In the emotional final episode of “Legend: Lost,” the show delivered a heartfelt tribute to the late Bill Hayes, a cherished figure in the world of soap operas. For many fans, this episode was the end of an era, filled with nostalgia and deep affection for a man who had been a beloved presence on their screens for decades.
The tribute aired six months after Hayes passed away at the age of 98, and it was a powerful farewell that moved viewers and cast members alike.
Thursday’s episode of the iconic soap opera “Days of Our Lives” was especially significant because it featured Bill Hayes’s last appearance as Doug Williams. What made this even more special was that his final scene was with his real-life and on-screen wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes, who has been a key part of the show since 1968 as Julie Olson Williams. The couple’s real and on-screen love story added an extra layer of emotion to this farewell.
Bill Hayes first stole hearts in 1970 when he appeared as Doug Williams, a charming prisoner with a gift for singing in a lounge. His performance was so captivating that it earned him two Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series in 1975 and 1976.
Over the years, Doug Williams became a crucial character on “Days of Our Lives,” with his story unfolding through countless twists and turns that kept fans hooked.
Hayes was a regular on the show until 1984, and even after that, he returned for recurring roles in the late ’80s and mid-’90s. In 1999, he came back as a full-time cast member, but in true soap opera style, his character was “killed off” in 2004. However, in a twist that delighted fans, it was later revealed that Doug’s death was a hoax, and he was found alive and well on a tropical island—a moment that thrilled longtime viewers.
The real-life romance between Bill and Susan Hayes mirrored their on-screen relationship, making them one of TV’s first “super-couples.” Their chemistry was undeniable, and their love story captured the hearts of audiences. In October 1974, they married in real life, and their characters, Doug and Julie, even appeared on the cover of Time Magazine—a true sign of their popularity and the impact they had on the world of soap operas.
Beyond “Days of Our Lives,” Susan Seaforth Hayes also made her mark on other soap operas, including “The Bold and the Beautiful,” “The Young and the Restless,” and “Sunset Beach.” Together, Bill and Susan wrote their autobiography, “Like Sands Through the Hourglass,” in 2005, giving fans a glimpse into their personal and professional lives.
In 2018, they were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 45th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, a fitting recognition of their contributions to daytime television.
Bill Hayes’s final scene aired on July 11, 2024, in a deeply moving moment with Susan. Their characters shared a dialogue that was a beautiful reflection of their journey together, both on and off the screen. In one particularly tender moment, Julie asked, “Did I ever tell you how much I love you?” and Doug responded with a playful, “Nope, you never did,” perfectly capturing the warmth and love that defined their relationship.
In this final scene, Doug reminisced about their adventures and the beauty they had seen together, ending with a heartfelt request for another kiss from Julie. The episode, which aired on Susan’s 81st birthday, was especially significant and served as a beautiful tribute to their enduring love.
Susan Seaforth Hayes later shared with TV Insider that she had added some personal lines to this final scene, including Doug’s request for another kiss. Her reflections on their life together deeply resonated with fans, who flooded social media with tributes and memories of Bill Hayes.
The episode was a bittersweet farewell, not just for the fans, but for the entire “Days of Our Lives” community. Susan posted a heartfelt message on social media, along with pictures of them in their younger years, thanking everyone who had honored Bill with their memories and tears. She ended her message with a red heart emoji and “xx Susan,” a small but meaningful gesture from a woman who had shared so much love and joy with her husband.
Even though Bill Hayes’s final scene has aired, his legacy on “Days of Our Lives” will live on. According to TVLine, the entire town of Salem will gather in December 2024 to honor Doug Williams, ensuring that Bill Hayes’s impact on the show and its fans will continue for years to come.
As fans reflected on this emotional farewell, many took to social media to share their feelings. One user on X described the day as bittersweet, while others shared stories of growing up watching Bill and Susan, saying they felt like part of their extended family. The outpouring of love and respect for Bill Hayes showed just how much he meant to so many people, highlighting the deep connection between the actor and his audience.
In memory of Bill Hayes, fans and fellow cast members celebrated his incredible career and the joy he brought to countless viewers. His final scenes were a fitting send-off for a beloved actor whose legacy will be remembered and cherished for many years to come.
