A Heartfelt Farewell in LEGEND: LOST
In its latest episode, LEGEND: LOST delivered a poignant homage to the late Bill Hayes, marking a significant moment for fans who reflected on the end of an era.
On the Thursday episode of the iconic soap opera, viewers witnessed the final appearance of a beloved long-time cast member.
Six months after his passing at the age of 98, Bill Hayes made his final TV appearance in a touching scene alongside his on-screen and real-life wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes.
Fans of Days of Our Lives have followed Bill Hayes since 1970, when his character, Doug Williams, was first introduced as a prisoner with a talent for singing in a lounge.
Over the years, Bill earned two Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series, in 1975 and 1976.
Bill was a regular on the show until 1984, and made several return appearances in the years that followed, including 1986, 1987, 1993, 1994, and 1996. He resumed a full-time role in 1999, but his character was “killed off” by Dr. Marlena Evans, portrayed by Deidre Hall, in 2004.
Fans were delighted to see Doug Williams alive and well on a tropical island, revealing that his previous death was a mere plot twist.
Bill and Susan Seaforth Hayes, who married in October 1974, became known for their portrayal of one of the first “super-couples” on television, with their characters even gracing the cover of Time Magazine. Susan was also featured on The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, and Sunset Beach.
The couple co-authored an autobiography titled Like Sands Through the Hourglass in 2005, and were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 45th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards in 2018.
THE FINAL SCENE
On July 11, 2024, Bill Hayes made his final appearance on Days of Our Lives. In an emotional farewell, he shared the screen with Susan for a heartfelt scene reflecting on their lives and love.
In the scene, Julie (Susan) and Doug (Bill) reminisced about their shared past and expressed their enduring love for each other. The dialogue touched on their journey together and the life they built.
Susan shared with TV Insider that the final scene was meant to be a love-filled farewell. She had the opportunity to write the final lines for the scene, which included the poignant request for another kiss.
The episode aired on Susan’s 81st birthday, adding to the significance of the moment.
Susan expressed her gratitude to fans for their memories and kind words about Bill, reflecting on the joy of their marriage and wishing everyone to live with the same zest and grace that Bill Hayes embodied.
A Lasting Tribute
Although Bill Hayes’ final episode has aired, the legacy of his character Doug Williams will continue. In December 2024, the show will celebrate Doug’s memory with a special tribute to honor Bill Hayes’ impact on the fictional town of Salem.
Fans and former cast members have shared their feelings on social media, noting that while this moment is bittersweet, it reflects the lasting influence of Bill Hayes and his work on the show.
Reflections from Fans
One fan wrote on X, “It’s a mix of sadness and happiness for Bill Hayes’ supporters. The current state of the world makes this farewell even more emotional.”
Another user shared, “Even though I never met Bill Hayes or Susan, watching them over the years felt like being part of their extended family.”
Leave a Reply