Bill Hayes, best known for role in 'Days of Our Lives,' passes away at 98

Actor Bill Hayes, who was best known for his role in the hit NBC soap opera Days of Our Lives, passed away on Friday.

An email from Hayes's agent, Gregory David Mayo, confirmed the actor's passing, which was reportedly peaceful, and he was "surrounded by family including his wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes."

A statement from the show read, "It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Bill Hayes. 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."

Executive producer Ken Corday praised Hayes, saying, "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."

There is no doubt that Hayes was a beloved actor, and things will never be the same without him.

Thankfully, his legacy will live on and he will be remembered by friends, family, and fans for years to come.