Days of our Lives Stars Honor the Late, Great Bill Hayes

Bill Hayes passed away on Friday, January 12 at the age of 98. Now, his co-stars and friends from Days of our Lives and other members of the show business community are sharing their thoughts and memories of the beloved actor, who played Bill Hayes starting in 1970. (Soap Hub will continue to add to this story as more people continue to relay their love for Hayes.)

Bill Hayes: A Man Deeply Loved

“You will forever be in my [heart] Billy,” shared Kristian Alfonso, who was cast as Hope, Doug’s daughter in 1983. “Thank u for welcoming me, the girl from Boston with warm open arms on my 1st day & all of the days that followed, for the love & support u always gave me. How completely blessed I was 2 work with u 2 know u 2 learn from u. You were a true Icon. Love you❤️.”

See our photo tribute to Bill Hayes here.

Peter Reckell’s Bo did nothing but spar with Hope’s TV dad in the couple’s early years. But off-screen, there was nothing but love between Reckell and Hayes. “Bo and Hope followed in the Footsteps of Doug and Julie,” Reckell shared. “Bill was a mentor, a friend, and I’m so thankful to have been lucky enough to have him in my life. His boundless, loving, heart was always open to everyone.”

Bryan Cranston appeared on DAYS before landing the contract role of Douglas on Loving in 1983. He shared the following in a Deadline story’s comments section on Hayes’s passing: “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…I 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,” Cranston continued. “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.”

Bill Hayes and his wife Susan Seaforth Hayes are the only couple from soap operas to be featured on the cover of Time magazine. Ironically, that cover premiered in the year 1976 dated the same day (January 12) that Hayes passed away in this year as noted by X (formerly Twitter) user ThePhixFiles.

Kassie DePaiva, who recurs as Eve on DAYS, has posted twice on X, formerly known as Twitter, about Hayes. “My heart is saddened this morning to read of this amazing man’s passing,” the actress shared. “Bill is one of the kindest and sweetest people I have ever met. My thoughts of comfort are with Susan and all the Days fans that have lost a friend. RIP dear man.” In a follow-up post, she shared a photo of herself with the Hayeses that was taken at one of the many Day of DAYS annual fan gatherings. “He will be missed. What a life…what a legacy…what a legend.”

Colleen Zenk (Aunt Jordan, The Young and the Restless) shared both a friendship and a love of musical theater with Bill and Susan Hayes. The actress posted on Facebook: “I am heartsick. I heard last night that my dear friend, Bill Hayes is gone. Bill lived a full, full life of 98 years. He and his beautiful bride, Susan Seaforth Hayes, were a force unto themselves. Unbelievable talent, love, and wisdom. And they shared it. I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to his huge family of children, and all of their children. What a gift he was to all who knew him…both personally and through his immense talent that he shared with all of us….I love you, Bill Hayes…The angels are awaiting their favorite song-and-dance man…(I’m putting our Sondheim’s ‘FOLLIES’ DVD on right now, ‘Buddy’).”

Carson Boatman, who is part of the younger set playing Johnny, shared his thoughts on the huge loss, posting to his official X account. “Daytime Television and the entertainment industry as a whole have lost a legend. What a long list of accomplishments this man had. He was a ‘triple threat’, a class act, a family man, and so much more. RIP, Bill. You will be missed and remembered warmly.”

Several years ago, Doug and Julie wanted to open a new restaurant that Chloe (Nadia Bjorlin) also wanted and she squared off against them, mostly Julie. Bjorlin remembered her former co-star fondly. “Bill, you were an incredible talent & true gentleman. I am honored to have known you & worked with you. You were loved by so many, & my heart goes out to your amazing wife Susan & the entire Hayes family. Heaven is a little bit brighter now. ❤️❤️❤️ #RIPBillHayes”

Mary Beth Evans (Kayla) took to Instagram to share her thoughts on her longtime co-star. “To the sweetest, happiest man around, who always came to set singing a song. Bill and Susan’s real life love story was an inspiration to all of us … they adored each other. I love you, Bill. You will certainly live on in our hearts. ❤️

While a relatively new addition to Salem, Jackée Harry (Paulina) certainly understood Hayes’s impact — and enjoyed sharing a scene with Doug when he was possessed by the Devil. “It was such an honor to work with Bill Hayes. He was a gentleman through and through. That’s why I’ll never forget filming this scene on Days with him – the way we laughed and laughed!! Doug may have had a little of the devil in him, but Bill is in Heaven greeting everyone he meets with a smile and warm hello. We’ll miss you, friend. ♥️”

DAYS head writer, Ron Carlivati, also shared his thoughts writing for the amazing performer. “It has been an honor and a privilege, and one of the great joys of my life, to write for Mr. Bill Hayes, who played ex-con turned song-and-dance man Doug Williams on Days of our Lives for over 50 years, and passed away yesterday at the age of 98. Bill was a kind and generous person and a talented actor, who at 97 agreed to wear glowing contact lenses so the Devil could come back to Salem after 25 years and possess Marlena Evans. Sending love and condolences to all his friends and family, especially his wife and screen partner Susan. RIP to a legend.”

“To my dear friends Bill & Susan Hayes. To Susan with love for her great loss & to our Bill who transitioned yesterday, may your new journey be as beautiful as your last,” Thaao Penghlis (Tony; ex-Andre) posted. “How well you sang. Travel well dear man but remember to keep an empty chair for when we meet again. Xx.”

Nearly 20 years ago, Bill and Susan Hayes acted in a beautiful scene in which Doug appeared as a spirit to Julie after everyone believed that he’d been killed by the Salem Serial Killer (who turned out NOT to be Marlena [Deidre Hall]). The X, formerly known as Twitter, account DaysThrowback posted the emotional moment.