Susan Seaforth Hayes’ emotional Days of Our Lives performance this year brought fans to tears. Yet, when the 2024 Daytime Emmy nominations dropped, her name was missing. That sparked outrage—until Susan herself set the record straight with a heartfelt message.
Fans Outraged by the Omission—But Susan Has a Different Take
Susan Seaforth Hayes, known for playing Julie Williams since 1968, tackled one of her hardest storylines yet—grieving her real-life husband, Bill Hayes, on-screen as Doug Williams. Many fans were confident that her raw performance would earn her a nomination. When it didn’t, disappointment turned into vocal outrage across social media. But Susan didn’t echo the frustration.
Instead, the veteran star took to Instagram and delivered a beautifully reflective message. Rather than framing it as a snub, she reminded fans of the legacy she’s built and the honors she has received over decades. According to her, she’s “hugely blessed” and proud of the work she’s done—even without a 2024 nod.
Days of Our Lives: An Actress, A Widow, A Legend
Susan acknowledged that her 2024 scenes blurred the lines between fiction and reality. When Julie said goodbye to Doug, Susan was also grieving Bill. She admitted that maybe the judges didn’t see it as acting. But for her, that didn’t matter. She wasn’t simply performing grief—she was living it.
She explained, “My truth was based on a love that was real.” In those moments, she wasn’t just an actress. She was a wife honoring her husband, with millions watching and grieving alongside her. The performance became something bigger than a nomination could capture.
A Career of Grace and Evolution
Susan used her message to reflect on her entire journey with Days of Our Lives. From her early days as the “fresh” ingénue, to becoming the “mellow” grandmother figure, she embraced each stage with pride. Her career wasn’t about the spotlight—it was about longevity, growth, and staying present for thousands of episodes.
She also reminded fans that she’s already a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award winner. That golden statue sits on the piano beside Bill’s, and for her, it holds all the value that a single year’s nomination could ever bring.
Days of Our Lives: Why Susan’s Words Matter More Than the Emmy
While many actors would lash out at such a moment, Susan Seaforth Hayes chose gratitude. Her message wasn’t just a response to an Emmy snub—it was a love letter to the craft, her fans, and her late husband. She reassured viewers that she plans to “keep on keeping on,” continuing to bring Julie’s journey to life.
Her emotional depth, wisdom, and grace prove why she remains one of Days of Our Lives’ most cherished icons. And for millions of viewers, no award could define the impact she’s had. Susan Seaforth Hayes may not have received an Emmy nomination, but her legacy on Days of Our Lives speaks louder than any trophy. Stay tuned with Soap Opera Daily for more heartfelt stories from Salem’s beloved stars.
