Soap Stars are paying tribute to the iconic Bill Hayes (Dog Williams, Days of Our Lives), who died at the age of 98 on January 12, 2024. Rea...
Soap Stars are paying tribute to the iconic Bill Hayes (Dog Williams, Days of Our Lives), who died at the age of 98 on January 12, 2024. Read some of their touching tributes below!
Kassie DePaiva (Eve Donovan): 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.
Camila Banus (ex-Gabi): 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.
Tamara Braun (Ava): My heart goes out to Susan because her love for Bill was palpable.
Christopher Sean (Paul): Rest in peace legend.
Lamon Archey (Eli): He was the brightest light @dayspeacock. Heaven shines even brighter with his arrival. RIP Bill Hayes.
Greg Vaughan (Eric): 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 10yrs! Love & peace be with you always
Greg Rikaart (Leo): Sending lots of love to the family of @billsusanhayes. Getting to watch the legendary Bill Hayes work was a gift. RIP
Melissa Reeves (Jennifer): 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.
Brandon Barash (Stefan): RIP you sweet, sweet man.
Kate Linder (Esther, The Young, and the Restless): my heart goes out to Susan and all of the family, friends, and co-workers of #billhayes. He was an amazing talent. So very #kindandgenerous. How fortunate I was to know him.
Thaao Penghlis (Tony/Andre): To my dear friends Bill & Susan Hayes. To Susan with love for her great loss & 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
Jackee Harry (Paulina): 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.
Beth Maitland (Traci, The Young and the Restless): Perfectly put. A gentleman, a professional, a dear man! So much love to Susan and family, friends and all of us devoted fans.
Judith Chapman (Diana/Anjelica): Farewell, Dear Bill. Thank you for all the years you gave us... R I.P.
Robert Scott Wilson (Alex): A legacy like no other.
Stephen Nichols (Steve): Bill Hayes, you were a beautiful human being. Little did I know that our association would begin when I was 5 yrs 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 condolencess to dear Susan and your entire family.
Alison Sweeney (Sami): Bill was such a beautiful human. He brought joy, grace and talent to everything he touched. I was blessed to know him. 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 @billsusanhayes 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 @dayspeacock photo shoot in 2010. The happiness captured in Bill’s expression in this photo is how he was everyday I saw him. Sending prayers and love to Susan. 🙏❤️
Brandon Beemer (Shawn): He was one of a kind
Cary Christopher (Thomas DiMera): Bill, what an honor it was to have gotten to work with you. You were always so kind to me and everyone
Nadia Bjorlin (Chloe Lane): Bill, you were an incredible talent & true gentleman. I am honored to have known you & worked with you. You were loved by so many, & my heart goes out to your amazing wife Susan & the entire Hayes family. Heaven is a little bit brighter now. #RIPBillHayes
Tracey Bregman (ex-Donna Temple Craig): You were the best Bill Hayes, the nicest man ever. I will sure miss you. My heart goes out to Susan and your family. I have watched their love since I was 14. Bill was always so dear to me. I will miss him dearly and I will pray for Susan every day
Galen Gering (Rafe Hernandez): 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.
Lauralee Bell (Christine, The Young and the Restless): RIP Bill Hayes
Paul Telfer (Xander): All our love and sympathy to the Hayes Family, friends and colleagues.
Blake Berris (Everett): This man is an icon. Watched him with Salem Merry Xmas for the last time this year and wept. What a talent. What a life. Sending love to Susan.
Jamey Giddens (Writer): Our hearts break for @DaysHayes. What a privilege it has been to write for the iconic Mr. Hayes these past three years.
Darin Brooks (ex-Max Brady): 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!
Martha Madison (Belle): He was a talented man and warm and delightful soul. My heart goes out to Susan and all who loved Bill
Jen Lilley (ex-Theresa Donovan): We have lost a true gem! May he rest in peace. My prayers go out to Susan.
Bryan Cranston: One of my first professional acting jobs was on Days of Our Lives. It was 1980 and I won a 3 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.
Christie Clark (Carrie): What a beautiful human. So, very sorry, Kristian. Big kisses to you, lady.
Greg Meng (Fomer Co-Executive Producer): Beautiful tribute to an amazing man. What a life!
Lisa Rinna (Billie Reed): Oh Bill, rest in peace, sweet Prince
Julie Dove (Connie): What a honor to watch you #BillHayes Thank you for the memories and for sharing your tremendous talent with us for five decades. Rest in peace sir. So glad to have these photos of you in my @SoapDigest @DaysPeacock scrapbooks.
Farah Fath Galfond (Mimi Lockhart): 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, & gratitude every time I was around them. My condolences go out to Susan and all those who loved him.
Tina Andrews (ex-Valerie Grant): This hurts. My Days Of Our Lives costar, Bill Hayes, 98, is dead. What a decent, loving man. He & wife Susan Seaforth Hayes were wonderful to me when I came on the show. Condolences to his family & fans.
