Legend: In its last episode, Days of Our Lives pays a touching tribute to the late Bill Hayes. Fans say, “It’s the end of an era.”

THURSDAY’S episode of the famous soap opera show was the last time a longtime cast member was seen.

Six months after he died, Bill Hayes, 98, made his last TV appearance in an emotional scene with his on-and-off-screen wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes.

Day of Our Lives fans have been watching Bill since 1970, when his character, Doug Williams, was first introduced as a prisoner who also sang in a lounge.

Two nominations for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series came his way in 1975 and 1976.

Before 1984, Bill played a regular part on the show. After that, he had recurring roles in 1986 and 1987, 1993, 1994, and 1996.

In 1999, he came back to the show full-time, but Dr. Marlena Evans, played by Deidre Hall, “killed him off” in 2004.

Bill came back to the show after his fake death, and longtime fans were thrilled to see his character, Doug, living happily on a tropical island.

LEGEND LOST. The most beloved actor was found dead in his California home
Legend: In its last episode, Days of Our Lives pays a touching tribute to the late Bill Hayes. Fans say, “It’s the end of an era.”

THURSDAY’S episode of the famous soap opera show was the last time a longtime cast member was seen.

Six months after he died, Bill Hayes, 98, made his last TV appearance in an emotional scene with his on-and-off-screen wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes.

Day of Our Lives fans have been watching Bill since 1970, when his character, Doug Williams, was first introduced as a prisoner who also sang in a lounge.

Two nominations for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series came his way in 1975 and 1976.

Before 1984, Bill played a regular part on the show. After that, he had recurring roles in 1986 and 1987, 1993, 1994, and 1996.

In 1999, he came back to the show full-time, but Dr. Marlena Evans, played by Deidre Hall, “killed him off” in 2004.

Bill came back to the show after his fake death, and longtime fans were thrilled to see his character, Doug, living happily on a tropical island.

Bill, who lived an extraordinary life until the age of 98,
shared a poignant moment with his on-screen and off-screen wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes.
This scene was a bittersweet reminder of the profound impact he had on our screens for over 50 years.
Bill Hayes, a treasured performer, passed away at his California home.
His iconic journey in the soap opera world began when he first appeared as Doug Williams on Days of Our Lives in 1970.
He quickly captured the hearts of fans nationwide, leaving an indelible mark on the show’s history.
From earning two Daytime Emmy Award nominations to portraying a prisoner with hidden musical talent, Bill’s presence was unforgettable.
Though his regular tenure on the show ended in 1984,
he made several memorable returns, much to the delight of his devoted viewers.