‘Days Of Our Lives’ star Bill Hayes has died at the age of 98.

The heartbreaking news of his passing was confirmed in a statement to TVLine.

“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,” the statement read.

Hayes’ connection with his wife co-star, Susan Seaforth Hayes, was also mentioned in the statement, which described the couple as ‘the foundation of the Williams-Horton family.’

Ken Corday, the executive producer of the show, said: “I have known Bill for most of my life and he embodied the heart and soul of Days of our Lives. Although we are grieving and will miss him, Bill’s indelible legacy will live on in our hearts and the stories we tell, both on and off the screen.”

The actor, whose birth name was William Forster Hayes III, was born on June 5, 1925, in Harvey, Illinois.

In 1943, he enlisted in the Navy Air Corps while attending DePauw University and trained as a fighter pilot.

He received his Bachelor of Arts degrees in both English and music and in 1998, he earned his doctoral degree from West Virginia University.

Hayes married Mary Hobbs in 1947 and they welcomed five children before they divorced in 1969. The performer then met Seaforth Hayes on the set of the hit show and they got married in 1974.

He portrayed Doug Williams from 1970 to 1984 and again from 1986 to 1987.

Hayes also had a musical career. In 1955, he released a version of The Ballad of Davy Crockett, which quickly became a hit.

One fan commented: “He and his wife were the epitome of Days of our Lives. I would have watched from 1970 for a couple of decades, off and on. Doug and Julie. RIP Bill Hayes.”

Another said: “Sadly I knew this day would come. But it’s Still not. Easy. Thanks for. The. Memories. Rest. In. Peace.”

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