Charlie Mason
Monday, January 22nd, 2024
Credit: NBC/Getty Images, Paul Skipper/JPI (3), Michael Bezjian/Getty Images
Susan Seaforth Hayes
“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,” said the actor’s widow, Days of Our Lives’ Julie. “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.”
Kristian Alfonso
“You will forever be in my heart, Billy,” Instagrammed the actress who’s played Doug and Julie’s daughter Hope on Days of Our Lives since the 1980s. “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.”
Peter Reckell
“You ever have that feeling where you meet someone and just… wanna be part of their family? Well, that’s the way it was with Mr. Bill Hayes for me,” shared Reckell in a video posted to his website. “He would just open up his heart and let you in, and you’d just wanna hang there in his warm embrace. And I was a very fortunate person that I got to spend an awful lot of time with him. I mean, working together, there would be days where [there was] a lot of sit-around-and-wait, so I got a chance to share some special moments with him. I would just try to get him talking ’cause he had some amazing stories, you know, about his family.” In particular, Reckell recalled his longtime castmate’s anecdotes about the annual to-do to beat all to-dos. “He said he always had this huge, huge family get-together every summer in a place that I’d love to go because I grew up in Michigan,” said Reckell, whose Bo was for so many years Doug’s son-in-law. “I get lost for words. He is gonna be missed.” In closing, Reckell sent “condolences to that huge family of his and, of course, to Susan [Seaforth Hayes, his wife of 51 years] and to everybody who loved him. I thought I knew a lot about him, but seeing all the remembrances of his beautiful life, I just was very fortunate to share a very small part of his amazing history.”
Ken Corday
Days of Our Lives’ executive producer told The Wrap, “I have known Bill for most of my life, and he embodied the heart and soul of” the show. “We’ve truly lost a rare gem. May he rest in peace. My prayers go out to Susan.”
James Reynolds
“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.”
Lauren Koslow
“Bill Hayes, what an amazing life. What an amazing love story. Susan, our hearts go out to you,” said Koslow, who plays Kate. “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.”
Paul Telfer
Xander’s real-life counterpart sent “all our love and sympathy to Bill and Susan’s family, friends and colleagues.”
Wesley Eure
“This really hurts!” exclaimed the alum who played Mike in the 1970s. “Bill and his wife, Susan, have been dear friends since my days on Days of Our Lives over 50 years ago! What joy and friendship we have shared. Bill was to everyone… just amazing. He had the biggest heart and a gentle kindness that captivated a room. When I was a kid, one of my favorite songs was ‘Davey Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier.’ I would later learn it was Bill who sang it during his years as the ‘boy singer’ on Your Show of Shows! I was lucky to spend an afternoon with Bill and Susan at their home two Easters ago. When I arrived, Bill was dapperly dressed and full of love. Bill and Susan’s love story is a soap opera legend! It has lasted over a half-century! They met on the soap, got married in real life and on TV, were on the cover ofTime magazine and, until a few weeks ago, Bill was still showing up for work at NBC at age [98]! To be a guest in their home was an honor. My heart deeply grieves for Susan and their family today. I can’t truly put into words how sad I am at the passing of this great man. Rest in peace, dear friend.”
Mary Beth Evans
Kayla’s portrayer sent a salute “to the sweetest, happiest man around, who always came to set singing a song. Bill and Susan’s real-life love story was an inspiration to all of us… they adored each other. I love you, Bill. You will certainly live on in our hearts.”
Martha Madison
Belle’s former portrayer called Hayes “a talented man and a warm and delightful soul” on Instagram. “My heart goes out to Susan and all who loved Bill.”
Brandon Beemer
Shawn’s portrayer summed up his feelings about Hayes thusly: “He was one of a kind.” Amen to that.
Ron Carlivati
The Peacock soap’s headwriter Instagrammed: “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.”
