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Y&R actress Colleen Zenk grieves the death of dear friend, Bill Hayes
While 2024 just started, the soap world was hit with another heartbreak with the death of one of the soap legends, Bill Hayes. Having worked with him before, Colleen Zenk has a heartfelt tribute for him. So without any further ado, let’s get into it right away.
Days alum Bill Hayes passed away at the age of 98
Bill Hayes, a soap opera legend renowned for his portrayal of Doug Williams on Days of our Lives for over five decades, has passed away at the age of 98. The heartbreaking news about Hayes’s death broke out on January 12 when the executive producer of Days, Ken Corday expressed, “I have known Bill for most of my life and he embodied the heart and soul of DAYS OF OUR LIVES. Although we are grieving and will miss him, Bill’s indelible legacy will live on in our hearts and the stories we tell, both on and off the screen.”
His iconic role, which he began in 1970, left a lasting impression on the soap opera world, and will be remembered forever. The Daytime Emmy nominated Hayes has had quite a life of 98 years. Before starting out his acting career and winning our hearts with his charisma, he was a legit hero, flying high as a Navy Air Corps fighter pilot. That’s not all. He was even awarded with medals like the American Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. A true veteran for sure.
But his life wasn’t just flying and acting, it had a little bit of music as well. Hayes graduated from DeePaw University, double majoring in music and English. His life in show business started with him singing on the Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca variety series YOUR SHOW OF SHOWS in the 50s. He also had a number-one hit single with The Ballad of Davey Crockett in 1955. And I’m sure all the original fans have probably heard that song.
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So as Hayes became the heartthrob we didn’t know we needed on DAYS, the real cherry on cake was his real-life love story with Susan Seaforth Hayes, who played Julie. The two actors tied the knot in 1994 and were the ultimate couple. They weren’t just a power couple on-screen, because off screen, they even got to be on a cover of Time Magazine in 1976. Till this day, they are the only soap stars to do so. In 2018, Hayes and his wife also received a Lifetime Achievement award at the Daytime Emmys.
Hayes has touched the hearts of many of his co-stars, and after the news of his passing away, all of them came forward with their tribute. Among them was Colleen Zenk, Y&R star as well as As the World Turns alum. Zenk has always been a dear friend to both Bill and Susan, so this sad news really hit her hard.
She said, “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.”
Hayes is survived by wife Seaforth Hayes, their five children, 12 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and closed ones during this tough time. Let’s all share some love and condolence to the amazing actor he was, in the comments below.