Bill Hayes, a pivotal figure of day-time television passed away at the age of 98.
Hayes was probably best known for his portrayal of Doug Williams on Days of Our Lives since 1970, appearing in over 2,100 episodes of the show. The role of the former con artist-turned-lounge singer became one of the longest-running characters in the show’s history.
Hayes was born in Harvey, Illinois, in 1925. Before becoming an actor, he started a career of a musician and a performer, reaching a Billboard chart-topping hit with The Ballad of Davy Crockett in 1955.
In 1953, Hayes had his Broadway debut in Me and Juliet and over the course of a decade he appeared in a number of productions.
By 1970, Hayes, a divorced father of five, was hoping to land a role closer to home when he joined the cast of Days of Our Lives, a decision that would define his career and endear him to millions of viewers.
It was on set that he met the great love of his life, actress Susan Seaforth, who played Julie Williams. Their on-screen chemistry translated into real life and the two tied the knot in 1974. They stayed together until Hayes’ passing.
Speaking of the instant connection they felt when they laid eyes on each other, Seaforth once said, “I’d seen enough to know that he was special.” Others could also see their unexplained connection. “We had a scene together shortly after meeting, and the head writer saw something going on between the two of us, just two people looking at each other, and he threw out the other plot lines he had for our characters,” she added.
Hayes and Seaforth Hayes were both honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 2018 Daytime Emmys for their enduring contributions to television. The couple’s acceptance speech was heartfelt, with Bill expressing gratitude for the fans who considered them part of their own lives.
Honoring Hayes, a representative for the Peacock series told The Times in a statement, “It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Bill Hayes. One of the longest running characters on ‘Days of our Lives,’ Bill originated the role of Doug Williams in 1970 and portrayed him continuously throughout his life. He and his wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes, remained the foundation of the Williams-Horton family spanning more than 50 years.”
“I have known Bill for most of my life and he embodied the heart and soul of ‘Days of Our Lives,’” executive producer Ken Corday said in a statement. “Although we are grieving and will miss him, Bill’s indelible legacy will live on in our hearts and the stories we tell, both on and off the screen.”
In addition to his iconic role on Days of Our Lives, Bill Hayes had other notable television appearances, including roles in Matlock and Frasier. During the 1950s and 60s, he featured in TV adaptations of popular musicals such as Kiss Me, Kate and Once Upon a Mattress. He also portrayed John Brooks in the 1958 TV movie Little Women.
The cause of Hayes’ death hasn’t been disclosed with the public.
Rest in peace, legend.
What Has Melissa Sue Anderson Been Up To?
Actress Melissa Sue Anderson was born in Berkeley, California, on September 26, 1962. She gained notoriety in the late 1970s and early 1980s for her portrayal of Mary Ingalls in the adored television series “Little House on the Prairie.” Let’s see what she’s been up to this year!
Early Life and Entertainment Career Beginnings
Melissa Sue Anderson started her career in showbiz at a young age. She and her family relocated to Los Angeles when she was a little child, and during her dancing lessons, her teacher saw her potential and urged her parents to get her an agent. As a result, she started to feature in several ads, such as well-known ones for Mattel and Sears.
Television producers soon noticed her talent and charisma, and she started getting offers for playing parts. She has cameos in episodes of “Shaft,” “Bewitched,” and “The Brady Bunch,” among other television series. But her breakthrough performance in “Little House on the Prairie” would determine the course of her career for the following eight years.
“Little House on the Prairie” and Life After It
Following the completion of the seventh season of “Little House on the Prairie,” Melissa Sue Anderson persisted in showcasing her acting prowess. Her performance in the horror movie “Happy Birthday to Me” earned her a nomination, and she has starred in television series like “Murder, She Wrote,” “The Equalizer,” and “CHiPs.” She experimented with production as an associate producer on Michael Landon’s last movie, “Where Pigeons Go to Die,” in addition to her acting career.
In 1998, Melissa Sue Anderson was admitted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame in honor of her services to the entertainment business. In 1999, she also starred in the sitcom “Partners” on television. But as time passed, Melissa Sue Anderson made the decision to put more of an emphasis on her personal life and less on performing.
A Career Apart from Acting
Melissa Sue Anderson gave up performing in the later years of her career to focus on raising her family and being a stay-at-home mother. She was able to give priority to her family duties after moving to Montreal in 2002 and obtaining Canadian citizenship in 2007.
Melissa Sue Anderson kept pursuing her love of storytelling even as her acting roles decreased. She featured in other short films in addition to the popular series “Veronica Mars,” in which she played Stosh’s mother in 2014. Her autobiography, “The Way I See It: A Look Back at My Life on Little House,” explores her childhood star experiences and offers intriguing behind-the-scenes glimpses into the lives of the devoted crew, guests, and cast.
Without a doubt, Melissa Sue Anderson has made a lasting impression on the entertainment world and the hearts of people everywhere. Her influence is still felt as she accepts her duty as a loving mother and considers her amazing journey.
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