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.
Riona’s Miracle Journey: From Tragedy to Triumph
Seeing the horrific abuse some dogs receive at the hands of people is incredibly upsetting. Riona, a charming pitbull mix, is one such courageous survivor. She had to go through the unthinkable—having her owner set her on fire. However, Riona is finally headed to her new forever home after a year of resiliency and recuperation.
In June of last year, Riona ran down the street in Nutbush, Tennessee, enveloped in flames, shocking the locals. There was no mistaking that this was a purposeful act of cruelty because of the strong gasoline odor that pervaded the space. Riona had been purposefully set on fire, as corroborated by witness statements and ring camera film. This is a horrible reality.
The poor puppy lost its ear and sustained terrible burns. Riona’s left eye was preserved because to the swift emergency response. The loving staff at Tails of Hope Dog Rescue took her in right away, and they made arrangements for Bluff City Veterinary Specialists to treat her. Her substantial fourth-degree burns throughout her body required numerous skin grafts, making the road to recovery difficult and drawn out. Riona fearlessly kept a cheerful attitude during her recuperation process in spite of the trauma she had experienced.
Riona’s tale took the world by storm, winning over millions of hearts in the process. Her situation was made public via a TikTok video that went viral, inspiring an outpouring of compassion and solidarity. Gifts and donations from kindhearted people touched by Riona’s tenacity and resolve came in.
In the midst of this touching reaction, justice started to come into its own. Riona’s fire-starter, 43-year-old Quishon Brown, was taken into custody and accused of assault and felonies including animal abuse. Riona’s story also had a larger effect, leading to Tennessee passing a new law against animal abuse.
Over the course of several months, Riona’s health became better every day. Riona’s story took an amazing turn almost a year after her harrowing ordeal: she had finally found her everlasting home! This was a joyful turn of events!
With much excitement, Tails of Hope said that they will be taking Riona to her new family via a ten-hour road trip. As they discussed the specifics of her devoted everlasting home, excitement erupted. Riona would have a large yard to explore, kids to spoil her, and other furry friends to play with. Riona’s new family can give her the treatment she needs because they understand the depth of her injuries and have experience working in the medical sector.
Riona’s journey is just getting started, even if it looks like it’s heading to an end. Her transformation from sorrow to success is quite remarkable. In a moving Facebook post, Tails of Hope recognized the teamwork that went into this inspiring rescue. The good that would come from one courageous dog’s struggle to survive seemed unimaginable.
Tails of Hope serves as a reminder that their work is never done, even when Riona begins her new chapter. They demonstrated that there is always someone in need by taking in another burn victim right away. Every rescue offers the chance to contribute to yet another amazing tale of healing and hope.
Despite the brutality that plagues Riona’s background, we take comfort in the fact that she is currently moving toward a better future. These kinds of endearing tales are what give us hope for humanity again. Let’s spread the word about this encouraging news, honoring Riona’s tenacity and offering our love and support to her as she embarks on this new journey.
Go here to find out more about Riona’s amazing journey and the significance of her narrative.
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