Wally Kurth
“Oh … I’m sad today. Bill was one of a kind,” said the soap-hopper who plays both Days of Our Lives‘ Justin and General Hospital‘s Ned. “I always enjoyed seeing [Bill] and that smile of his. What a smile. I honestly never felt like I spent enough time with him. We were never in the same storyline together. And sadly, I never got to sing a duet with him, on the show or off. But Bill will always inspire me. I will always try and be as kind and generous with my fellow actors as he was. Bill, your spirit will live on in the hearts of every one of us that you touched. RIP.”
Farah Galfond
“There’s nice people, and then there’s nice nice people. Bill Hayes was nice nice,” clarified Mimi’s former portrayer on X. “He and Susan left a lasting impression on me for many years. They radiated kindness, love and gratitude every time I was around them. My condolences go out to Susan and all those who loved him.”
Nadia Bjorlin
“Bill, you were an incredible talent and true gentleman,” tweeted Chloe’s off-screen alter ego. “I am honored to have known you and worked with you. You were loved by so many, and my heart goes out to your amazing wife Susan and the entire Hayes family. Heaven is a little bit brighter now.”
Kassie DePaiva
“My heart is saddened this morning to read of this amazing man’s passing,” tweeted the soap-hopper who replaced Charlotte Ross as Eve. “Bill is one of the kindest and sweetest people I have ever met. My thoughts of comfort are with Susan and all the Days fans that have lost a friend. RIP, dear man.”
Galen Gering
Rafe’s portrayer “loved this man and truly thought he’d outlast us all,” he tweeted. “A man full of light, infectious energy and love of his craft. What an inspiration of a life well-lived. Rest in power, Bill.”
Sarah Joy Brown
“Rest in peace, Bill,” tweeted the alum who was Madison. “He sure was a sweetheart. I enjoyed getting to know him.”
Tina Andrews
“This hurts. My Days Of Our Lives co-star, Bill Hayes, 98, is dead,” tweeted the actress who played Doug and Julie’s daughter-in-law Valerie in the late 1970s. “What a decent, loving man. He and wife Susan Seaforth Hayes were wonderful to me when I came on the show. Condolences to his family and fans.”
Tracey E. Bregman
Before stepping into the role of Young & Restless‘ Lauren, the actress worked with Hayes and his wife onDaysduring her stint as troubled teen Donna. “I have watched their love since I was 14,” she shared on Instagram. “Bill was always so dear to me. I will miss him dearly, and I will pray for Susan every day.”
Matthew Ashford
“Dear Bill: Music informed your whole life. You always had a song on your lips and a song in your heart,” noted the vet who plays Jack. “The last time I saw you, asked me to sing for you. We worked together on a ‘soapopera.’ Now you are singing with the music of the spheres. I love you and will miss you.”
Thaao Penghlis
Tony’s portrayer sent an Instagram message “to my dear friends Bill and Susan Hayes. To Susan with love for her great loss and to our Bill who transitioned yesterday, may your new journey be as beautiful as your last. How well you sang. Travel well, dear man, but remember to keep an empty chair for when we meet again.”
Stephen Nichols
“Bill Hayes, you were a beautiful human being,” Insta’d Steve’s portrayer. “Little did I know that our association would begin when I was 5 years old watching my favorite TV show and singing along with you ‘Da-vy, Da-vy Crocket, king of the wild frontier,’ and that we would cross paths many years later on Days of Our Lives. You were and will remain an inspiration. Your work ethic, your childlike spirit, your love for Susan and your family and especially your kindness touched me and so many others. Thanks, Bill, for your beautiful example. Rest easy, dear sir. Love and condolences to dear Susan and your entire family.”
Kate Linder
“My heart goes out to Susan and all of [Bill’s] family, friends and co-workers,” wroteYoung & Restless‘ Esther on Instagram. “He was an amazing talent. So very kind and generous. How fortunate I was to know him.”
Darin Brooks
“Awww, man… One of the sweetest people I have ever met” is what the Emmy winner who played Days of Our Lives’ Max said of Hayes. “So sad to hear this… Such a talent and kind person! RIP, Bill… Love, thoughts and prayers go out to the Hayes family!”
