The most beloved actor was found dead in his California home
In its last episode, LEGEND: LOST pays a touching tribute to the late Bill Hayes. On Thursday’s episode, a longtime cast member made their final appearance. Six months after his death at 98, Bill Hayes made his last TV appearance in an emotional scene with his on-and-off-screen wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes. Fans have watched Bill on Days of Our Lives since 1970, when his character Doug Williams was introduced.
Nominated for two Daytime Emmy Awards in the mid-70s, Bill played a regular part until 1984, then had recurring roles over the years. He returned full-time in 1999, and his character was “killed off” in 2004, only to reappear later in a plot twist.
Bill married his on-screen wife, Susan, in 1974. They were among TV’s first “super-couples” and even appeared on the cover of Time Magazine. Their autobiography, Like Sands Through the Hourglass, was published in 2005. In 2018, both received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Daytime Emmy Awards.
On July 11, 2024, Bill made his last appearance on Days of Our Lives. In a moving scene, the couple expressed their love for each other. “Did I ever tell you how much I love you?” asked Sue, playing Julie. Doug, played by Bill, laughed, “Nope, you never did.” This episode aired on Susan’s 81st birthday.
Susan told TV Insider, “The last scene Billy and I shot together was meant to be a love scene,” adding, “Give me another kiss,” as a line for the fans and from Bill. She thanked fans for honoring Bill with their tributes.
Bill’s last scene has aired, but he will be remembered in December 2024 when the “entire town of Salem” honors his character Doug. Fans on social media expressed their emotions, remembering Bill as a beloved part of their lives.
