Days Of Our Lives
Susan Seaforth Hayes Recalls ‘Days of our Lives’ First Decade from 1965-1975: The Fashion, The Hair, and Bill Hayes Debut
Days of our Lives is marking their 60th anniversary with a walk down memory of six decades of the iconic soap opera that first premiered on NBC back on November 8, 1965, before transitioning to streamer Peacock in the fall of 2022.
To kick things off, who better than Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) to recall the times of the 60s into the 70s via the official DAYS Instagram account. Susan began her legendary journey in Salem back in 1968 being the fourth actress to play the role and the one that stuck! In fact, Susan is the only current cast member to have appeared on DAYS in all six decades.
The Days of our Lives post featuring Susan shared, “It all began in 1965. Starting today, for the next six weeks, we’re honoring six decades of Days of our Lives. Go back in time with us from 1965 to the present day as we count down to the 60th Anniversary on November 8. Today, Susan Seaforth Hayes remembers the first decade that started it all. ⏳”
Photo: NBC
Speaking in the video, Seaforth Hayes discussed the wardrobe of the characters back in the 60s and how the arrival of Bill Hayes in 1970, was different than the other male characters at that time on the soap.
Photo: NBC
Susan began, “I think of these shows (soaps) as representing the culture of the time. The sixties were turbulent, and our people were phasing out, suits and ties. When my husband, Bill Hayes (ex-Doug Williams) came on the show, he was a new character who was not a good guy. Of course, he became a good guy over the other decades. But in that decade, he decided, ‘Alright, all the men on this show are in suits and ties.’ He came in with a mod wardrobe. In those days, you sometimes supplied much of your own wardrobe, and he did. He looked different. He was different. The times were different. Bill kind of represented that new look. What else he represented? I hesitate to tell you because it’s too good.”
As for the women of DAYS and their wardrobe, hair and make-up, Susan recalled, “In those days, we all were wearing false eyelashes. Many of us were wearing a lot of false hair. I was trying to replace a girl who had dark hair. So I darkened my hair; had a lot of false hair.”
Photo: Time/NBC
Reflecting on how she was as a young actress on DAYS, Susan expressed, “Personally, I was insecure. At the end of every day’s work, I would hang in the doorway of my dressing room waiting for the producers or the directors to go by and say, ‘Is it okay?” It was hard in the seventies, our show was on the cover of Time Magazine. It was a big deal, and our cover turned out to be of all the 16 soap operas on the airing competition with each other. Our had the hottest storyline, and Billy, my husband and myself, represented the hottest storyline on our show. We got to be on the cover, but the title of this of the article, Sex and Suffering in the Afternoon, you don’t think of these shows as representing the culture of the time, but they do.”
Watch Susan Seaforth Hayes speak on the first decade-plus of Days of our Lives below. If you are a longtime fan of DAYS, what do you recall of the soap at that time and how it reflected the time we lived in? Share your thoughts below and if you are excited for DAYS upcoming 60th anniversary celebration via the comment section.
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The golden era of DAYS. I believe Bill Bell was the head writer then.
I started watching Days in earnest circa 1975. Before that my mother was a fan and I caught glimpses of episodes . I remember she loved the Julie/David/Susan triangle and the swing death of baby Dickie. I remember asking her to recount that storyline for me. I started watching steadily the summer of 1975. I remember Julie hating David’s girlfriend Brooke Hamilton. I believe Julie was married to Bob Anderson back then. I was hooked and read the recaps in SOD when I was in school.
1975-1985 was a great period also.
I began watching Days while in the 6th grade back in May 1967, At that time, the storyline featured the amazing Denise Alexander and the death of Dickie storyline.
When Susan Seaforth arrived, it was enjoyable to watch Julie and Susan feud like during the Banning custody case. I remember my mom telling my aunt she wanted to kick in the television after the verdict was called.
And let’s not forget, Susan initially introduced Doug to Julie.
I’m retired now. And before the passing of both Denise Alexander and Bill Hayes, I often would wonder what would happen if these three iconic stars and their characters would reunite in Salem some 50 years later.
Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady, Days of our Lives) is jumping head first into the celebrity podcast rage with the launch of hers entitled, Between Takes with Alison Sweeney.
In between her busy schedule of Hallmark Channel movies, features, TV appearances and returns to Days of our Lives, Sweeney will now feature special guests each episode as previewed in her Instagram video clip announcing the new podcast series.