Alison Sweeney
“Since I found out about the passing of the incredibly talented Bill Hayes, so many memories have been coming back to me,” reflected Sami’s former portrayer on Instagram. “How lucky and blessed I feel to have known such a generous and kind man. Every day he and Susan brought such joy to the set and to their work. It was always such an inspiration to see them.” Sharing a special photo taken behind the scenes, she said that “the happiness captured in Bill’s expression in this photo is how he was every day I saw him. Sending prayers and love to Susan.”
Sal Stowers
“Sweet Bill. Such a beautiful soul you are,” marveled Lani’s former portrayer. “What an honor it was to work alongside you. Thank you for always singing to me in the makeup room and every time you saw me. You were a light. Sending all my love to Susan and the family. Fly with the angels.”
Linsey Godfrey
“We lost a legend,” summed up Sarah’s off-screen counterpart. “My heart goes out to Susan and his entire family.”
Melissa reeves
“This is such a hard post to write,” admitted Jennifer’s erstwhile performer on Instagram. “I was going to post a picture of just Bill. But you see, I can’t ever see Bill without Susan. They have such a beautiful love for each other. So not only do we mourn the loss of our precious Bill, I also pray for Susan’s heart in this time. It was always beautiful to watch their love, care and respect for each other. And I have no doubt Susan will continue to carry on their wonderful legacy in everything she does. I will miss my dancing lessons with you, Bill, between scenes and your lovely singing voice that would stop all of our hearts. You are simply one of the best.”
Carson Boatman
“Daytime television, and the entertainment industry as a whole, lost a legend today,” Johnny’s portrayer said. “A family man and a true class act, who touched so many lives. Rest easy, Bill. You will be remembered warmly by those who knew you and those who knew Doug.”
Lisa Rinna
“Oh Bill,” said the Real Housewife and erstwhile Billie. “Rest in peace, sweet prince.”
Jackee Harry
“It was such an honor to work with Bill Hayes. He was a gentleman through and through,” said the showbiz vet who plays Paulina. “Doug may have had a little of the devil in him, but Bill is in heaven greeting everyone he meets with a smile and warm hello. We’ll miss you, friend.”
Lauralee Bell
Of Bill and Susan,Young & Restless‘ Christine said theirs was “a beautiful love story, on and off camera.”
Camila Banus
“RIP to Bill Hayes,” said Gabi’s former portrayer. “He always treated me with kindness and respect. Was interested in knowing me. Took the time to ask questions. Listened. Thank you to Bill Hayes. He was an amazing example of professionalism and happiness.”
Blake Berris
“This man is an icon. Watched him wish Salem merry Christmas for the last time this year and wept. What a talent,” exclaimed the actor who plays Nick Everett. “What a life. Sending love to Susan.”
Bryan Cranston
“One of my first professional acting jobs was on Days of Our Lives,” recalled the Breaking Bad Emmy winner. “It was 1980, and I won a three-day gig on the show. My first day was a disaster. I failed to fully extend the stem on my alarm clock and missed my call time… Panicked, I raced to NBC and arrived over two hours late… I was embarrassed, and failed in my first attempt at making a positive impression. I missed the rehearsal of my two scenes, and the irritated stage manager arranged for an assistant to give me a quick review of the blocking, then I was on my own. Trying not to fall into a shame spiral, I was alone in my tiny dressing room when there was a knock on the door. I opened it to see Bill Hayes — the star of the show. For a moment, I thought he was coming to fire me personally! Instead, he said some comforting words, commiserating with my situation, and asked if I wanted to know the backstory to the character and the scene. I was shocked. He spent 20 minutes helping a stranger to feel a little less humiliated. He really cheered me up. I will never forget his kindness and patience. From that moment, I think of Bill whenever I see an actor in need. Bill Hayes was a Prince, and a damn fine actor. Rest now, Bill, and thank you.
