In 1970, the iconic romance of Doug Williams and Julie Olsen (Then Banning) began on NBC’s soap opera Days of Our Lives. The meeting of these two characters sparked a love story that would endure for decades. Susan Seaforth Hayes and Bill Hayes brought these characters to life, captivating audiences with their on-screen chemistry.
Before their fateful meeting, Julie’s rival, Susan Martin, introduced Doug and Julie. Susan had her own motives, paying Doug to have an affair with Julie in order to create drama. Thus, on May 7, 1970, Doug entered Julie’s life, meeting her and her son, David Banning, and sparking a whirlwind of emotions.
Off-screen, Bill and Susan began their own romance, eventually leading to marriage in 1974. Onscreen, their characters became one of television’s first ‘super couples,’ raising the show’s popularity to new heights. Time Magazine even featured the Hayses on its cover, highlighting their characters’ romance.
Despite facing numerous obstacles, including Doug marrying and impregnating Julie’s mother, Addie Horton, their love persevered. The couple remained on Days of Our Lives until 1984 when the show took a new direction. However, they continued to make appearances over the years, returning more regularly in 1999.
After Bill’s passing in 2024, Susan Seaforth Hayes continued to appear on the show, portraying Julie as a bookstore owner in Horton Town Square. The Hayeses’ on-screen legacy continues to be celebrated by fans of the long-running soap opera.
As Days of Our Lives streams on Peacock, the timeless love story of Doug and Julie lives on, proving that true love can withstand any trial.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.