Days Of Our Lives
Stars from Kristian Alfonso to Bryan Cranston Share Reactions on the Death of Days of our Lives Star Bill Hayes
The world of soap operas and entertainment is mourning today the loss of Days of our Lives’ legendary star, Bill Hayes who passed away on January 12th at the age of 98 years old.
To say that Bill was beloved is an understatement, as for over five decades he portrayed Days of our Lives‘ con man-turned-good guy, Doug Williams. As life imitated art, in one of the glorious love stories of the soaps, Bill married his co-star, Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie) in 1974, and they had been together up till his death.
Tributes, reactions and memories have been pouring onto social media over the last 14 hours. Below are the touching words of just some of the castmates and colleagues of Hayes’ through the years, who took some time to honor this legendary star. Michael Fairman TV will continue to update this post as more reactions are shared.
Photo: JPI
Nadia Bjorlin: “Bill, you were an incredible talent & true gentleman. I am honored to have known you & worked with you. You were loved by so many, & my heart goes out to your amazing wife Susan & the entire Hayes family. Heaven is a little bit brighter now.”
Kassie DePaiva: “My heart is saddened this morning to read of this amazing man’s passing. Bill is one of the kindest and sweetest people I have ever met. My thoughts of comfort are with Susan and all the Days fans that have lost a friend. RIP dear man.”
Photo: JPI
Galen Gering: “Loved this man and truly thought he’d outlast us all. A man full of light, infectious energy and love of his craft. What an inspiration of a life well lived. Rest in power Bill.”
Kristian Alfonso: “You will forever be in my Billy .Thank u for welcoming me,the girl frm Boston with warm open arms on my 1st day&all of the days that followed for the love &support u always gave me . How completely blessed I was 2 work with u 2know u 2 learn frm u. You were a true Icon. Love you”
Farah Fath Galfond: “There’s nice people and then there’s NICE NICE people. Bill Hayes was NICE NICE. He and Susan left a lasting impression on me for many years. They radiated kindness, love, & gratitude every time I was around them. My condolences go out to Susan and all those who loved him.”
Photo: JPI
Tina Andrews: “This hurts. My Days Of Our Lives costar, Bill Hayes, 98, is dead. What a decent, loving man. He & wife Susan Seaforth Hayes were wonderful to me when I came on the show. Condolences to his family & fans.”
Photo: JPI
Bryan Cranston: “One of my first professional acting jobs was on Days of Our Lives. It was 1980 and I won a 3 day gig on the show. My first day was a disaster. I failed to fully extend the stem on my alarm clock and missed my call time…Panicked, I raced to NBC and arrived over two hours late…I was embarrassed, and failed in my first attempt at making a positive impression. I missed the rehearsal of my two scenes, and the irritated stage manager arranged for an assistant to give me a quick review of the blocking, then I was on my own. Trying not to fall into a shame spiral, I was alone in my tiny dressing room when there was a knock on the door. I opened it to see Bill Hayes – the star of the show. For a moment I thought he was coming to fire me personally! Instead, he said some comforting words, commiserating with my situation, and asked if I wanted to know the backstory to the character and the scene. I was shocked. He spent 20 minutes helping a stranger to feel a little less humiliated. He really cheered me up. I will never forget his kindness and patience. From that moment, I think of Bill whenever I see an actor in need. Bill Hayes was a Prince, and a damn fine actor. Rest now, Bill, and thank you.”
Photo: JPI
Alison Sweeney: “Bill was such a beautiful human. He brought joy, grace and talent to everything he touched. I was blessed to know him.”
Wesley Eure: It is with great sadness I report that the talented and most loving man, Bill Hayes, has passed away. This really hurts! Bill and his wife Susan have been dear friends since my days on Days Of Our Lives over 50 years ago! What joy and friendship we have shared. Bill was to everyone…just amazing. He had the biggest heart and a gentle kindness that captivated a room. When I was a kid one of my favorite songs was “Davey Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier”. I would later learn it was Bill who sang it during his years as the “boy singer” on Show Of Shows! I was lucky to spend an afternoon with Bill and Susan at their home two Easters ago. When I arrived, Bill was dapperly dressed and full of love. Bill and Susan’s love story is a soap opera legend! It has lasted over a half century! They met on the soap, got married in real life and on TV, were on the cover of Time Magazine, and until a few weeks ago Bill was still showing up for work at NBC at age 96!” To be a guest in their home was an honor. My heart deeply grieves for Susan and their family today. I can’t truly put into words how sad I am at the passing of this great man….Rest in Peace dear friend.”
