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 December approaches, Days of Our Lives has announced a special episode dedicated to Bill Hayes’s character, Doug Williams. In this episode, the residents of Salem will gather for a heartfelt tribute, commemorating not only Doug’s legacy but also honoring the actor who brought him to life for over five decades.
The show’s producers shared that the tribute episode will include flashbacks of Doug’s most memorable moments on screen, capturing his journey from a charming con artist to a beloved family man and friend. Longtime fans can expect to see iconic scenes that showcase the character’s evolution and his deep connection with his wife, Julie.
Susan Seaforth Hayes, who has portrayed Julie since the 1960s, is expected to deliver a powerful monologue during the tribute. Insiders say it will be an emotional moment, blending Susan’s real feelings for her late husband with Julie’s love for Doug.
Days of Our Lives has also invited former cast members and friends of Bill to participate, offering them a chance to share personal stories about working with him. This special episode aims to serve as a farewell from the Days family and a thank you to the fans who have cherished Doug’s story over the years.
The response from the fans has been overwhelming, with many expressing gratitude to the show for giving Bill Hayes such a meaningful send-off. Social media has been flooded with tributes, as viewers share memories and messages, honoring an actor who became part of their lives.
In the weeks leading up to the episode, Days of Our Lives will release a series of behind-the-scenes videos and interviews, allowing fans a glimpse into Bill’s final days on set and the impact he had on his colleagues. For those who grew up watching Doug and Julie’s love story, this tribute will be a bittersweet reminder of a true television legend.