Days Of Our Lives has been hit hard by the recent loss of two huge stars on the show. Drake Hogestyn, who played John Black for decades, passed away in September. Doug Williams’ portrayer, Bill Hayes, passed away in early 2024. We don’t know yet how exactly the show will handle Drake Hogestyn’s death, but fans should brace themselves for the upcoming episodes of Doug Williams’ on-screen death. Keep reading for more from his real-life wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes, on the ‘difficult’ scenes.
Susan Seaforth Hayes Looks Back On Evolution From Bad Girl To Great Grandmother On Days
Susan Seaforth Hayes joined Days of Our Lives as Julie in 1968. Her future husband, Bill Hayes, joined the show two years later as Doug Williams. The actors fell in love at the same time their characters did and married in 1974.
The actress, now 81, looked back at Julie’s transformation from the bad girl to the beloved grandmother. At the ‘Day of Days’ event, Susan Seaforth Hayes told PEOPLE magazine, “I first started coming to Burbank in 1968 as an ingenue, and now I’m a great grandmother on the show. I started out as a bad girl, still have that little sassy quality that the writers have written to, which I appreciate.”
She added, “Filling the role of matriarch, of an established family is challenging, heartwarming. It’s a long and a very gratifying experience.”
Talks ‘Difficult’ Funeral Scenes For Late Husband’s Character
Bill Hayes’ last scene as Doug Williams aired in July. Since Days films so far in advance, they weren’t able to address the actor’s death until now. In an episode that will air later this month, Jack discovers that Doug passed away in his sleep.
Susan Seaforth Hayes expressed gratitude that the soap opera chose an on-screen death instead of it happening off-screen. She admitted that the scenes were “very difficult to do,” but she thinks fans will be “uplifted” by the funeral.
Julie’s Story Continues In 2025
It was announced in October that Susan Seaforth Hayes is back on contract after years of being a recurring player on Days. The news means the show won’t put her in the background as Julie mourns her husband.
The preview for the show’s 60th season teased a juicy storyline for Julie Williams. She confronts a mystery man in the promo, demanding “Who are you?”
As for Doug’s funeral, Keep your tissues handy later this month when the cast says a heartfelt goodbye to both the character and the beloved actor who played him.