Accompanying her video, Sweeney expressed, “Trying something new! Check out my new podcast. Just fun casual chats with my friends. Links are in my bio.”
Photo: Hallmark
The first episode features former DAYS star and Hallmark Channel mainstay, Victor Webster (ex-Nicholas Alamain). It was back from 1999-2000 that Victor first appeared on the then NBC soap opera.
As previously reported, Sweeney will be reprising her role of Sami on Days of our Lives, next summer in June when she returns along with several fan favorites for a story arc.
During Alison’s premiere of “Between Takes,” Webster shares stories of his time on DAYS, being a proud dog dad, and globetrotter, plus working on action scenes and for Victor, taking over from The Rock in the the Scorpion King franchise appearing in Scorpion King 3: Battle For Redemption. Alison and Victor also chat about their time on sets.
You can listen to Between Takes with Alison Sweeney on all major podcast streaming platforms; including Apple Podcasts here.
So, will you be checking out Alison’s podcast as it continues to grow? Intrigued who from Days of our Lives and the soaps might chat it up with her in future episodes? Let us know in the comment section.
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Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives’ Fall Preview Reveals Sofia Mattsson as Chloe Lane and New Storyline Twists!
On Monday, November 2 Peacock released Days of our Lives extended fall preview promo that always coincides with the series anniversary where this year it will turn 61 on November 8.
Within it, the long-running soap opera finally revealed that General Hospital alum Sofia Mattsson (ex-Sasha Gilmore) is playing a recast Chloe Lane, when in a sexy moment, nuChloe is seen with Brady (Eric Martsolf) saying, “I’ve missed you so much,” and the two share a passionate kiss!
Since DAYS confirmed Mattsson was hired by the show back in March of this year, up until now who she was playing was kept under wraps, but smart viewers were betting on a Chloe recast, or perhaps a very much alive, Abigail Deveraux.
Photo: JPI
A NEW CHLOE
Back in August of 2026, Nadia Bjorlin confirmed during a livestream interview on the Michael Fairman Channel alongside Kyle Pettis about their new film, Veronica and Julian that she was asked back to Days of our Lives to reprise the role of Chloe. However, she now lives in Ireland with her husband and children, and not in Los Angeles where DAYS tapes all-new episodes.
Bjorlin clarified why she turned down a return, “Logistically, it just didn’t make sense,” as well as it not making sense for her financially given the long distance and the budgets these days with the soaps.
In an emotional moment the actress shared that, “It hurt my heart to have to say no. So, I guess I can confirm that it will not be me playing Chloe if there’s a Chloe that comes back.”
The character of Chloe Lane first came on to the canvas back in 1999 and was played by Bjorlin for various runs up until 2023 when Chloe was once again written off the canvas.
THE STORY OF DOMINIC MARINO
In other stories this fall, front and center in the preview is the arrival of Dominic Marino played by Kyle Pryor who debuted on today’s Monday November 2 episode on Peacock.
Now the twists begin as if he will be proven to be the true biological son of Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) and Stefano DiMera, with the shocking ending where Marlena’s enemy, Orpheus (George DelHoyo) is back with some intel on the true story of Dominic and more!
Courtesy/Peacock
COMINGS AND GOINGS
Also, things look like they are about to wrap up for Chanel (Raven Bowens) and Johnny (Carson Boatman) as she suggest they leave Salem. We know that Carson Boatman and Raven Bowens have been gone from the show since January of 2026 when they were left go. The timing would seem right that soon they will exit the show.
In addition, lives are on the line this fall as Xander (Paul Telfer) and Sarah (Linsey Godfrey) reunite, only to have him in the middle of more danger, while Leo (Greg Rikaart) is in peril drawing Javi (Jacob Martinez) back into his feelings for his ex. Is this the turning point to reunite the two? Stay tuned.
Take a look at the Days of our Lives Fall Sizzle below and then let us know what you thought of it and if you are happy that Sofia Mattsson is playing Chloe Lane, or were you hoping she would turn out to be playing someone else? Let us know in the comment section below.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards red carpet arrivals featured many a leading man from your favorite soaps, plus the younger stars and veteran actors you’ve come to love.
The gents were definitely about the bowties this year, plus fashion-forward trends, classic suit and tux looks, or sport jacket and no tie. There were a myriad of fashion choices on display from the one thing the soaps are usually known for, ‘hot’ guys.
