people to “renegotiate our wants from our needs.”
Background checks and responsible ownership are essential. The age requirement to purchase an AR-15 rifle needs to be raised to 21. A waiting time is required for such firearms. Red flag rules are necessary, and those who violate them should face repercussions; these are tactical, sensible, and realistic regulations, the speaker stated.
“Responsible gun owners are fed up with the Second Amendment being abused and hijacked by some deranged individuals,” the Oscar-winning actor continued.
The actor and his spouse, Camila Alves, started the Greenlights Grant Initiative in the wake of the horrific event with the intention of “ensuring the well-being of our children and creating safer school environments.”
Along with McConaughey, Alves is the parent of three children: Levi, 15, Vida, 13, and Livingston, 10.
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