Bill Hayes, a pivotal figure of day-time television passed away at the age of 98.
Hayes was probably best known for his portrayal of Doug Williams on Days of Our Lives since 1970, appearing in over 2,100 episodes of the show. The role of the former con artist-turned-lounge singer became one of the longest-running characters in the show’s history.
Hayes was born in Harvey, Illinois, in 1925. Before becoming an actor, he started a career of a musician and a performer, reaching a Billboard chart-topping hit with The Ballad of Davy Crockett in 1955.
In 1953, Hayes had his Broadway debut in Me and Juliet and over the course of a decade he appeared in a number of productions.
By 1970, Hayes, a divorced father of five, was hoping to land a role closer to home when he joined the cast of Days of Our Lives, a decision that would define his career and endear him to millions of viewers.
It was on set that he met the great love of his life, actress Susan Seaforth, who played Julie Williams. Their on-screen chemistry translated into real life and the two tied the knot in 1974. They stayed together until Hayes’ passing.
Speaking of the instant connection they felt when they laid eyes on each other, Seaforth once said, “I’d seen enough to know that he was special.” Others could also see their unexplained connection. “We had a scene together shortly after meeting, and the head writer saw something going on between the two of us, just two people looking at each other, and he threw out the other plot lines he had for our characters,” she added.
Hayes and Seaforth Hayes were both honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 2018 Daytime Emmys for their enduring contributions to television. The couple’s acceptance speech was heartfelt, with Bill expressing gratitude for the fans who considered them part of their own lives.
Honoring Hayes, a representative for the Peacock series told The Times in a statement, “It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Bill Hayes. One of the longest running characters on ‘Days of our Lives,’ Bill originated the role of Doug Williams in 1970 and portrayed him continuously throughout his life. He and his wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes, remained the foundation of the Williams-Horton family spanning more than 50 years.”
“I have known Bill for most of my life and he embodied the heart and soul of ‘Days of Our Lives,’” executive producer Ken Corday said in a statement. “Although we are grieving and will miss him, Bill’s indelible legacy will live on in our hearts and the stories we tell, both on and off the screen.”
In addition to his iconic role on Days of Our Lives, Bill Hayes had other notable television appearances, including roles in Matlock and Frasier. During the 1950s and 60s, he featured in TV adaptations of popular musicals such as Kiss Me, Kate and Once Upon a Mattress. He also portrayed John Brooks in the 1958 TV movie Little Women.
The cause of Hayes’ death hasn’t been disclosed with the public.
Rest in peace, legend.
76-year-old Susan Sarandon criticized for her clothing – has the perfect response for haters
Susan Sarandon is a trailblazer and celebrity who has never shied away from speaking her mind in front of and behind the camera. She has captured audiences’ attention with her talent and won hearts with her unwavering genuineness throughout the course of her decades-long career.
Sarandon’s iconic role in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and her Oscar-winning performance in “Dead Man Walking” have had a lasting impression on the film industry. Despite this, she is unique for reasons beyond only her acting prowess: she embraces self-expression fearlessly.
In a field where strict beauty and conformity standards are often the norm, Sarandon defies expectations. Sarandon recently answered detractors who branded her outfit selections “inappropriate” with a characteristic nonverbal response.
Instead of slinging insults at other people, Sarandon let his image speak for him. By sharing a photo of herself flaunting her body in only her underwear and asserting her right to define her own boundaries for what is appropriate, she effectively silenced her critics.
But Sarandon’s disobedience extends beyond the realm of fashion. She aged sensibly and gracefully at seventy-six, understanding the value of time and the pointlessness of conventional norms. How does she manage to look so youthful? a nutritious diet, regular exercise, lots of laughing, and, of course, a fantastic team of hair and makeup artists.
Beneath the glamour and attention, though, is a woman who isn’t afraid to take the route she wants to go. Sarandon surrounds herself with people who share her bravery, curiosity, and vitality and refuses to waste energy on life’s small pleasures.
Susan Sarandon is a real-life illustration of the power of tenacity and self-assurance in a culture that frequently seeks to marginalize and restrict individuals. She personifies the spirit of rebellion, and she encourages us all to embrace our true selves and carve our own paths despite the doubters.
Let’s follow Sarandon’s example by daring to be really ourselves and putting authenticity above conformity, in addition to paying tribute to her unwavering spirit. In a culture that often attempts to stifle originality, Susan Sarandon’s message is unmistakably clear: be strong, fearless, and most importantly, stay true to who you are.
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