Photo: JPI
Colleen Zenk: “I am heartsick. I heard last night that my dear friend, Bill Hayes is gone. Bill lived a full, full life of 98 years. He and his beautiful bride, Susan Seaforth Hayes, were a force unto themselves. Unbelievable talent, love, and wisdom. And they shared it. I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to his huge family of children, and all of their children. What a gift he was to all who knew him… both personally and through his immense talent that he shared with all of us…. I love you, Bill Hayes… The angels are awaiting their favorite song-and-dance man… (I’m putting our Sondheim’s “FOLLIES” DVD on right now, ‘Buddy’)”
Matthew Ashford: Dear Bill- music informed your whole life. You always had a song on your lips and a song in your heart. The last time I saw you, asked me to sing for you. We worked together on a “ soap OPERA .” Now you are singing with the music of the spheres. I love you and will miss you.”
Photo: JPI
Peter Reckell: “Bo and Hope followed in the Footsteps of Doug and Julie. Bill was a mentor, a friend, and I’m so thankful to have been lucky enough to have him in my life. His boundless, loving, heart was always open to everyone. We had powerful moments together on the show, but what really touched me was listening to his stories. Being a pilot in the military, huge celebrations with his family, the many musicals he was in. Boundless talent, energy, and spirit.”
Stephen Nichols: “Bill Hayes, you were a beautiful human being. Little did I know that our association would begin when I was 5 yrs old watching my favorite TV show and singing along with you! … ”Da-vy, Da-vy Crocket, king of the wild frontier,” and that we would cross paths many years later on Days of Our Lives. You were and will remain an inspiration. Your work ethic, your childlike spirit, your love for Susan and your family and especially your kindness touched me and so many others. Thanks, Bill, for your beautiful example. Rest easy, Dear sir.”
Photo: RCarlivatiIG
Ron Carlivati: “It has been an honor and a privilege, and one of the great joys of my life, to write for Mr. Bill Hayes, who played ex-con turned song-and-dance man Doug Williams on Days of our Lives for over 50 years, and passed away yesterday at the age of 98. Bill was a kind and generous person and a talented actor, who at 97 agreed to wear glowing contact lenses so the Devil could come back to Salem after 25 years and possess Marlena Evans. Sending love and condolences to all his friends and family, especially his wife and screen partner Susan. RIP to a legend.”
Sending our love and condolences to dear Susan, Bill’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.
Let us know your thoughts on the touching tributes being shared on the loss of Bill Hayes via the comment section below.
It’s amazing how many people truly were touch by this man. Not just an amazing singer and actor BUT a kind and wonderful giving human. The world is at a loss with his passing! May Susan and his family be lifted by the love and support from so many people. RIP Mr. Hayes!
Loved him and Susan on the cover of Time in the mid 70s with the caption “Soap Operas — Sex and Suffering in the Afternoon” when soaps and DAYS were red-hot. The word iconic is thrown around all the time but THAT was iconic. RIP darling man.
My heart goes out to Susan. I lost my husband of 60 years, I can understand what she’s going through. God bless The Hayes family.
I met Bill and his wife Susan in 2005 in Florida. They are as wonderful & lovely offscreen as they are onscreen. Legendary. RIP Bill Hayes.
I was so sad to hear that Bill passed away. I thought he looked frail, but even with that he had stamina like no one I have seen. 98 and still going strong. Condolences to Susan and Family. The 2 of them were one of the main reasons I keep watching.
I was a fan of Bill Hayes long before I knew Days of Our Lives. One of my first records as a child was The Ballad of Davy Crockett. Somewhere in heaven, he and Robert Clary are singing a duet.