This year for the first time the red carpet featured the cast of Beyond the Gates who were eligible for Daytime Emmy competition for the first time in their young history, bringing fresh faces and new vibes to the festivities.
LEADING MEN, VETERAN STARS AND NEWCOMERS STRIKE A POSE
Many of this year’s nominees who went on to become eventual winners, previous Emmy winners, and more, took to the carpet to strike a pose for the paparazzi in attendance.
Some of the standout looks came from (pictured above): Steve Burton (Jason Morgan, General Hospital) in traditional black tux with a sheen, Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter Walton, The Bold and the Beautiful), Giovanni Mazza (Gio Palmieri), Jibre Hordges (Jacob Hawthorne, Beyond the Gates) and Michael Graziadei (Daniel Romalotti, The Young and the Restless), all wearing tuxes, suits or sportcoat and trousers with a bowtie, plus now two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless) who gave us that stellar jacket and more relaxed vibe for the carpet.
Now below, check out the other actors who made an impression with red carpet fashion at the Daytime Emmy Awards this past Friday night.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives and Brilliant Minds alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez), a Daytime Emmy nominee in light green suit.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates’ Jaden Lucas Miller (Tyrell Richardson) had it put together from head to toe making his first appearance at a Daytime Emmy red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
The icon, Y&R’s Eric Braeden, a nominee this year for Lead Actor for his performances as Victor Newman took to the red carpet alongside his granddaughter, but took a moment to pose solo for the cameras.
Photo: NATAS
Alex Cheeks who plays Donnell McBride on Beyond the Gates took to the carpet in this blue suit with brooch.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) entering the red carpet from the street stylin’ in blue jacket and white sneakers.
Photo: NATAS
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Harrison Cone (Deke Sharpe) bringing the on-trend fashion to the Emmys, as well as he would as the young fashion designer at Logan!
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Sawandi Wilson (Dr. Isaiah Gannon) in velvet red tuxedo stood out on the red carpet.
Photo: JPI
Last year’s Lead Actor Daytime Emmy winner, Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis, Days of our Lives) returned this year to present several awards on-stage and hit the red carpet in very stylish black kilt.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives’ newest leading man, Kyle Pryor made his debut on the Daytime Emmy red carpet. He premieres tomorrow on the November 2nd episode of the Peacock streaming soap operas as Dominik Marino.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates star, Sean Freeman (Andre Richardson) always looks super cool. This time in white jacket and packets making a fashion statement on his first Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Crew Morrow (Will Spencer) opted for a jean jacket and black sheen jeans to take to the carpet, but still bringing the swag.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives alum Christopher Sean (Paul Narita), a nominee for Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series took to the red carpet in beautiful blue.
So, which men do you think were looking good? Did the actors bring it to the red carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
Roger Howarth Reflects on Daytime Emmy Win, 32-Year Record Gap, and Embracing Matt Clark on ‘The Young and the Restless’ (Exclusive)
Y&R’s Bryton James and Christel Khalil Crossover to ‘Beyond the Gates’ (Sneak Peek)
DAYS Favorite Alison Sweeney Launches New Podcast ‘Between Takes’
‘Days of our Lives’ Fall Preview Reveals Sofia Mattsson as Chloe Lane and New Storyline Twists!
2026 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet: Dashing Duos – Who’s Got the Look? (Photos)
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Winners: ‘General Hospital’ Takes Drama Series, Tamara Tunie and Scott Clifton Top Acting Honors
Who Should Win Outstanding Lead Actor at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards? (Poll)
Could Justin Bruening Join ‘General Hospital’? Set Visit with Wife Alexa Havins Stirs Fan Hopes
Y&R’s Jason Thompson and Mark Grossman Deliver the ‘Power Performances of the Week’
Who Should Win Outstanding Daytime Drama at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards? (Poll)
Y&R’s Bryton James and Christel Khalil Crossover to ‘Beyond the Gates’ (Sneak Peek)
‘Days of our Lives’ Fall Preview Reveals Sofia Mattsson as Chloe Lane and New Storyline Twists!
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Brennan’s Body is Found, Heather Makes Her Reentry into Port Charles
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Heartfelt Speech He Had Planned If He Had Won Lead Actor at the Daytime Emmys
‘General Hospital’ Alum Jeff Kober Accepts His Daytime Emmy Award After Being Unable to Attend the Ceremony
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