While her name was not among the nominees for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress when the full list of nominations were announced for “The 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards,” a category in which she submitted for awards contention, “Days of our Lives” star Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) took to social media to congratulate all who were nominated, thanked those who’ve shown their support in light of her not being recognized this year, while also recalling her decades long Daytime Emmys experience.
“For everyone who was upset by the Emmy nominations, I am amazed and moved that so many cared that deeply about Susan and Julie, her other self,” began Hayes in a lengthy message posted as screenshots from her cell phone’s Notes app on Instagram. “The first Daytime Emmys happened live from the gorgeous plaza of Rockefeller Center in NYC. Bill Hayes sang, we presented, and MacDonald Carey 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!).”
Vivian Zink/NBC
In January 2024, Hayes lost her husband, the late actor Bill Hayes, who also played her long-time scene partner Doug Williams on the daytime drama series. “Between my nominations, I have had the honor of co-hosting the show once with Beverlee McKinsey 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,” shared Hayes in her post.
“From 1968-2025 I fit into all the categories, emerging, to supporting, to lead. Susan Lucci 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,” Hayes continued. “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.”
Connecting her real-life experience to that of her TV character, Hayes says, “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 a 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.”
Closing out her post, Hayes noted, “I am hugely blessed and promise you all I will keep on keeping on.”
Hayes’ post included a memorable photo of herself holding a golden Emmy statue with the words “1974-75 Emmy Awards” appearing on the wall in the background, referencing “The 27th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards” ceremony that aired May 19, 1975, on CBS-TV at 9:00 p.m.
Hayes’ message comes one day after it was revealed that she had submitted herself in the Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress category, which was confirmed by her assistant, Amy Jean Shaughnessy, who is also the daughter of director David Shaughnessy and the niece of “Days of our Lives” actor Charles Shaughnessy (Shane Donovan).
Also commenting on Hayes not getting recognized by the Academy for her work was Cherie Jimenez, who plays Gabi Hernandez on “Days of our Lives.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she said, “No disrespect to all the incredibly talented women who are nominated, but I find it incredibly hard to believe that our Queen Susan Hayes was not nominated for her incredible performances this past year. With that said Congratulations to all these beautiful women.”
Note: Programs distributed within the calendar year January 1 to December 31, 2024 were eligible to submit for the 2025 Daytime Emmy competition. This includes the acting categories.
