Bill Hayes, Longtime Star of ‘Days of Our Lives,’ Dies at 98
variety.comWilliam Earl Bill Hayes, a longtime star of the NBC soap opera “Days of Our Lives,” died Friday at the age of 98. Hayes played the character of Doug Williams on the daytime serial since 1970, five years after the show’s debut.
He met his real-life wife, actress Susan Seaforth, on the series set in the fictional Illinois town of Salem. Hayes and Seaforth were married in 1974.
Two years later, their characters were married on the show. The same year, the pair also appeared on the cover of Time magazine in a cover story on the popularity of daytime soaps. “I have known Bill for most of my life and he embodied the heart and soul of ‘Days of our Lives,’ ” said executive producer Ken Corday. “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.” Hayes’ character was one of the longest-running characters on the soap, now produced by Sony Pictures TV.
As pillars of the show, the couple faced numerous trials, ranging from Doug’s deranged ex-wife, an exploding oven and numerous serial killers.
Read more on variety.com
