'Days of Our Lives' star Bill Hayes breathes his last 98

Bill Hayes best known for his role in Days of Our Lives has passed away at the age of 98.

According to a rep for the television series told PEOPLE on Friday, “It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Bill Hayes. One of the longest-running characters on Days of our Lives, Bill originated the role of ‘Doug Williams’ in 1970 and portrayed him continuously throughout his life.”

The representative shared, “He and his wife, Susan Seaforth-Hayes, remained the foundation of the Williams-Horton family spanning more than 50 years.”

Days of Our Lives executive producer Ken Corday said, “I have known Bill for most of my life and he embodied the heart and soul of Days of our Lives. Although we are grieving and will miss him, Bill’s indelible legacy will live on in our hearts and the stories we tell, both on and off the screen.”

Since 1970, Hayes portrayed the role of Doug Williams in the daytime soap opera, a character he took on five years after the series first premiered.

It is pertinent to mention that In 2018, Bill received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Daytime Emmy's, honoring his extensive portrayal of Doug Williams on the soap opera spanning several decades.

Read also: 'Parasite' star Lee Sun-kyun breathes his last at 48 amidst drug case

The show held a special significance for him beyond his professional achievements as Bill and Susan's personal connection blossomed on the soap opera set, culminating in an on-screen kiss in July 1970.

Their on-screen romance translated into real-life love, leading to their marriage in October 1974. Mirroring their characters, the couple celebrated a second wedding on October 1, 1976.

Bill is survived by his son, William Foster Hayes IV.