Soaps, including Days of our Lives, have changed a lot, but one tradition shows have hung onto is bringing back favorites when writing in real-life deaths. Theresa and Vivian came back to honor the late Victor. Now, Soap Hub‘s playing armchair head writer/casting director as we put together a list of folks we hope will return to honor Doug Williams (Bill Hayes) when his passing is written into the story.
Doug Williams: Standing Room Only
DAYS isn’t the only soap to invite familiar faces back for memorials. Ryan Carnes (see his reflection on the episode here) reprised his role as Dr. Lucas Jones on General Hospital to honor his mom, Bobbie Spencer (Jacklyn Zeman). The Young and the Restless had an impressive turnout for “Katherine Chancellor’s” (Jeanne Cooper) memorial in 2009. (Few knew at the time that it was really her doppelganger Marge who passed away.) Wouldn’t it be heartwarming to see the following people return to honor Doug?
5. Maree Cheatham as Marie Horton. Cheatham is an original cast member of DAYS and the last surviving child of the late Tom and Alice Horton (Macdonald Carey and Frances Reid). She’s Julie’s aunt, as her sister is the late Addie (Patricia Barry), Julie’s mom. The last time we saw Cheatham as Marie was in 2010, when the ex-nun came home to honor her late mother, Alice (Frances Reid).
4. Gloria Loring as Liz Chandler Curtis. When Doug and Julie left Salem back in 1984, his establishment, Doug’s Place, became “Blondie’s” named after beloved Salem crooner Liz Chandler. Many folks have returned to DAYS over the years, but we haven’t seen Liz since 1986. Liz singing “Always on My Mind” to Neil (Joe Gallison) was her way of telling him that she loved him when threats from Tony (Thaao Penglis) made it impossible for her to speak the words.
3. Brandon Beemer as Shawn Douglas Brady. Soaps are all about family, so it only makes sense for Beemer to reprise Shawn. The lawman was named after his grandfather Doug, and there are still times when he’s referred to as “Shawn Douglas” or “Shawn D.” And why not have Martha Madison back as Belle, too? What better testament to Doug’s life could there be than to have these two estranged Days of our Lives lovebirds reunite?
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2. Dougie LeClair. Hope Williams Brady isn’t Doug’s only child. Longtime DAYS fans know that Doug fathered a little boy, who was born in the mid-70s via IVF (in vitro fertilization). His mother is the late Rebecca (Brooke Bundy). Dougie was adopted by Robert LeClair (Robert Clary).
There are conflicting reports as to Dougie’s fate, but DAYS could be sitting on a great opportunity to bring Doug’s son back to Salem and continue his legacy. Former child (infant?) actor John Russon played the part for around 28 episodes from 1976-77. (And if we can’t have Doug’s son, why not resurrect Julie’s son, David Banning [Gregg Marx], who “died” off camera?)
1. Kristian Alfonso as Hope Williams Brady. The memorial will not be complete without the presence of Doug’s daughter, Hope. We’re counting on some flashbacks being shared, and among them should be Doug singing to Hope the song “You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby.” Doug’s emotional rendition of the tune helped “Gina” realize she was truly Hope.
Due to DAYS’ production schedule, we’re not likely to see Doug’s on-screen memorial until we’re well into the summer months. The return of familiar faces will add gravitas and all the “feels” to what will be an emotional series of shows.
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