Stars Pay Tribute to DAYS Icon Bill Hayes

As the news spread that Bill Hayes had passed away on Jan. 12 at the age of 98, the beloved actor’s colleagues took to social media to remember the DAYS OF OUR LIVES legend.

Having played Doug Williams on the soap for over five decades, Hayes made a lasting impact on many lives. While he certainly left an impression on his DAYS colleagues, Hayes touched the hearts of his fellow actors in the greater daytime community as well. Below is a collection of moving tributes shared in memory of the legendary actor.

Kristian Alfonso (Hope, DAYS)

“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 ❤️”

Mary Beth Evans (Kayla, DAYS)

“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.”

Alison Sweeney (ex-Sami, DAYS)

“Since I found out about the passing of the incredibly talented Bill Hayes, so many memories have been coming back to me. 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. This photo was from behind the scenes at a DAYS photo shoot in 2010. 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. 🙏❤️”

Farah Fath Galafond (ex-Mimi, DAYS)

“There’s nice people, and then there’s nice nice people. Bill Hayes was nice nice. 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 (ex-Chloe, DAYS)

“Bill, you were an incredible talent and true gentleman. 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.”

Colleen Zenk (Jordan, Y&R; Barbara, ATWT)

“I am heartsick. I heard last night that my dear friend, Bill Hayes is gone. Bill lived a full, full life of 98 years. He and his beautiful bride, Susan Seaforth Hayes, were a force unto themselves. Unbelievable talent, love, and wisdom. And they shared it. I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to his huge family of children, and all of their children. What a gift he was to all who knew him… both personally and through his immense talent that he shared with all of us…. I love you, Bill Hayes… The angels are awaiting their favorite song-and-dance man.”

Galen Gering (Rafe)

“Loved this man and truly thought he’d outlast us all. A man full of light, infectious energy, and love of his craft. What an inspiration of a life well lived. Rest in power, Bill.”

Kassie DePaiva (ex-Eve, DAYS)

“My heart is saddened this morning to read of this amazing man’s passing. 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. He will be missed. What a life… what a legacy…what a legend.”

Eric Martsolf (Brady, DAYS)

“A legend is lost. All our love and sympathy extended to his family. The cast of Days of Our Lives salutes you.”

Martha Madison (Belle, DAYS)

“He was a talented man and a warm and delightful soul. My heart goes out to Susan and all who loved Bill.”

Cary Christopher (Thomas, DAYS)

“Bill, what an honor it was to have gotten to work with you. You were always so kind to me and everyone.”

Wally Kurth (Justin, DAYS)

“I so admire you, Bill. I wish I’d known you better. I wish we could have sung a song together. Next time.”

Jen Lilley (ex-Theresa, DAYS)

“We’ve truly lost a rare gem. May he rest in peace. My prayers [go] out to Susan.”

Peter Reckell (ex-Bo, DAYS)

 “Bo and Hope followed in the footsteps of Doug and Julie. Bill was a mentor, a friend, and I’m so thankful to have been lucky enough to have him in my life. His boundless, loving, heart was always open to everyone. We had powerful moments together on the show, but what really touched me was listening to his stories. Being a pilot in the military, huge celebrations with his family, [and] the many musicals he was in. Boundless talent, energy, and spirit. RIP.”

Sarah Joy Brown (ex-Madison, DAYS)

“Rest in peace, Bill. He sure was a sweetheart. I enjoyed getting to know him.”

Matthew Ashford (ex-Jack)

“Dear Bill: Music informed your whole life. You always had a song on your lips and a song in your heart. The last time I saw you, asked me to sing for you. We worked together on a ‘soap OPERA.’ Now you are singing with the music of the spheres. I love you and will miss you.”

Melissa Reeves (ex-Jennifer, DAYS)

“This is such a hard post to write. 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 ❤️🙏”

Darin Brooks (ex-Max, DAYS)

“Awww man… One of the sweetest people I have ever met. So sad to hear this. Such a talent and kind person! RIP Bill. Love, thoughts, and prayers go out to the Hayes family!”

Carson Boatman (Johnny, DAYS)

“Daytime television, and the entertainment industry as a whole, lost a legend today. 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.’”

Ron Carlivati (DAYS OF OUR LIVES headwriter)

“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 could 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.”

Sal Stowers (ex-Lani, DAYS)

“Sweet Bill. Such a beautiful soul you are. 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.”

Camila Banus (ex-Gabi, DAYS)

“RIP to Bill Hayes. 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.”

Linsey Godfrey (Sarah, DAYS)

“We lost a legend. My heart goes out to Susan and his entire family.”

Jackee Harry (Paulina, DAYS)

“It was such an honor to work with Bill Hayes. He was a gentleman through and through. That’s why I’ll never forget filming this scene on Days with him — the way we laughed and laughed!! 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.”

Thaao Penghlis (Tony;ex-Andre, DAYS)

“To my dear friends Bill & 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. Xx.”

Wesley Eure (ex-Michael Horton, DAYS)

“This really hurts! 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 of Time Magazine, and until a few weeks ago Bill was still showing up for work at NBC at age 96!

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.”

Greg Vaughan (Eric, DAYS)

“Mr. Bill Hayes, a true gentleman, master of talent, a smile that welcomed you at every moment & always had a song to sing or a story to tell, mostly about his family, and the love of his life Mrs. Susan! Truly a gift to have shared the stage with you for 10 years! Love and peace be with you always 🫶🙏🏻🕊️”

Tina Andrews (ex-Valerie, DAYS)

“This hurts. My DAYS costar, Bill Hayes, 98, is dead. 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.”