Susan Seaforth Hayes Looks Back On 50 Years of Julie And Days of Our Lives

Susan Seaforth Hayes made her Days of Our Lives debut on December 11, 1968, so the show presented a special episode to honor this amazing milestone.

On Tuesday’s air show, Julie recalled that pivotal call she made to her grandparents, deciding to return to Salem after spending time in San Francisco.

Her story was brought full circle when Julie retold that story at home to the family members who were gathered there to put up the tree.

In between, Julie schemed with Abby over the phone about their plan to get Gabi and then she was there for an upset Chloe (Nadia Bjorlin), who had just been dumped by Lucas (Bryan Dattilo). All of this shows how vital Julie remains in Salem, as does Seaforth Hayes.

It’s been an amazing half-century for both the character and the actress, with life-changing milestones along the way.

She met and married the love of her life — who just happened to be her co-star. Plus, she earned five Emmy nominations and a lifetime achievement Emmy in 2018. She also graced the cover of Time magazine in the 1970s.

Her character has also been through a ton — she lost a child in infancy, gave up another for adoption only to get the chance to eventually raise him, was raped and accused of killing her rapist, and so much more. So getting her own episode celebrating all these years was quite an honor.

The actress spoke with TV Insider about what that honor means to her.

“I couldn’t believe it. I’m very grateful. Days of Our Lives has given me a wonderful marriage, my mother [the late Elizabeth Harrower] another career as a soap opera writer, and the opportunity for me to do some acting, some of which I’m very proud of.

“DAYS has given me friends all over the world and a continued enthusiasm for life. I look forward to the show going on and on and getting to be a part of it.”

At the end of the special episode, the show aired a montage honoring the actress through the years. You can see it below.

Days of our Lives (DOOL) airs weekdays on NBC. Check your local listings for airtimes.