In the deeply emotional final episode of “Legend: Lost,” viewers were treated to a touching tribute to the late Bill Hayes, a cherished figure in the world of soap operas. For many fans, this episode marked the end of an era, filled with nostalgia and love for a man who had been a familiar presence on their screens for decades.
The tribute aired six months after Hayes’s passing at the age of 98, and it was a powerful farewell that touched the hearts of both viewers and the cast.
Thursday’s episode of the legendary soap opera “Days of Our Lives” was especially significant, as it featured Bill Hayes’s last appearance as the beloved character Doug Williams.
This final scene was made even more special because it was shared with his real-life and on-screen wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes, who has been a staple on the show since 1968, playing Julie Olson Williams. The couple’s love story, both on and off the screen, added an extra layer of emotion to this goodbye.
Bill Hayes first won over fans in 1970 when he was introduced as Doug Williams, a charming prisoner who also had a knack for singing in a lounge. His portrayal was so captivating that it earned him two Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series in 1975 and 1976.
Over the years, Doug Williams became an essential part of “Days of Our Lives,” with his story weaving through countless twists and turns that kept viewers eagerly watching.
Hayes was a constant presence on the show, regularly appearing until 1984, and then returning for recurring roles in the late ’80s and mid-’90s. In 1999, he made a full-time return, only to be dramatically “killed off” in 2004. But, in true soap opera fashion, fans were thrilled to discover that Doug’s death was just a plot twist, and he was found alive and well on a tropical island—a moment that delighted longtime fans.
The real-life romance between Bill and Susan Hayes mirrored their on-screen relationship, making them one of TV’s first “super-couples.” Their chemistry was undeniable, and their love story captivated audiences. In October 1974, they got married in real life, and their characters, Doug and Julie, even made it onto the cover of Time Magazine—a true testament to their popularity and the impact they had on the soap opera world.
Beyond “Days of Our Lives,” Susan Seaforth Hayes also made a name for herself on other soap operas, such as “The Bold and the Beautiful,” “The Young and the Restless,” and “Sunset Beach.” Together, Bill and Susan wrote their autobiography, “Like Sands Through the Hourglass,” in 2005, giving fans an inside look at their lives and careers.
In 2018, they were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 45th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, a fitting recognition of their immense contributions to daytime television.
Bill Hayes’s final moment on the show came on July 11, 2024, in a deeply moving scene with Susan. Their characters’ dialogue was a beautiful reflection of their shared journey, both on-screen and off. In one tender moment, Julie asked, “Did I ever tell you how much I love you?” Doug responded with a playful, “Nope, you never did,” perfectly capturing the warmth and affection that defined their relationship.
In this final scene, Doug looked back on their adventures and the beauty they had experienced together, ending with a heartfelt request for another kiss from Julie. The episode, which aired on Susan’s 81st birthday, held even more significance, serving as a touching tribute to their lasting love.
Susan Seaforth Hayes later shared with TV Insider that she had added some personal lines to this final scene, including Doug’s request for another kiss. Her reflections on their life together deeply resonated with fans, who flooded social media with tributes and memories of Bill Hayes.
The episode was a bittersweet farewell, not just for the fans, but for the entire “Days of Our Lives” community. Susan posted a heartfelt message on social media, along with pictures of them in their younger years, thanking everyone who had honored Bill with their memories and tears. She ended her message with a red heart emoji and “xx Susan,” a small but meaningful gesture from a woman who had shared so much love and joy with her husband.
Even though Bill Hayes’s final scene has aired, his legacy on “Days of Our Lives” will live on. According to TVLine, the entire town of Salem will gather in December 2024 to honor Doug Williams, ensuring that Bill Hayes’s impact on the show and its fans will continue for years to come.
As fans looked back on this emotional farewell, many took to social media to share their feelings. One user on X described the day as bittersweet, while others shared stories of growing up watching Bill and Susan, saying they felt like part of their extended family. The outpouring of love and respect for Bill Hayes showed just how much he meant to so many people, highlighting the deep connection between the actor and his audience.
In memory of Bill Hayes, fans and fellow cast members celebrated his incredible career and the joy he brought to countless viewers. His final scenes were a fitting send-off for a beloved actor whose legacy will be remembered and cherished for many years to come.
