We say goodbye to a true silver screen icon in a sombre turn of circumstances. According to People magazine, Bill Hayes, the renowned actor who starred as Doug Williams on the iconic soap opera “Days of Our Lives” for decades, has quietly passed away at the amazing age of 98.

Hayes made a lasting impression on television history by bringing Doug Williams to life for more than 50 years. It was a part that came to represent the Williams-Horton family and was essential to the show’s long-lasting legacy.

A representative for the show revealed the devastating news, saying, “We share the loss of our dear Bill Hayes with heavy hearts.” He created the character of “Doug Williams” in 1970 and played him continuously for the rest of his life.

“Days of Our Lives” executive producer Ken Corday cherished memories of Hayes as a key player in the intricate plot of the programme. “Bill was not just an actor; he embodied the heart and soul of ‘Days of Our Lives,’” Corday thought. Bill’s unbreakable legacy will live on in our hearts and in the stories we continue to tell, both on and off the screen, even though we mourn and will miss him terribly.

Last summer, Bill Hayes celebrated his incredible 98th birthday on the set with his cast mates. A cake bearing a childhood portrait of the actor and the warm words “Happy Birthday Bill” was made especially for the occasion.

His devoted wife, Susan Seaforth-Hayes, who is also well-known in the television industry, attended the festivities. During the festivities, Susan shared with the couple a touching anecdote about Bill Hayes. A historic first for the medium, Hayes was the first person to ever sing on daytime television. His colleagues’ admiration and respect for him were demonstrated when they serenaded him with “Happy Birthday” by the cast and crew.

The pair thanked the “Days of Our Lives” family for celebrating Hayes’ 98th birthday on the set that had become his second home in a moving video that was shared with fans on their shared Instagram account.

Bill Hayes was honoured with the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 for his outstanding performance as Doug Williams on “Days of Our Lives.” However, his efforts went beyond the screen, since he first met Susan Seaforth-Hayes on the set of the programme. Their July 1970 on-screen kiss developed into a real-life romance that ended in marriage in October of that same year. Like their on-screen counterparts, the pair celebrated their love with a second marriage on October 1, 1976.

Both fans and coworkers will cherish the lovely legacy that Bill Hayes leaves behind. William Foster Hayes IV, his son, continues his father’s illustrious acting history.

We consider the lasting impression this cherished star made on “Days of Our Lives” and the hearts of millions of fans across the globe as we say goodbye to him. We shall always remember and see Bill Hayes on our TVs as a great icon.