DAYS’s Susan Seaforth Hayes Shares Emotional Open Letter on Daytime Emmy ‘Upset’
Beloved daytime veteran Susan Seaforth Hayes, who has played Julie Horton Williams on Days of Our Lives since 1968, had to act out the passing of her beloved real-life husband, Bill Hayes, when the soap penned the demise of his longtime character, Doug Williams, into the show in last year. Many hoped and expected the actress, already a recipient of a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award alongside her late husband, to appear on the list of Daytime Emmy nominations released Thursday. When she didn’t, Seaforth Hayes wrote an open letter, which she shared on her official Instagram, shooting down the notion that she had been snubbed. Here is what it said in its entirety:
“For everyone who was upset by the Emmy nominations, I am amazed and moved that so many cared that deeply about Susan Hayes and Julie, her other self.
The first Daytime Emmys happened live from the gorgeous plaza of Rockefeller Center in NYC. Bill Hayes sang, we presented, and MacDonald [sic] Carey [ex-Tom Horton, DAYS] won for ‘best person on daytime’ or some vague category that made us all feel splendid. Eventually, the categories became more specific; Lead Actor, Supporting, Younger, and now Emerging Actor (imagine Meryl Streep rising out of a cake!).
Between my nominations, I have had the honor of co-hosting the show once with Beverlee McKinsey [ex-Iris, Another World/Texas; ex-Alexandra, Guiding Light] and in 2018 receiving a Lifetime Achievement Emmy that sits on our piano next to Billy’s. I have not been snubbed by all the judges of NATAS over time.
From 1968–2025 I fit into all the categories, emerging, to supporting, to lead. Susan Lucci [ex-Erica, All My Children] was forever a leading lady, Susan/Julie reflected the more natural evolution of nature. She was fresh– then hot– cooled down– and for now, mellow.
I have had the chance to stay a working actress for all those thousands of shows. Studying lines, going through the studio gate, being present with the creative cast and crew for one of the longest running dramas on American television.
I feel that’s pretty great, and I’ll be 82 tomorrow. Here is the nugget I’ve been digesting about all of this history. Daytime drama is entertainment. The stories promise romance and beautiful people with intriguing complications. For the audience it’s an hour of happy escape from reality.
Susan and Julie are facing the reality of growing old. Reality is a deep dive. I was lucky to meet the love of my life in full view of a daytime audience. We caught their imaginations for a long, fulfilling time. Then faded into grandparents, then a dear sweet couple, then we were parted… not by a change of writers, but death itself. Only a widow with memories remains.
Is she ‘entertaining?’ This is not the usual path of a soap opera leading lady. In that story of loss I was more than an actress, I was a wife. My husband deserved all I could give to show the reality of grief and loss. Perhaps the judges felt I wasn’t acting when for the camera, I got the news, kissed the body goodbye, and gave the eulogy. No matter, my truth was based on a love that was real for an audience that loved him, too. My reward in 2024 was that I honored Doug and Julie, members of a family millions have opened their hearts to.
I am hugely blessed and promise you all I will keep on keeping on.”
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