Bill Hayes Passes at 98. (Read 812 times)

[André DiMera]

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Bill Hayes, the legend that played the equally legendary Doug Williams, has passed away at the age of 98.

www.soapoperadigest.com/content/days-of-our-lives-legend-bill-hayes-dies-at-98/

This one hurts. I always loved whenever Doug was on. Bill Hayes was a phenomenal actor, and always seemed to give his all. He shall be truly missed!

[doolfan4life]

Oh my
I guess this was to be expected soon
May he rest in peace
Another legendary character to pass
I hope the show sends him a proper farewell

[Kpatch]

I saw this overnight. Sad. He had an incredible life. He and Susan almost made it 50 years of marriage. My sympathies to Susan and his children. He will be missed.

[sevenna92]

Oh God I was sobbing so hard when I learned the news last night. I knew it was a long time coming considering his age but I didn't think it was going to be this soon. I feel so bad for Susan right now. She's spent the large majority of her adult life with him and I'm worried about how his passing is going to ultimately affect her. I hope that she has a good support system to deal with the heartache in the months and perhaps years ahead.

[mikey]

We all knew this was coming, but it's still such tough news to take. What a long, incredible career, and how lucky we've been to have him (and his relationship with Susan) on our screens for so many decades. He will be missed.

[ProudTVJunkie]

As someone who has watched this show my entire life, I have very early memories of Billy Hayes singing and dancing in Salem (with his good friend, Rober). He always came across as both kind and talented.

And I'll never forget how much fun he looked like he was having when he took on the persona of the devil at age 96! He really did seem like someone who knew how to enjoy life. He will be missed.

[wendylou]

At 98 he lived a long life but he also really seemed to have a NICE long life - long, happy marriage, good career and just a joyful person from everything I saw. I will definitely miss him on the show. He and his wife were two bright lights on Days.
Sending love to his wife and family.

[kathyj]

One thing that I always admired about Bill Hayes was his devotion to family. His first wife left him with 5 children to raise. His soap career began when it provided a more regular schedule than his stage career did.

[fluffysmom]

All the comments I've read mention his kindness. Thank you Bill Hayes for sharing your talents and genuineness with all of your fans and costars for many years. You will be missed.

My heart goes out to Susan Seaforth Hayes. Losing your spouse is earth shattering.

[horizon]

Sorry to hear the news. Sharp fellow even at his advanced age.

Not sure how the show will handle it since in real life "Julie" is married to him. Difficult predicament to say the least.

I believe the show has to show some sensitivity here. For instance, if the actress doesn't want to grieve on screen, they should leave it all up to her.

[ProudTVJunkie]

Actor Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) had this to say about Bill Hayes...

One of my first professional acting jobs was on Days of Our Lives. It was 1980 and I won
a 3 day gig on the show. My first day was a disaster. I failed to fully extend the stem on
my alarm clock and missed my call time.…Panicked, I raced to NBC and arrived over two
hours late... was embarrassed, and failed in my first attempt at making a positive impression.
I missed the rehearsal of my two scenes, and the irritated stage manager arranged for
an assistant to give me a quick review of the blocking, then I was on my own. Trying not
to fall into a shame spiral, I was alone in my tiny dressing room when there was a knock
on the door. I opened it to see Bill Hayes - the star of the show. For a moment I thought
he was coming to fire me personally! Instead, he said some comforting words, commiserating
with my situation, and asked if I wanted to know the backstory to the character and the
scene. I was shocked. He spent 20 minutes helping a stranger to feel a little less humiliated
He really cheered me up. I will never forget his kindness and patience. From that moment,
I think of Bill whenever I see an actor in need. Bill Hayes was a Prince, and a damn fine
actor. Rest now, Bill, and thank you.
• Bryan Cranston

[sevenna92]

Oh yeah, I saw that, ProudTVJunkie! That's a pretty great story and it basically shows what kind of person Bill really was. He seems to be a very well loved guy by his friends and family.

[heroicmuse]

I'm heartbroken, and I only knew him through the TV, so I can only imagine how his family and friends feel. My heart goes out to them.

[soaps4ever]

He was a class act for sure. That was wonderful what he did for Bryan Cranston, making him feel welcome and appreciated. I'm sure all his co-stars loved him.

[mae00]

I have been dreading this for quite some time now just based on the scenes we got to see him. But no matter how much I knew it was coming, it still hurts.

RIP Bill Hayes. Thank you for all of the years of sharing your incredible talent with us. Prayers are with Susan and the rest of the family.