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.
As the episode aired, social media lit up with heartfelt messages from fans who had watched Bill Hayes for over five decades. Viewers shared memories of growing up with Doug Williams, recounting their favorite storylines and how his character had touched their lives. For many, the final scene between Doug and Julie was a bittersweet reminder of the end of an era on Days of Our Lives.
Bill Hayes and Susan Seaforth Hayes’ legendary love story was celebrated by fans who remembered how their on-screen romance had blossomed into real life. Their characters, Doug and Julie, became symbols of enduring love on daytime TV, inspiring generations of viewers. From their glamorous wedding in the 1970s to their many dramatic and tender moments on the show, the couple’s storyline mirrored the real-life devotion they shared off-screen.
Producers of Days of Our Lives paid their own tribute by dedicating the episode to Bill, ending it with a touching in-memory-of message, reminding fans that while Doug’s journey has ended, Bill’s impact remains. Executive producer Ken Corday spoke to TV Guide, saying, “Bill Hayes wasn’t just an actor; he was a part of the fabric of Days of Our Lives. His warmth and humor made Doug Williams a beloved character, and he brought that same light to our set every day.”
Susan, too, has been deeply moved by the outpouring of love. “Billy loved his fans as much as they loved him,” she shared in an interview. “He always said that if he could bring a smile to someone’s face, he’d done his job. I know he’s smiling down on us all now, knowing he’s left his mark.”
In December 2024, the show plans to honor Doug Williams with a special episode where the fictional town of Salem will pay tribute to him. Writers have teased a storyline that will bring back familiar faces to celebrate Doug’s legacy, giving longtime fans one last chance to say goodbye. For the fans who’ve been part of Doug and Julie’s journey for over 50 years, it will be a powerful moment to remember the character—and the man—who brought so much love to the screen.
In the meantime, fans continue to share their tributes, knowing that Bill Hayes may be gone but will forever remain a part of Days of Our Lives history. His final scenes serve as a reminder of his talent, his love story with Susan, and the laughter and joy he brought to millions. As one fan poignantly wrote, “Legends never truly leave us; they live on in our hearts and memories.”
