Following a successful musical career, Bill Hayes forayed into the acting world and starred on Broadway in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 1953 production, Me and Juliet before joining the cast of Day of Our Lives in 1970.
Recently, the Days of Our Lives star celebrated his 98th birthday with his beloved wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes, and fellow cast members from the enduring daytime soap opera. The celebration, which took place on the set of the soap opera, featured a delightful birthday cake that had a black and white photo of the actor during his youthful years.
Bill Hayes celebrates his 98th birthday in the Horton living room
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A captivating video of the joyous moments was posted on the joint Instagram account of Hayes and his wife. In the footage, the actor, who was flanked by his wife and co-star, donned an elegant grey suit accentuated by a striking red shirt while he made his way toward the magnificent cake.
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During the celebration, Susan noted her husband’s journey as an actor on the set of the soap opera. “So Billy had his 98th birthday on Monday, he’s been on the show since 1970, and he’s enjoyed every minute of it,” the 79-year-old confessed. “He was the first performer to sing on daytime television. When we used to have a big budget, we’d sing all the time, but now it’s only public domain songs, and actually “Happy Birthday” is not a public domain song, but if we can all join in, I think it would be a nice gesture.”
The crew and cast members pay tributes to Bill Hayes on his birthday
Several crew and cast members of the soap opera took to their private social media to express their heartfelt birthday wishes to the actor and showcased their admiration for him, celebrating his talent, personality, and the meaningful connections they have formed while working together.
“Happy 98th Birthday to the remarkable Bill Hayes, @billsusanhayes,” Mary Beth Evans, his on-screen daughter wrote next to a picture of her and Bill. “Your talent, love of life, and infectious happiness are inspirations to many, especially me! #toinfinityandbeyond.”
Also, Nadia Bjorlin, who portrays the character of Chloe Lane wrote, “Happy Birthday Bill! You’re a legend and I just adore you and Susan!”
“Your talent, love of life, and infectious happiness are inspirations to many, especially me!” Evans wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of the pair together.
Ron Carlivati, one of the talented writers on Days of Our Lives, extended a warm birthday wish to Hayes through an Instagram Story. “Happy Birthday,” he wrote on a picture of him and Hayes smiling, “Bill. 98.”