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.
Less than a month after painful divorce, Jason Momoa, 44, “begging” star for a date – and you might recognize her
Although Jason Momoa isn’t exactly a newcomer to the single scene, it appears that he isn’t letting his time be wasted looking for love.
At least, that’s what RadarOnline claims, claiming that the actor from Aquaman and Game of Thrones is targeting Demi Moore. When Momoa met the actress at a recent Hollywood event, he is said to have fallen in love.
As his fans are well aware, Momoa, 44, formalized his divorce from his four-year wife, Lisa Bonet, earlier this month. The two are now free to look for other partnerships after a 12-year relationship.
If RadarOnline is to be believed, Momoa has gotten in touch with Moore, Ashton Kutcher and Bruce Willis’ ex-wife. It was made public last year that the 61-year-old and the former are parents to three children together, and that she was doing everything in her power to support Bruce during his terrible battle with dementia.
Moore isn’t in a relationship, but it appears that she’s prepared to work hard to win Momoa over.
The famous couple was reportedly sighted together on January 18 at a showing of the documentary Common Ground (about a week after Momoa and Bonet filed for divorce).
“After they chatted, Jason snagged her number from a mutual friend, and he’s been laying it on thick, telling her she’s the most gorgeous woman he’s ever seen,” an insider told the National Enquirer. He’s been messaging her, wishing her a day as lovely as she is.
Demi is enamored with it despite how corny it is.
Furthermore, according to the same story, Momoa is making every effort to further matters by asking Moore out on a date.
The source went on, “He’s been pleading with her for a date and even calling friends who know her, asking them to put in a good word for him.”
According to a source who spoke to the site, Jason has a serious fetish about hooking up with Demi. “He believes they would be a fantastic match and believes Demi has a lot to teach him.”
Momoa said goodbye to the house he formerly shared with his ex-wife after he and Bonet separated, opting to live in a van instead.
Many have been taken aback by this unexpected change in lifestyle, but Momoa readily shares photos of his “van life” on social media and enjoys the minimalist design and environmentally friendly features of his new residence.
How do you feel about Moore and Momoa maybe dating? Share your opinions with us in the comments section.
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