‘Days of Our Lives’: Peter Reckell Shares Heartfelt Tribute to Bill Hayes
Following the passing of Days of Our Lives legend Bill Hayes on January 12, his co-star, Peter Reckell, has shared a heartfelt tribute video, noting, “I was very fortunate to share a small part of his amazing history.”
Reckell, who has played Bo Brady on the long-running daytime soap since 1983 (with a brief hiatus between 1992 and 1995), posted the touching video on his website, where he shared his experiences of working with Hayes on set.
“You ever have that feeling where you meet someone and just wanna be part of their family? Well, that’s the way it was with Mr. Bill Hayes for me,” he said. “He would just open up his heart and let you in, and you’d just wanna hang there in his warm embrace.”
“And I was a very fortunate person that I got to spend an awful lot of time with him,” he continued. “I mean, working together, there would be days where [there was] a lot of sit-around-and-wait, so I got a chance to share some special moments with him. I would just try to get him talking because he had some amazing stories, you know, about his family.”
Reckell recalled the stories of Hayes’ annual family gatherings, explaining, “He said he always had this huge, huge family get-together every summer in a place that I’d love to go because I grew up in Michigan.”
Hayes portrayed Doug Williams for 53 years on Days of Our Lives, with Reckell’s Bo being his son-in-law for many of those years.
Towards the end of his video, Reckell started to get choked up. “I get lost for words,” he said. “But he is gonna be missed. Condolences to that huge family of his and, of course, to Susan [Seaforth Hayes, his wife of 51 years] and to everybody who loved him.”
He concluded, “I thought I knew a lot about him, but seeing all the remembrances of his beautiful life, I just was very fortunate to share a small part of his amazing history. Bill, rest in peace.”
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B
DOOL is a part of my life too my one hour of escaping real life. I have watched for over 55 years. I was so sad to read of Doug's (Bill) passing. He was a remarkable actor. My condolences to his beautiful wife Julie (Susan) and to the rest of his family. I will miss you on Days. RIP!!!!
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R
I have been watching DAYS for over 50 yrs and my daughter watching at 3yrs and still watching, RIP sweet Doug and blessings to Susan and family, he will truly be missed🙏
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P
He will be missed I've watched days since I was 14. He was an awesome actor rest in peace 🙏
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C
I have watched Days since the early 60's. He will definitely be missed. Rest In Peace Bill.
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G
I am 54 years old now and have watched DOOL since I was 5. I've watched it so long, it's like they become part of your family. When they're taken off the show or it's time for their passing to come it's like you've lost one of your family members. With each one your heart saddens. Appreciate all the good acting and the heartfelt characters. I have to admire them and their personal lives for putting out so much time and hard work for us to have enjoyment. My prayers and condolences to Susan (Julie). May Bill (Doug) Rest In Pease.
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G
I'm your age and have been watching too I agree they are your family and I always wanted to be a Horton lol
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C
I’m so sad about his passing. I have loved DOOL since it first came on and rarely miss an episode, I tape it so I don’t miss it! I will miss him and pray for Susan and the rest of his family…..I feel like they are a part of my family since I have watched from the first episode. My favorite soap!
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B
I have watched this show since the day you came on Doug will surely be missed
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G
I have watched Days of our Lives (DOOL) since 1994, even though there were other soaps on the air Days is the only one I really liked and eventually loved Doug and Julie (Bill & Susan) are two of my favorites! Bill was Susan's Love both on screen and off. ❤️❤️ Everyone will miss you not DOOL family but friends and fans also
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T
i know that peter reckell and kristen both will miss him he was a wonderful person great actor wonderful singer he will be miss i wish that peter and kristen could come back to the show and do a farewell to him bill hays rip we will never forget you our friend
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G
Very sad to hear of Bill's passing ! I'm 56 and remember watching w my mom and Grandma when I was like 5 ! Watched for many , many , many years , up until about 7 years ago.. they r like family !
My condolences to family and all of the close cast mates and friends 🧡
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