If you’ve spent any time in the fictional town of Salem over the last few decades, you know that Julie Williams is basically the heartbeat of the show. But lately, fans have been hitting Google with one specific question: how old is Susan Seaforth Hayes?
Honestly, it’s a fair question. The woman has been on our screens for so long that she feels like a member of the family. Seeing her navigate the emotional wringer on Days of Our Lives makes you realize just how much history she carries in those eyes.
The Numbers: How Old Is Susan Seaforth Hayes?
Let’s get the math out of the way first. Susan Seaforth Hayes was born on July 11, 1943. As we move through the early weeks of 2026, that makes her 82 years old.
- Let 그 sink in for a second.
She isn't just "still working"; she is carrying heavy, dramatic storylines that would exhaust actors half her age. She’s been playing Julie Olson Williams since 1968. If you’re keeping track, that is nearly 60 years in the same zip code. She is the only actor to have appeared on Days in all seven decades of its existence.
Why the World Is Talking About Her Right Now
Age is just a number, sure, but for Susan, the last couple of years have been a gauntlet. The passing of her husband, the legendary Bill Hayes (Doug Williams), in January 2024, changed everything. They weren't just a TV couple; they were married for 50 years in real life.
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Watching her handle Doug's on-screen death while grieving Bill in reality was some of the most raw, "is-this-even-acting" television ever produced. People aren't just curious about how old is Susan Seaforth Hayes because of a birthday—they’re asking because they are in awe of her resilience.
She recently shared some wisdom on Instagram about entering 2026, basically telling everyone to "listen more" and "enjoy the ride of being alive." It’s the kind of perspective you only get when you’ve seen the industry change from black-and-white sets to streaming on Peacock.
A Career That Started Long Before Salem
While most of us know her as Julie, Susan was a professional long before she ever stepped foot in the Horton house.
- She was a child actress.
- She did the rounds on classic TV: The Loretta Young Show, Gunsmoke, Dragnet.
- She even had a stint on General Hospital as Dorothy Bradley back in '64.
But it was Days that made her a household name. In 1976, she and Bill were the first soap stars to ever grace the cover of Time magazine. Think about that. In the 70s, they were as big as any movie star today.
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The Secret to Her Longevity
So, how does she do it? People always want to know the "secret." Is it the Hollywood water? Good genes?
Actually, she’s pretty open about it. She stays active. She’s a writer (she and Bill co-authored a memoir called Like Sands Through the Hourglass). And she isn't afraid of the "new." When the show moved from NBC to Peacock, she didn't blink. She just kept showing up.
She also credits her family. Even at 82, she’s surrounded by her daughter and grandsons. She recently joked about how she talks too much and is trying to change that in her 80s, which is honestly hilarious and relatable.
Dealing with Loss in the Public Eye
The last year has been "very lonely," by her own admission. She told People magazine that she spent 80 years of her life being significantly loved—first by her mother and grandmother, then by Bill. Learning to be "alone" at 82 is a heavy lift.
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Yet, she’s still on set. She’s still Julie. She’s still the woman who can wither a villain with a single look or make you cry with a monologue about the "good old days" at the Brady Pub.
What’s Next for the Legend?
If you're wondering if she's retiring anytime soon—don't hold your breath. Susan seems to find life in the work.
She’s a reminder that getting older doesn’t mean fading out. It means becoming a "master of the craft." Whether she’s 82 or 92, she’ll likely be the one holding the keys to the Horton office, reminding us all that Salem isn't Salem without her.
If you're looking to honor her legacy, the best thing you can do is actually watch. Catch her on Peacock, read her memoir, and appreciate the fact that we still have a living legend of the Golden Age of Television actively creating art every single week.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check out her memoir: Like Sands Through the Hourglass for the real, unvarnished story of her and Bill.
- Support Daytime TV: Keep the ratings up on Peacock to ensure these legends have a stage to perform on.
- Engage with her socials: She’s surprisingly active and shares great "sage advice" for the younger generation.