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.
“What Happened?” Sharon Osbourne, 71, Shocks Fans in Latest Appearance
In a recent public appearance, Sharon Osbourne left fans stunned with a dramatic transformation that sparked widespread speculation. The television personality, known for her candid and fiery persona, stepped out looking almost unrecognizable, prompting a wave of reactions across social media.
Sharon Osbourne made a surprise appearance at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, where she delighted fans by recreating one of the most iconic auditions from her time on The X Factor. A fan at the concert asked Sharon to mimic Rachel Lester’s infamous audition, where the singer boldly declared she was “10/10” and “better than Madonna.”
Sharon, known for her sharp wit, obliged, creating a moment that quickly went viral. However, while the reenactment sparked laughter, it was Sharon’s appearance in the clip that left many fans in shock.
Social media quickly erupted with comments about Sharon’s transformed look, with many barely recognizing her. “Did she get fillers?” one fan asked, while others expressed confusion, asking, “Who is she?” and “What happened to her face?”
The reaction highlighted just how drastically Sharon’s appearance has changed, with some fans even questioning, “You’re joking that’s Sharon 😳” and “Sharon, what happened??” The discussion around her look overshadowed what might have otherwise been a lighthearted moment.
Despite the focus on her appearance, Sharon’s true fans couldn’t help but celebrate the throwback moment. “Sharon Osbourne recreating The X Factor Rachel audition at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is a fun throwback moment—what a way to mix iconic moments in music and entertainment!” one fan exclaimed, while another marveled, “Does she know how iconic this is?!”
For those who have followed Sharon’s career, this blend of nostalgia and humor was a reminder of why she remains a beloved figure in pop culture.
Fans are buzzing after Blake Lively stepped out with her co-star for the premiere of their new movie, sparking a wave of comments about how the two actresses look nearly “identical.” From their outfits to their strikingly similar features, people can’t stop pointing out one particular detail that makes them look like twins.
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