Days of Our Lives Star Bill Hayes Dead at 98: His ‘Indelible Legacy Will Live On in Our Hearts’

Bill Hayes, longtime cast member Days of our livesdied.

The actor, born William Foster Hayes III, has died at the age of 98, PEOPLE can confirm.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Bill Hayes. One of the longest running characters Days of our livesBill originated the role of ‘Doug Williams’ in 1970 and has portrayed him continuously throughout his life,” a rep for the television series told PEOPLE on Friday.

Susan Seaforth Hayes, Bill Hayes.

Courtesy of Days of Our Lives/JPI Studios

“He and his wife, Susan Seaforth-Hayes, have remained the foundation of the Williams-Horton family for more than 50 years,” the rep added.

Bill Hayes.

Courtesy of Days of Our Lives/JPI Studios

Days of our lives Executive producer Ken Corday said: “I’ve known Bill for most of my life and he embodied heart and soul Days of our lives. While we mourn and will miss him, Bill’s indelible legacy will live on in our hearts and the stories we tell, on and off the screen.”

The Harvey, Illinois-born talent celebrated his 98th birthday on the set of the soap Peacock last summer. His colleagues marked the special occasion with a personalized cake with a photo of him in his youth.

Tribute to celebrities who died in 2024

“Happy Birthday Bill,” read the bottom of the candy. His wife Susan (80) was by his side in that special moment.

While handing him the cake, she told the audience on set that Bill was the first person to sing on daytime television. His cast members and on-set staff cheered for this achievement.

Days of Our Lives star Bill Hayes is celebrating his 98th birthday on the set of the soap.

Instagram Bill & Susan Hayes

The tribute was captured on video and posted on the joint Instagram account the couple shares. After she told the room about his historic first, the others were given the cue to sing “Happy Birthday” to him.

“Thank you to our cast and crew for celebrating Billy’s 98th birthday on set today. And the double chocolate cake was excellent! 🎂❤️”, reads the title of the carousel.

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Bill won a 2018 Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long role as Doug Williams on the soap opera.

The performance proved to be special for him in several ways. He and Susan met on the set of the soap opera and kissed on screen in July 1970. They eventually became a real-life couple, marrying in October 1974.

The couple had a second wedding when their television characters also said “I do” to each other on October 1, 1976.

Bill is survived by his son, William Foster Hayes IV.

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