Bill Hayes, longtime star of ‘Days of Our Lives,’ dies at 98

Bill Hayes, a mainstay on the NBC soap opera “Days of Our Lives” for over 50 years, has died. He was 98.

The actor’s passing was confirmed in an email on Saturday to CNN from his agent Gregory David Mayo, who said Hayes died “peacefully” on Friday morning “surrounded by family including his wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes.” No cause of death was provided.

Hayes played Doug Williams on “Days,” husband to Julie Williams, who is played on the show by his real-life wife Seaforth Hayes. His character was also father to Hope Williams (Kristian Alfonso) – one half of the legendary “Days of Our Lives” supercouple Bo (Peter Reckell) and Hope.

Hayes first appeared on the daytime soap opera in February 1970, going on to appear in over 2,100 episodes of the show. His last appearance as Williams was on the December 22 episode last month.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Bill Hayes,” the show wrote in a statement to CNN on Saturday. “One of the longest running characters on Days of our Lives, Bill originated the role of ‘Doug Williams’ in 1970 and portrayed him continuously throughout his life. He and his wife, Susan Seaforth-Hayes, remained the foundation of the Williams-Horton family spanning more than 50 years.”