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.
YOU WON’T BELIEVE WHAT BRIGITTE BARDOT’S 63-YEAR-OLD SON LOOKS LIKE TODAY
Brigitte Bardot is a well-known French actress, and Nicolas-Jacques Bardot is her only son. He was born in 1960. Initially, Brigitte wasn’t sure if she wanted to have a child, but her love for Jacques Charrier, the actor she was with, led her to keep the baby and marry him.
Brigitte Bardot didn’t want the public or paparazzi to see her while she was pregnant, so she stayed at home and even gave birth there. She was nervous about holding her newborn son and wasn’t sure about being a mother. All she wanted was to get back to her acting career as soon as possible.
After their baby was born, Brigitte Bardot and Jacques Charrier set up a photoshoot to show journalists that they had a happy family life. The actress managed to look loving and happy in the pictures. These photos were then sold to a major publication for a good price.
Brigitte Bardot and Jacques Charrier soon divorced, and their son, Nicolas-Jacques, stayed with his father. Jacques wanted to raise Nicolas-Jacques himself, and Bardot agreed to this arrangement.
Nicolas-Jacques studied economics at a well-known university in Paris. He also had a passion for music and enjoyed making his own tunes. At 22, he approached the famous designer Pierre Cardin to explore a career in modeling.
While working in the fashion industry, Nicolas-Jacques met Anna-Lin, and they got married in Oslo. They have two daughters together. Initially, Brigitte Bardot was hesitant to accept her granddaughters, but eventually, she grew closer to them.
Today, Nicolas-Jacques works in computer programming and technology. He remains deeply in love with his wife, and together they are happily raising their grandchildren.
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