Thoughts and prayers to his wife and family. I remember my mom watching Doug and Julie on Days of Our Lives in the 70s when I was a kid. I also remember Bill and his wife coming to Bristol Tennessee at WCYB TV either in the late 70s or early 80s to help with a fundraiser for the Dawn of Hope Center which helped individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I had an older cousin who went to the Dawn of Hope. It shows you what the character of they were especially Bill and that he would come to a little tiny town and help raise money for an organization such as the Dawn of Hope. Class Act he was.
Saddened by this loss to so many of us, not only his family but all the millions of fans. I’ve watched him from the beginning, thoroughly enjoying his crazy antics, his romancing Julie, on and off screen and anything else he had to offer, too numerous to mention, but all his fans know what his many talents were. Thanks Bill, for the memories.
Bill touched so many people, in person and through the TV screen. I was lucky to meet Bill and Susan at a book signing years ago. They were both so lovely. My condolences to Susan and his family. RIP Bill
Days Of Our Lives
Sydney Malekeh Joins the Cast of ‘Days of Our Lives’ in Mystery Role: Who Do You Think She’s Playing?
There’s a new gal coming to Salem, or is she new and a recast? That’s what inquiring minds from Days of Our Lives fans have been trying to figure out since the Peacock soap opera dropped an Instagram video heralding actress‘ Sydney Malekeh’s arrival in Salem.
The soap did confirm that viewers will first see Malekeh on the September 9 episode. In the video, Malekeh is seen going set to set from her dressing room and in to the halls of Days of Our Lives studios.
What we do know id that Sydney has been acting professionally for 6 years and had appeared on Grey’s Anatomy, Apple TV’s Shrinking and the HBO Max’s The Sex Lives of College Girls.
Plenty of Malekeh’s DAYS castmates jumped into the comment thread with positive emojis symbols or written excitement including: Paul Telfer (Xander), Linsey Godfrey (Sarah), Sal Stowers (Lani), Conner Floyd (Chad), Eric Martsolf (Brady) and Christie Clark (Carrie) and more now that fans will finally see her on-air. Since Days of Our Lives tapes 10-11 months in advance, Sydney would have started taping the show sometime back in 2025.
DAYS fans think perhaps because the actress’ name is Sydney that she might be playing the grown-up daughter of Sami and EJ. That character hasn’t bee on the canvas since 2021.
So, who do you think Sydney Malekeh might be playing on Days of Our Lives? Drop your casting director thoughts via the comment section below.
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Days Of Our Lives
Peacock Hikes Subscription Rates for Fourth Time in Four Years; ‘Days of Our Lives’ Fans Sound Off
While recently the streaming service Peacock reported turning a profit for its first time since its infancy, now comes word that the company is raising their prices for all customers, and in some cases it stared today on August 18.
The news of the subscription rate increases marks the fourth time the NBCUniversal streaming platform has done so in four years. So, on August 18, Peacock is increasing the prices for new or returning subscribers and customers, while current subscribers will see the rate increase on or after September 17 depending on their billing cycle when they initially signed up.
Here is the new pricing to follow along: Peacock Premium (which includes ads) will be $12.99/month, up two dollars from $10.99; Peacock Premium Plus will be $19.99/month, up three dollars increase from $16.99; and the Peacock Select tier (which includes current and past seasons of NBC and Bravo shows but excludes movies, live sports and Peacock originals) will increase a dollar from $7.99 to $8.99/month.
Photo: JPI
SUBSCRIBERS CONTINUE TO PAY MORE ACROSS THE STREAMER LANDSCAPE
It was back in June that the streamer reported that aid subscribers were up to 48 million adding a 2 million net gain during Q2 in of 2026. The subscription price hikes are rampant now in the entertainment streaming industry where over the last two years for example, Netflix, HBO Max, Apple TV, Paramount+ have all raised their fees to consumers.
