We regret to share the sad news… You can learn more below. Bill Hayes, the star of the popular soap opera, passed away earlier this year, leaving behind many family members who continue to hold him in their hearts. He was best known for his kindness and strong work ethic, which contributed to his long-lasting career. On January 12, Bill Hayes passed away from natural causes at his home at the age of 98.
Incredibly, he continued working until the weeks leading up to his death. We had a conversation that we often had in real life, which started with a phrase from me: “Did I ever tell you how much I love you?” And he replied: “No. No. You never did,” said Seaforth Hayes, his last wife, about the final scene they played together. Bill Hayes was born William Foster Hayes III on June 5, 1925, at Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey.
His parents were Betty Hayes, a teacher, and William Foster Hayes II, an executive at an encyclopedia company. Even before Bill Hayes began his 53-year career on Days of Our Lives, he was destined to become a Hollywood celebrity. He and his brothers grew up in a music-centered family. “Happy songs” would lull him to sleep at night. During this time, Hayes, his two brothers, and his father would sing as a quartet at home.
Bill Hayes enrolled at DePauw University for a year but then joined the Navy, where he became a fighter pilot. After the war, he returned to his studies and graduated with a liberal arts degree in 1947. He later landed a role in the musical Carousel and appeared in numerous theatrical productions. In 1949, he made his television debut by singing on Fireball Fun-for-All, an NBC variety show.