DAYS Exclusive: Susan Seaforth Hayes On How Doug III’s Betrayal ‘Wounded’ Julie
The saga of Alice’s missing necklace came to a close when Julie finally learned that Doug III (Peyton Meyer) was the culprit who stole the precious family heirloom on Days of our Lives. It marked the end of a storyline that began during Doug’s funeral last December and introduced his never-before-mentioned grandson. Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie) spoke to Soap Opera Digest about the Doug III character, the plot’s ending, and her joy that it vindicated Julie’s brother, Steven, who was originally suspected of the crime.
Soap Opera Digest: What has it been like having Doug III on the canvas?
Susan Seaforth Hayes: It was interesting that he popped up out of Europe. It was sad that he didn’t speak French, though he seems to have grown up there. However, he did speak English [laughs]. We had several interesting scenes together where Julie revealed a lot about his grandfather and her love for him. It was interesting that his character had a twist of regret over what sins he committed in the past. It was interesting watching it play out.
Digest: Julie finally learned about one of those “sins” when Doug admitted that he stole Alice’s necklace after Julie confronted him. What were your thoughts on Julie’s reaction to that?
Seaforth Hayes: I agreed with the writing of Julie’s character, that she was stunned, wounded, discouraged and extremely hurt by his betrayal. Yet, since his regret is sincere, in the long, long run I think Julie will soften her attitude towards him and, if not forget, certainly make a start at forgiving which shows her maturity in this situation.
Digest: Forgiveness is often a rarity on daytime.
Seaforth Hayes: In so many soap opera stories, you’re holding a grudge 40 years later when you come back to do an appearance at a birthday party or something. And the first thing out of your mouth is your old storyline about, “I’ve always hated you.” I don’t think Julie is that character anymore. We perhaps have some people that view the show and say, “Oh, I like her. I like her bitchiness.” By the time she’s 81-1/2-years-old, which I am, bitchiness is not the first thing that you want to have on your tombstone. I’d like to be remembered as somebody that learned a few things along the way, and I think Julie has had a lot to learn since she started as a juvenile needing attention and acting out. She has grown, and at least what I bring to the material now is my own life experience.
Digest: Another good thing that came out of all this is that Julie’s brother, Steven, who was the original suspect in the necklace theft, was totally vindicated. Were you happy about that?
Seaforth Hayes: That was joyful. Joyful! I was happy in every direction. I love Stephen Schnetzer [ex-Steven]. I want him to come back and be a leading man for, I don’t know, anybody! Maybe for Dee [Deidre Hall, Marlena]. He’s so gorgeous, he has this beautiful voice, and he’s a hell of a good actor. I’ve been through five regime changes of writers, and every time I have said, “Can we please have my brother [return to Salem]? He’s been off the canvas so long. He could be anything. He could be a dark figure. He could be a positive figure. He could be funny.” And they’ve said, ‘Oh, thank you [for the suggestion].” Then he finally turned up [for Doug’s funeral], and, boy, oh boy, was it fun.
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