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.
Rod Stewart’s wife Penny Lancaster blasted online at 53, fans say tiny bikini unflattering
Penny Lancaster, the spouse of Rod Stewart, has been subjected to a barrage of criticism following her discovery aboard a yacht off the coast of Sardinia, Italy, sporting an incredibly little bikini.
The stunning blonde appears to be “sagging” and “drooping” in the swimsuit, according to some fans, while others argue that the 53-year-old model isn’t particularly amazing and that there’s “no need for name calling.”
Discover why fans are enamored with Lancaster’s beachy appearance by reading on!
Rod Stewart took some of his huge clan to Sardinia, Italy, to spend much-needed family time with his wife Penny Lancaster, despite his hectic tour schedule.
Lancaster, who wed the celebrity in 2007, posts on Instagram, “Another amazing family holiday together (a few were sadly missed) in the [Mediterranean] bonding, healing, love and laughter.” A picture of the 79-year-old “Maggie May” singer with her daughters, Kimberly, 44, and Ruby, 37, and sons, Aiden, 13, and Alastair, 18, is attached to the post.
There were also his two sons-in-law, Adam Sumner and Jake Alick, and his grandson, Otis, who is little over a year old.
In a July 2024 interview, Lancaster says to Hello!, “We like to take every opportunity to bring the family, children, and grandchildren together.” “The whole clan gets together at least twice or three times a year, but it takes a lot of planning because part of the family lives in America and part in England.”
“Incorrect bikini top”
The patriarch and his spouse were seen enjoying the sun on a $65 million super yacht in Porto Cervo, an Italian seaside town in northern Sardinia, Italy, prior to taking off again for his residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Stewart, the singer of “Tonight’s the Night,” is seen wearing a lemon-colored button-down short-sleeved shirt and shielded his face from the blazing sun with a towel.
When the singer “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” first met Lancaster in 1999, the model Rachel Hunter was still his wife, and Lancaster wasn’t afraid to flaunt her stunning 53-year-old figure.
The devoted wife was spotted lounging on the deck of the opulent yacht or playing in the pristine blue waters while sporting a little black bikini with a ponytail.
Some followers commented on Lancaster’s appearance on social media, saying the mother of two should reconsider her clothing selections.
“After noticing the drooping, sagging, and wrinkled mammary sack barley that was being restrained by being stretched to its highest limit…It would be more along the lines of Ewwwwww,” a critic tweets.
“Incorrect bikini top,” says a second. A third observes, “For a woman who was famous for wearing clothes for a living, she is sorely letting the side down,” in reference to Lancaster’s modeling career. She should understand that “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should” in addition to the fact that she needs a stylist before stepping out in public.
One person defends her while acknowledging the critiques, writing, “The swimsuit is not flattering.” Put an end to the criticism; she is in her 50s. She is not amazing, but there’s no need to call her names.
Another person snipes, “Leave her alone, they are on vacation on their yacht not a public beach.”
Style icon
The musician, who was born in London, teased his return to Caesars Palace on July 12 by posting a picture of himself seated on the yacht and dressed in a short suit with black and white stripes.
In his letter, he states, “I’m all decked up for the holidays and excited to visit Caesars Palace in Las Vegas from July 24 to August 7.”
The ensemble is a modern take on the one he donned in 1973, one of many “anything but subtle” ensembles that made him a “fashion icon” according to Vogue.
How do you feel about Lancaster’s swimsuit selection? Please let us know what you think!
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