For decades, Susan Seaforth Hayes has been one of daytime television’s most beloved figures. Best known for portraying Julie Williams on Days of Our Lives,

Hayes has become synonymous with the heart and history of the iconic soap opera. But recently, the veteran actress stepped away from the fictional drama of Salem to reflect

on something far more personal—her own lifelong connection to the stage. After attending a powerful theatrical performance, Hayes took to social media to share a deeply emotional reflection

that transported fans back to the earliest days of her acting career. The evening wasn’t just about watching a show—it was about revisiting a place that helped shape her life in entertainment and reconnecting with memories tied to family, love, and the rich legacy of theater.

A Night at a Historic Stage

Hayes revealed that she recently spent an evening at the legendary Pasadena Playhouse, one of the most respected regional theaters in the United States. For the actress, the visit was far more than a casual night out—it was a return to a stage where her artistic journey first began.

In a heartfelt post, Hayes shared that she performed at the Pasadena Playhouse many times when she was just nine years old. Those early experiences on stage were among the formative moments that ignited her passion for acting and ultimately paved the way for her decades-long career.

During the visit, Hayes watched a production of Amadeus, the acclaimed theatrical retelling of the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his complicated rivalry with Antonio Salieri.

For Hayes, the play carried an especially personal significance.

Remembering Bill Hayes

The performance of Amadeus stirred powerful memories of Hayes’ late husband, Bill Hayes, who once portrayed the role of Salieri in a stage production of the same play. Bill Hayes, who passed away in 2024, was not only a celebrated performer in his own right but also a beloved figure within the Days of Our Lives family, where he portrayed Doug Williams for decades.

Their real-life romance famously mirrored their on-screen love story, making them one of daytime television’s most cherished couples.

Watching Amadeus again brought those memories rushing back. Hayes reflected on how deeply familiar the story felt because of her husband’s connection to the role. The experience served as a reminder of the many ways their lives and careers were intertwined through the world of theater and television.

For longtime fans, the reflection was particularly poignant. Bill and Susan Hayes represented an enduring love story both on and off screen, and moments like this highlight how profoundly their shared history continues to resonate.

A Surprise Discovery

But the evening held an additional surprise—one that connected Hayes to another treasured figure in the Days of Our Lives legacy.

While exploring the theater, Hayes came across a vintage photograph featuring graduates from the Playhouse acting program. Among the faces in the historic image was Frances Reid, the legendary performer who played Alice Horton.

On the soap opera, Alice Horton served as the beloved matriarch of the Horton family for decades, and her presence became one of the emotional cornerstones of the series. For Hayes, Reid wasn’t just a co-star—she was a cherished mentor and a figure who felt like family.

Discovering the photograph felt like a bridge between past and present. The image connected the early theater roots of both actresses and reminded Hayes of the long, intertwined paths that eventually led them to Salem.

It was a moment that perfectly captured the sense of history and continuity that has always defined Days of Our Lives.

Fans Celebrate the Memories

After Hayes shared photos from the evening—including snapshots inside the theater, outside the iconic Playhouse sign, and beside historic displays—fans quickly flooded the comments with messages of support and nostalgia.

Many longtime viewers expressed their admiration for the actress, noting that they had followed her career for decades. Others reflected on how meaningful it was to see Hayes honoring the memories of both Bill Hayes and Frances Reid.

Among those responding was former Days of Our Lives actor Blake Berris, who shared his enthusiasm for the Amadeus production and noted how incredible it would have been to see Bill Hayes perform the role of Salieri.

Fans echoed that sentiment, celebrating the connection between Hayes’ personal memories and the broader history of theater and daytime television.

Some followers recalled watching her since the 1970s, while others simply thanked her for sharing such an intimate glimpse into her life. The overwhelming tone of the response was one of appreciation—not just for Hayes’ talent, but for the warmth and authenticity she has brought to audiences for generations.

A Legacy That Spans Generations

Susan Seaforth Hayes’ career is remarkable not only for its longevity but for its deep ties to the traditions of both theater and television. From her earliest performances as a child actor to her decades portraying Julie Williams, Hayes has remained a constant presence in an industry that often changes rapidly.

Moments like her visit to the Pasadena Playhouse serve as reminders that behind the dramatic storylines and unforgettable characters lies a rich personal history shaped by the stage.

The emotional resonance of her reflection also underscores why Days of Our Lives continues to hold such a special place in the hearts of viewers. The show isn’t just about fictional drama—it’s about the real relationships, memories, and shared experiences that have developed over time among its cast and audience.

A Full-Circle Moment

For Hayes, the evening at the Pasadena Playhouse represented something rare and beautiful: a full-circle moment that connected her childhood, her marriage, her career, and her enduring legacy.

Standing inside the theater where she once performed as a young girl, surrounded by echoes of past productions and the memories of those who shared the stage with her, Hayes was able to reflect on just how far the journey has taken her.

And for fans who have watched that journey unfold for decades, the story was a reminder of something equally powerful—the timeless magic of theater and the lasting impact of artists who dedicate their lives to it.