Bill Hayes Celebrated his 98th Birthday on sets with Cast and Crew of “Days of Our Lives” Bill Hayes, renowned for his role as Doug Williams on the long-running soap opera Days of Our Lives, celebrated a momentous occasion on the show’s set. The veteran actor commemorated his remarkable 98th birthday amidst the presence of his fellow cast members, accompanied by a specially crafted cake.

In a heart-warming video shared on the joint Instagram account he shares with his wife and co-star, Susan Seaforth Hayes, Bill Hayes was surprised with an exquisite chocolate cake. The confectionery masterpiece showcased a captivating black and white photograph from his youth and was adorned with candles shaped like the numbers nine and eight.

Clad in a dapper light Gray striped suit complemented by a vibrant red shirt, Bill, a fixture on the show for over five decades, revealed in the joyous atmosphere of the set. Joining him were his wife, Susan, who portrays his on-screen love interest, Julie Olson Williams, and Billy Flynn, his co-star playing Chad DiMera.

With a delightful exclamation, Bill expressed his awe as he held Flynn’s hand while admiring the thoughtful cake. Susan, in the video, lovingly mentioned the significance of this milestone, stating, “So Billy had his 98th birthday on Monday. He began his tenure in the series in “1970, and he has cherished every single moment of being of the sets. He was the trailblazer, the first performer to grace daytime television with his singing prowess.”

The cast and crew of the show erupted in cheers and applause to honour this remarkable achievement. Subsequently, they united their voices in a chorus of “Happy Birthday,” serenading a beaming Bill with heartfelt wishes. Graciously acknowledging their kind words, the actor expressed his gratitude before receiving a loving kiss on the cheek from his wife, who blew out the candles on his behalf.

The video concluded with a heartfelt message, “Here’s to more years in Salem… and many more birthdays to come!” 

Instagram post, featured a close-up of the birthday cake, and extended appreciation to the show’s entire cast and crew for their warm celebration of Bill’s 98th birthday on set of the show. 

Many of Bill’s co-stars took to social media to convey their birthday wishes to the esteemed actor. Mary Beth Evans, known for her role as Kayla Brady, left a heartfelt comment, “Love you!!!! Happy happy birthday!!!” Evans’ personal Instagram account described Bill as “remarkable” and noted how his enthusiasm for life, talent, and contagious smile served as inspirations for both her and many other people. She also shared a photo of the two actors acting as co-stars.

Nadia Bjorlin, who portrays Chloe Lane, chimed in with her own well-wishes, saying, “Happy Birthday Bill! You’re a legend, and I simply adore you and Susan! 🙌🎂🥂.”

Notably, Bill celebrated his momentous 50th anniversary on Days of Our Lives in 2020. Two years prior, he received the Daytime Emmy’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his portrayal of Doug.

Originally premiering on NBC in 1965, the show later made its home on Peacock in September 2022. In a beautiful parallel to their on-screen romance, Bill and Susan, tied the knot in real life in October 1974.