Peacock’s tier-levels feature not only Days of Our Lives, but reality hits such as The Traitors and Love Island USA, Bravo series, and a vault of Saturday Night Live, Law & Order, The Real Housewives franchise, and Below Deck episodes as well. Pecock Premium and Premium Plus subscribers have access to sports and live events, as well.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES SUBSCRIBERS HAD A FEW CHOICE WORDS FOR PEACOCK
As Days of Our Lives fans know, the soap opera moved from NBC to the streamer back in September of 2022 after 57 years on broadcast television. When the news hit X on the price increase, DAYS fans had a lot to say about it. Here are just a few of the comments below:
“I can’t believe Peacock and can’t come to a deal with Cordya to air old episodes of #Days. That alone would bring a ton of subscribers,” to If Peacock actually cared about #Days of Our Lives, gave the show the budget it needs for better sets, cameras, background actors and enough time to tell proper stories, I wouldn’t mind paying more. If the money actually showed on screen, the higher price would be worth it,” to “I will continue to pay for a Peacock subscription as long as #Days is on it, but did we know there was another price increase coming?” and more.
So, what do you think of the new price hike increase to watch Days of Our Lives and your other favorite shows and events on Peacock? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Veronica & Julian’ Feature Starring ‘Days of Our Lives’ Alums Nadia Bjorlin and Kyler Pettis Releases Key Art and More (Exclusive)
In the upcoming indie feature Veronica & Julian from director Otoja Abit, two former Days of Our Lives stars, Nadia Bjorlin (ex-Chloe Lane) and Kyler Pettis (ex-Theo Carver), headline the drama feature in this story of a May-December romance that faces challenges along the way.
Veronica & Julian centers on a confident and successful marketing executive (Bjorlin) who winds up falling for a younger aspiring architect (Pettis). From there, a journey of desire and self-discovery is set against the backdrop of present-day New York City.
The cast also includes: Blake Jenner (ex-Glee), Erin Cummings, Chrystee Pharris (ex-Simone Russell, Passions and Queens of Drama), Robert Lee Leng, Mark Famiglietti and Jennafer Newberry.
Photo:
LIVE CHAT WITH NADIA AND KYLER PLANNED
Now, Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively: the key poster art below, and that current plans that call for Veronica & Julian to be released and made available late this holiday season.
In addition, Nadia and Kyler will join us for a very special livestream conversation on the Michael Fairman Channel (Monday, Aug 24 – 3PM ET/Noon PT) to chat about their roles in the film, their time on Days of Our Lives, life post-soap opera, and much more. Fans can join the live chat and pose their questions to the actors as well.
Courtesy/Bright Leicht Content LLC
THE THEMES BEHIND VERONICA & JULIAN
Director Otoja Abit shared this statement on the feature film, “Veronica & Julian is about the right people who have a chance meeting at the wrong time. It’s a look at two people who don’t grow apart—they just grow up. This film is an authentic exploration of an imminent ending and how two people deeply in love got there. It aims to be quiet while telling a relatable story about modern-day relationships.”
Abit continued, “As a society, mainstream romantic films are often delivered through fantastical aspirations. I created this film believing that viewers who have experienced a breakup can relate to Veronica and Julian, depending on their perspective. They’re a couple navigating some of the most familiar obstacles in love: miscommunication, timing and pride.”
He concluded, “It’s a story about endings told through the small moments we often don’t recognize until they’re gone. With the support of the Panavision New Filmmaker Program, I approached the story with a deeper sense of visual control while maintaining the naturalism that defines each character.”
Photo: Bright Leicht Content LLC
NADIA AND KYLER GOT THEIR FIRST BIG BREAK IN SOAPS
As Days of Our Lives fans know, Bjorlin is best known for her long-running role as Chloe Lane. Nadia played the part from 1999-2023 with various runs in Salem. She is also known for her role as Lara in the Venice the Series since 2009. Nadia’s other TV and film credits include: A Murder Between Friends, NCIS, Two Broke Girls and more.
Pettis played Theo Carver on Days of Our Lives from 2015-2018 and earned himself a Daytime Emmy for his work in the now defunct Outstanding Younger Actor in a Daytime Drama Series back in 2019. His other TV credits include roles on: The Rookie, All American: Homecoming and Ray Donovan.
Veronica and Julian is written, produced and directed by Abit and produced through his Willful Productions alongside Kory Apton and Ian Phillips. Executive producers include: Nick Leicht, Gregory Sinche, Shelly Sinche, Torsten Sippel, Tim Freydberg, Ryan Schulke and Matthew Conlin.
So, intrigued to see Nadia and Kyler as a romantic couple in the film Veronica & Julian? Miss them on Days of Our Lives? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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