Actor Bill Hayes, best known for his role as Doug Williams on the soap opera Days of Our Lives, passed away at the age of 98. Hayes played the role of Doug on and off for more than 50 years and was a beloved figure on the show. In a statement, the show acknowledged that Hayes and his wife, Susan Seaforth-Hayes, who also appeared on the show as Julie Williams, were a key part of the Williams-Horton family. The couple was honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the Daytime Emmys in 2018. Executive Producer Ken Corday praised Hayes as someone who embodied the heart and soul of Days of Our Lives and noted that his legacy would live on in the stories that are told on and off the screen.

Before his Days of Our Lives fame, Hayes began his career as a singer on the TV show Your Show of Shows in the early 1950s. He also made appearances on other shows of the time, such as Decoy and True Story, as well as TV movies. Even after finding success on Days of Our Lives, Hayes continued to make guest appearances on shows like Matlock, Hooperman, Cop Rock, and Frasier.

Aside from his acting career, Hayes was also a successful singer. His song "Ballad of Davy Crockett" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for five weeks in 1955 and sold over 2 million copies. On Broadway, Hayes starred in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Me and Juliet in 1953.

Hayes' talent and contributions to both the acting and music industry will be remembered by fans and colleagues. His portrayal of Doug Williams on Days of Our Lives made a lasting impact on the show and his performances will be cherished. As a singer, Hayes left a mark with his hit song "Ballad of Davy Crockett," which remains a memorable part of music history. Despite his passing, Bill Hayes' legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of fans and in the stories that are told in the entertainment industry.