American soap opera audiences woke to the sad news of Days of Our Lives actor Bill Hayes’ death on January 12, 2024, at age 98. The actor was born William Foster Hayes III in Harvey, Illinois, on June 5, 1925. Hayes was one of the most prominent faces on Days of Our Lives, having been on the show for five decades. Bill Hayes made his first appearance on Days of Our Lives on February 9, 1970.
Bill Hayes was known for and was the originator of the Doug Williams character on Days of Our Lives. With his last appearance on the serial in July 2024, Hayes appeared in 2,143 Days of Our Lives episodes. His death was a great loss to the show, colleagues, and fans. Here’s how Days of Our Lives Bill Hayes’ death was mourned by his co-stars.
Susan Seaforth Hayes Mourns Bill Hayes
Although first married to Mary Hobbs, who bore all his five children, Hayes later divorced and married his Days of Our Lives co-star Susan Seaforth Hayes in 1974. With the success and popularity of the serial, their marriage drew much attention in North America. Bill Hayes and Susan Seaforth Hayes remained as a couple until his death on January 12, 2024.
Six days after his death, Susan Seaforth Hayes shared a message on their joint Instagram page to thank fans for their love and kind wishes. In the post, she wrote, “To all of you who honored my Billy with a word of remembrance, a sense of personal loss or even a tear — I thank you. You touched my heart by seeing in him the goodness and joy I experienced every moment of our wonderful marriage. May we all embrace life with the gusto of Bill Hayes — and enrich it with grace and love.”
Executive Producer Ken Corday Pays Tribute
Executive producer of Days of Our Lives Ken Corday also had kind words for Bill Hayes. Ken Corday is the son of Ted Corday and Betty Corday, the creators of the NBC Days of Our Lives. Ken Corday has been the executive producer of the soap opera since May 12, 1986. In his talk with The Wrap about Bill Hayes, Ken Corday said, “I have known Bill for most of my life, and he embodied the heart and soul of [Days of Our Lives]. We’ve truly lost a rare gem. May he rest in peace. My prayers go out to Susan.” Corday told Variety, “Bill was a really good role model for all of us, a wonderful, kind and giving man – right to the end. He never changed. He always gave everything he had.”
Kristian Alfonso Mourns Bill Hayes
Former figure skater, fashion model, and actress Kristian Alfonso also joined the Days of Our Lives cast members who mourned Bill Hayes. Alfonso is known for her playing the character of Hope Williams Brady on the NBC soap opera. Being the fifth actress to portray the character, Kristian Alfonso shared an on-screen bond with Bill Hayes, portraying his daughter.
A day after Bill Hayes’ death, Kristian Alfonso shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram: “You will forever be in my heart, Billy. Thank you for welcoming me, the girl from Boston with warm open arms on my first day and all of the days that followed, for the love and support you always gave me. How completely blessed I was to work with you, to know you, to learn from you. You were a true icon. My heart is broken. Love you.”
James Reynolds Mourns Bill Hayes
Bill Hayes’ Days of Our Lives co-star James Reynolds was also among the celebrities who penned a heartfelt message for Hayes. In Days of Our Lives, James Reynolds is known for portraying Abe Carver, a character he originated and has played since 1981. One of Reynolds’ character’s legacy is being one of the longest-running African-American characters on American soap operas.
James Reynolds mourned Bill Hayes, stating, “I was a little boy when I heard the Davy Crockett song on the radio,” Abe’s portrayer shared on Instagram. “I had no idea the man singing that song would be my friend and colleague for over 40 years. I loved Bill Hayes! I am so glad our life paths ran together for so long.”
Head Writer Ron Carlivati Pays Tribute
Days of Our Lives head writer Ron Carlivati also dropped a message for the late soap opera actor. Carlivati became head writer for Days on January 23, 2017, and worked with Bill Hayes until his death. Ron Carlivati wrote on his Instagram, “It has been an honor and a privilege, and one of the great joys of my life, to write for Mr. Bill Hayes, who played ex-con-turned song-and-dance-man Doug Williams on Days of Our Lives for over 50 years, and passed away yesterday at the age of 98. Bill was a kind and generous person and a talented actor, who at 97 agreed to wear glowing contact lenses so the Devil can come back to Salem after 25 years and possess Marlena Evans. Sending love and condolences to all his friends and family, especially his wife and screen partner Susan. RIP to a legend.”
Lauren Koslow Mourns Bill Hayes
Actress Lauren Koslow, who portrays the matriarch of the Roberts family, Kate Roberts, also paid her condolences to the late actor’s family. After taking over from Deborah Adair, Koslow has played Kate Roberts since 1996. Lauren Koslow shared on her Instagram, “Bill Hayes, what an amazing life. What an amazing love story. Susan, our hearts go out to you. Your relationship and marriage [were] truly inspirational to us. Beautiful to see. In remembrance of Bill Hayes — beloved husband, father, gentleman, WW2 veteran, actor, singer, musician, entertainer, world traveler — renaissance man. Rest in peace, sweet prince.”
