Susan Seaforth Hayes received a Lifetime Achievement Emmy from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in 2018 for excellence in Acting in Daytime. Best known for the role of “Julie Williams” on Days of our Lives, there’s more to her long career than afternoon delight, and six Emmy© nominations for leading and supporting actress.
At age four Susan debuted in Madam Butterfly with the Metropolitan Opera. Around eight, she played Queen Elizabeth the First on NBC’s landmark Hallmark Hall of Fame. Teen years saw her frequently gracing NBC’s Matinee Theater on the same stages where she works today.
Some of her favorite theater roles include Mama Rose in Gypsy, Nancy in Oliver and the aging star in Follies who sings “I’m Still Here.” Off screen she’s addressed the Judiciary Committee of Congress, served on the board of the Screen Actors Guild, been an Elder of the First Christian Church of North Hollywood, and taught as a docent at the Autry Museum of Western Heritage.
In 1974, she married Bill Hayes, who played her husband “Doug Williams” on Days for 50 years, prior to his death in 2024. Together they shared a Time Magazine cover, many soap opera popularity awards, and are regarded as the sustaining supercouple of the 59-year-old daytime drama. Susan believes, “I have enjoyed the best husband, best family, and best job in entertainment.”
Susan lives near the Burbank studios where her 12 grandchildren and 30 great-grands often visit to cheer her on as Salem’s newest widow. Tearful, yet still triumphant.
