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.
Luke Bryan Thanks Fans for Support After Losing Voice at National Championship Game
After Luke Bryan, a musician, lost his voice while supporting the Georgia Bulldogs during the National Championship game versus the Alabama Crimson Tide on January 10, his fans came together to offer him their well wishes.
Emotions were running high as Georgia won their first championship in more than 40 years, and the game was fierce. In the midst of the excitement, Luke Bryan ended up losing his voice.
Luke Bryan’s physician has directed him to take vocal rest till further notice in order to promote a quick recovery. In typical Luke Bryan style, the “That’s My Kind of Night” singer is preparing for his next gigs at Crash My Playa in Mexico while taking this time to heal.
Luke and his spouse Caroline laughed at the circumstances and posted a lighthearted picture to social media. Caroline joked that she was driving Luke nuts by talking nonstop while he was mute when she shared a picture of herself appearing to tape Luke’s lips shut. Fans were overwhelmingly supportive of their playful banter, with many of them being able to relate to the situation.
When Chase Chrisley from the reality series “Chrisley Knows Best” got in on the prank, the good times got even better. “Send the tape to my mom, I can tell you she wants it for my dad,” he said in a lighthearted manner. It appears that many people who have gone through similar experiences in the past have found solace in Luke Bryan’s voice loss.
Even though Luke is currently unable to sing, he is still aggressively promoting his just released “Up” music video. He looks content in the video and asks his followers to offer prayers for his voice while he takes a vocal break. Supporters have shown their steadfast loyalty by posting heartfelt messages saying how excited they are to party with him at Crash My Playa in Cancun.
Luke Bryan’s voice might be muted for the time being, but his passion and commitment to his craft never waver. Let’s all hope he heals quickly so we may enjoy his incredible performances once more.
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