Susan Seaforth Hayes Speaks Out About Daytime Emmy Nominations

Jul 10

3 min read

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Legendary actress Susan Seaforth Hayes, who has portrayed Julie Horton Williams on Days of Our Lives since 1968, is opening up about this year’s Daytime Emmy nominations and the passionate reactions from fans.

Susan Seaforth Hayes Speaks Out About Daytime Emmy Nominations

In 2024, viewers watched Julie grieve the loss of her beloved Doug Williams, who passed peacefully in his sleep during Thanksgiving week (specifically on Friday, November 29, 2024). It was a deeply emotional story that mirrored Seaforth Hayes’ own life after losing her husband, Bill Hayes.

On July 10, 2025, after the nominations were announced, many fans voiced their disappointment that Susan wasn’t recognized for her powerful performance. Taking to Instagram, Seaforth Hayes addressed their heartfelt messages:

“For everyone who was upset by the Emmy nominations, I am amazed and moved that so many cared that deeply about Susan Hayes and Julie, her other self."

She went on to reflect on her remarkable Emmy history, from her early days in the 1960s to her Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018:

"The first Daytime Emmys happened live from the gorgeous plaza of Rockefeller Center in NYC. Bill Hayes sang, we presented, and MacDonald Carey [ex-Tom Horton, DAYS] 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!). 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."

Reflecting on her decades-long journey, she described her evolution on-screen:

"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."

She emphasized the gift of being able to work steadily and share her love story publicly:

"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."

Then, she poignantly touched on the difference between entertainment and reality, especially in the wake of Doug’s on-screen death mirroring real loss:

"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 the 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."

Ending her message with gratitude and determination, Susan added:

"I am hugely blessed and promise you all I will keep on keeping on."

As she celebrates her 82nd birthday tomorrow, Susan Seaforth Hayes continues to be an icon of daytime television — not just for her extraordinary talent but for her authenticity, vulnerability, and unwavering devotion to the fans and the character she has lived alongside for over five decades.