Bill Hayes and Susan Seaforth Hayes were already legends on Days of our Lives when Deidre Hall joined the show’s cast in 1976. Her character Marlena and Bill and Susan’s personas Doug and Julie didn’t have lots of storylines together. Off-screen, however, the three were dear friends. Now, Hall is sharing her memories and thoughts on the late Bill Hayes.
Deidre Hall: Thoughtful Insights
“When I say Bill & Susan Hayes, I think of the phrase with no separation between the words. If written, it would appear as Billandsusanhayes,” Hall began her Instagram post. “I had the opportunity to see them up close and unguarded due to our professional and personal relationship. During any significant moment or event, it was each other’s eyes they sought out to share the experience. It could not be fully enjoyed until it was shared.
“Their deep and abiding faith made them pillars in their church community,” Hall continued. “Bill and Susan’s belief included action, not just providing emotional and substantive support. After 50 years of lending his voice to the Chancel Choir, [Bill] was honored by the church with the retirement of his choir robe and a permanent plaque that reads: ‘The Bill Hayes Chancel Choir Loft.’
“Whether sharing tales of their large family, their extensive travels, or plays made by their oft-disappointing Dodgers, they built on each other’s stories until a rich and entertaining visual was achieved,” Hall added.
“Many will speak of Bill’s unparalleled voice, not just the quality but the emotion contained within. When being greeted by Bill, you could hear the smile contained in your name. ‘Billy, Dee’s here.’ ‘Deeeiiidddrrreeee!!’ I’m not describing it well, but anyone who knows him will be grinning at the memory.
“Regardless of where our last conversation ended, Bill would pick up the next with: ‘Say, how did your monologue work?’ ‘Did you try that curry restaurant?’ And, always: ‘How’s your SISTER [Andrea]?!?”
Hall shares that she had meaningful conversations with her co-star and friend. “Many years ago, clearly having no idea personally, I asked Bill, ‘What makes a marriage work?'” the actress recalls. “He gave it much thought before saying, ‘In all the years I have known Susan, she has never given me an insincere kiss.’ It was not a casual response. I understood it to mean the constancy of sincere devotion. Upon reflection, it is the glue that held them together. It is the deep and demonstrable love and affection for each other and the life they had created.
“Yes, they taught us how to love, and it was truly a Master Class,” Hall concludes. “Bill Hayes was the most loving and generous man I have ever known. Anyone lucky enough to have spent time with this gentle man, would surely agree they were ‘changed for good.'”
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