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.
Man Unveils Chilling Unseen Footage of Twin Towers Collapse
More than two decades after the devastating events of September 11, 2001, previously unseen footage of the Twin Towers’ collapse has been released. Captured from a new angle, this video offers fresh insight into one of modern history’s most tragic moments. Kei Sugimoto, the man who filmed the footage, recently shared it after keeping it stored away for over 22 years.
The Day That Changed the World
On September 11, 2001, 19 members of the jihadist group Al-Qaeda hijacked four airplanes in a coordinated attack against the United States. Two planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City, leading to the collapse of the Twin Towers and the deaths of nearly 3,000 people. This attack had far-reaching consequences, reshaping U.S. foreign policy and leaving a lasting global impact.
Rediscovering the Footage
Sugimoto recently stumbled upon old video tapes while cleaning out his closet. Among them was footage he recorded on 9/11 using a Sony VX2000 camera. Concerned about the condition of the tapes, he quickly digitized the video, unveiling a previously unseen perspective of the Twin Towers’ collapse.
A New View of the Collapse
The footage, captured from the roof of a building at 64 St. Marks Place in New York City, provides a rare northern view of the towers’ collapse. The video shows the towers enveloped in black smoke before they crumble, offering a haunting reminder of that catastrophic day. One viewer observed, “This footage shows a perspective not typically seen from the south or east.”
Public Reaction to the Footage
Since being released on July 23, 2023, the video has gained widespread attention on social media, sparking conversations and reactions. Many expressed surprise that new footage of 9/11 could still surface after so many years. One Reddit user commented, “It’s incredible that nearly 23 years later, new footage is still coming to light.”
The Historical Importance of the Footage
The release of this footage highlights the value of preserving historical records. As one online commenter reflected, “It makes you wonder how much history is sitting in people’s attics or basements, waiting to be discovered.” This video not only provides a new visual account of the events of 9/11 but also strengthens the collective memory of an event that has defined the 21st century.
Conclusion: Preserving a Legacy
Kei Sugimoto’s decision to release this footage contributes a unique piece to the complex story of 9/11. The fresh perspective offers future generations a new visual understanding of the Twin Towers’ collapse, ensuring the events of that day remain vividly remembered. As the footage continues to circulate, it serves as a historical document and a stark reminder of the lasting impact of 9/11.
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