Photo: JPI
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Carson Boatman (Johnny): 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 by those who knew "Doug".
Eric Martsolf (Brady): A legend is lost. All our love and sympathy extended to his family. The cast of Days of Our Lives salutes you. RIP Bill.
Sal Stowers (Lani): 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.
Linsey Godfrey (Sarah): We lost a legend. My heart goes out to Susan and his entire family.
Sarah Joy Brown (Ex-Madison James): Rest in peace Bill. He sure was a sweetheart. I enjoyed getting to know him.
Ron Carlivati (Head Writer): 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.
Mary Beth Evans (Kayla): 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.
Kristian Alfonso (Hope): You will forever be in my heart Billy 💔🙏. Thank you for welcoming me ,the girl from Boston with warm open arms on my 1st 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 ❤️
Matthew Ashford (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.
Peter Reckell (Bo): 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,the many musicals he was in. Boundless talent, energy, and spirit RIP. 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.
Ron Carlivati (Head Writer): 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.
Mary Beth Evans (Kayla): 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.
Kristian Alfonso (Hope): You will forever be in my heart Billy 💔🙏. Thank you for welcoming me ,the girl from Boston with warm open arms on my 1st 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 ❤️
Matthew Ashford (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.
Peter Reckell (Bo): 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,the many musicals he was in. Boundless talent, energy, and spirit RIP. 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.
Judith Chapman (Diana/Anjelica): Farewell, Dear Bill. Thank you for all the years you gave us... R I.P.
Robert Scott Wilson (Alex): A legacy like no other.
Stephen Nichols (Steve): Bill Hayes, you were a beautiful human being. Little did I know that our association would begin when I was 5 yrs 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 condolencess to dear Susan and your entire family.
Alison Sweeney (Sami): Bill was such a beautiful human. He brought joy, grace and talent to everything he touched. I was blessed to know him. 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 @billsusanhayes 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 @dayspeacock photo shoot in 2010. The happiness captured in Bill’s expression in this photo is how he was everyday I saw him. Sending prayers and love to Susan. 🙏❤️
Brandon Beemer (Shawn): He was one of a kind
Cary Christopher (Thomas DiMera): Bill, what an honor it was to have gotten to work with you. You were always so kind to me and everyone
Nadia Bjorlin (Chloe Lane): Bill, you were an incredible talent & true gentleman. I am honored to have known you & worked with you. You were loved by so many, & my heart goes out to your amazing wife Susan & the entire Hayes family. Heaven is a little bit brighter now. #RIPBillHayes
Tracey Bregman (ex-Donna Temple Craig): You were the best Bill Hayes, the nicest man ever. I will sure miss you. My heart goes out to Susan and your family. I have watched their love since I was 14. Bill was always so dear to me. I will miss him dearly and I will pray for Susan every day
Galen Gering (Rafe Hernandez): 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.
Lauralee Bell (Christine, The Young and the Restless): RIP Bill Hayes
Paul Telfer (Xander): All our love and sympathy to the Hayes Family, friends and colleagues.
Blake Berris (Everett): This man is an icon. Watched him with Salem Merry Xmas for the last time this year and wept. What a talent. What a life. Sending love to Susan.
Jamey Giddens (Writer): Our hearts break for @DaysHayes. What a privilege it has been to write for the iconic Mr. Hayes these past three years.
Darin Brooks (ex-Max Brady): 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!
Martha Madison (Belle): He was a talented man and warm and delightful soul. My heart goes out to Susan and all who loved Bill
Jen Lilley (ex-Theresa Donovan): We have lost a true gem! May he rest in peace. My prayers go out to Susan.
Bryan Cranston: One of my first professional acting jobs was on Days of Our Lives. It was 1980 and I won a 3 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.
Christie Clark (Carrie): What a beautiful human. So, very sorry, Kristian. Big kisses to you, lady.
Greg Meng (Fomer Co-Executive Producer): Beautiful tribute to an amazing man. What a life!
Lisa Rinna (Billie Reed): Oh Bill, rest in peace, sweet Prince
Julie Dove (Connie): What a honor to watch you #BillHayes Thank you for the memories and for sharing your tremendous talent with us for five decades. Rest in peace sir. So glad to have these photos of you in my @SoapDigest @DaysPeacock scrapbooks.
Wesley Eure (Ex-Mike Horton): It is with great sadness I report that the talented and most loving man, Bill Hayes, has passed away. 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 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.
Colleen Zenk (Jordan, The Young and the Restless): 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… (I’m putting our Sondheim’s “FOLLIES” DVD on right now, ‘Buddy’
Farah Fath Galfond (Mimi Lockhart): 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, & gratitude every time I was around them. My condolences go out to Susan and all those who loved him.
Photo: JPI
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Join our Days group for all the latest breaking news, Days of Our Lives spoilers, and recaps and to interact with numerous Days fans across the globe. Soap Opera News is your number 1 source for all things soap operas.
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