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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.