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.
Corey Comperatore Is The Man That Lost His Life At The Trump Rally. He Didn’t Deserve This
The 50-year-old was slain by the sharpshooter who made an attempt to kill Donald Trump. Corey Comperatore, a former volunteer fire chief from Pennsylvania, has been identified as the guy who was shot dead by a sniper during an attempt on US President Donald Trump’s life.
At a PA Trump event, Comperatore, 50, perished in the horrific tragedy while trying to protect his daughter.
The former president and two other individuals were hurt by gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks before he was shot and killed by police.
Dawn Comperatore Schafer, Corey’s sister, revealed the heartbreaking news on Facebook and added, “My brother, Corey Comperatore, lost his life due to the PA Trump Rally.” The post was uploaded on Sunday.”The one man we loved the most was killed by our hatred for another man.”
Corey’s wife and daughter also talked about their memories of that day. Allyson, his daughter, recalled, “He protected my body from the bullet that was aimed at us.” He was devoted to his family. Her mother called her father “a real-life superhero,” saying, “He truly loved us enough to take a real bullet for us.”
“Yesterday, what turned out to be such an exciting day for my husband especially, turned into a nightmare for our family,” said Helen, his wife, in an expression of her sorrow. It is inexcusable what my darling girls had to see. That’s what I had to do. He passed away the hero he was always.
It will never be easy for those who knew and loved Corey Comperatore to forget his bravery or his devotion to his family.
His awful death is a sobering reminder of the futility of violence and the enduring power of a father’s love.
Kindly tell your friends and family about this story, and feel free to comment with your thoughts!
Leave a Reply