In its heartfelt final episode, “Legend: Lost” paid an emotional tribute to the late Bill Hayes, a cherished figure in the world of soap operas. For many fans, this episode was more than just a farewell; it was the end of an era filled with nostalgia and deep affection for a man who had been a beloved presence on their screens for decades. The tribute aired six months after Hayes’s passing at the age of 98, offering a moving farewell that touched both viewers and cast members alike.

Thursday’s episode of the iconic soap opera “Days of Our Lives” was especially meaningful because it featured Bill Hayes’s final appearance as Doug Williams. Sharing this last scene with him was his real-life and on-screen wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes, who has been a mainstay on the show since 1968 as Julie Olson Williams. The couple’s enduring love story, both on and off the screen, added an extra layer of emotion to this farewell episode, making it all the more poignant.

Bill Hayes first won the hearts of viewers in 1970 when he was introduced as Doug Williams, a charming lounge singer who also happened to be a prisoner. His portrayal was so captivating that it earned him two Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series in 1975 and 1976. Over the years, Doug became an integral part of “Days of Our Lives,” with his character’s journey weaving through numerous twists and turns that kept fans hooked.

Hayes’s presence on the show was a constant, from his regular appearances until 1984 to his recurring roles in the late ’80s and mid-’90s. Then, in 1999, he returned as a full-time cast member, only to be “killed off” in a dramatic twist in 2004. But fans rejoiced when it was revealed that Doug’s death was a hoax, and he was discovered alive and well on a tropical island—a classic soap opera twist that only made viewers love him more.

The real-life romance between Bill and Susan Hayes mirrored their on-screen love story, making them one of television’s first “super-couples.” Their chemistry was undeniable, and their love story captured the hearts of audiences everywhere. In October 1974, the two were married in real life, and their characters, Doug and Julie, even appeared on the cover of Time Magazine—a true testament to their popularity and the impact their love story had on the soap opera genre.

Outside of “Days of Our Lives,” Susan Seaforth Hayes also made her mark on other soap operas, such as “The Bold and the Beautiful,” “The Young and the Restless,” and “Sunset Beach.” Together, the couple wrote their autobiography, “Like Sands Through the Hourglass,” in 2005, giving fans an inside look at their personal and professional lives. In 2018, they received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 45th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, a fitting recognition of their significant contributions to daytime television.

Bill Hayes’s final bow came on July 11, 2024, in a deeply moving scene with Susan. The couple’s dialogue in this last moment was a reflection of their real-life journey together, making it all the more touching. Julie’s tender words, “Did I ever tell you how much I love you?” were met with Doug’s playful reply, “Nope, you never did,” perfectly capturing the warmth and affection that had defined their relationship for so many years.

In this emotional final scene, Doug reminisced about the adventures they had shared and the beauty they had witnessed together, ending with a heartfelt request for another kiss from Julie. The episode aired on Susan’s 81st birthday, adding even more significance to this beautiful tribute to their enduring love.

Susan Seaforth Hayes later shared with TV Insider that she had added some personal lines to this final scene, including Doug’s request for another kiss. Her emotional reflections on their life together struck a chord with fans, who flooded social media with tributes and memories of Bill Hayes.

This episode was not just a farewell to a character but a bittersweet goodbye for the entire “Days of Our Lives” community. Susan shared a message on social media, accompanied by pictures of them in their younger days, expressing her heartfelt thanks to everyone who had honored Bill with their memories and tears. She ended her message with a red heart emoji and the words, “xx Susan,” a touching reminder of the love and joy they had experienced throughout their marriage.

Though Bill Hayes’s final scene has aired, his legacy on “Days of Our Lives” will live on. TVLine reported that in December 2024, the entire town of Salem would gather to honor Doug Williams, ensuring that Hayes’s impact on the show and its fans would continue for years to come.

As fans reflected on this poignant farewell, many took to social media to share their feelings. One user on X remarked on the bittersweet nature of the day, while others shared personal stories of growing up watching Bill and Susan, likening them to extended family members.

The outpouring of love and respect for Bill Hayes highlighted the significant role he played in the lives of many, underscoring the deep connection between the actor and his audience.

In memory of Bill Hayes, both fans and fellow cast members paid tribute to his remarkable career and the joy he brought to countless viewers. His final scenes were a fitting send-off for a beloved actor whose legacy will be cherished for many years to come.