Mary Hobbs WIKI:- Bill Hayes, the legendary star of Days of Our Lives, passed away on January 12, 2024, at the age of 98. He was best known for his role as Doug Williams, the charming singer and con artist who fell in love with Julie Olson, played by his real-life wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes. The couple, dubbed as the first supercouple of daytime television, graced the cover of Time magazine in 1976 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Daytime Emmys in 2018.
But before he met Susan, Bill was married to another woman for 22 years. Her name was Mary Hobbs, and she was a remarkable person in her own right. She was an intellectual, an educator, and a mother of five children. She was also Bill’s first love and his biggest supporter during his early career. In this article, we will explore the life and legacy of Mary, the woman behind Bill Hayes’ first marriage.
Early Life and Education
Mary Hobbs was born in 1922 (Age: 75 years; at the time of her death in 1997) in Indiana. She grew up in a family that valued education and culture. She attended DePauw University, where she majored in English and minored in French. She was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society and the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She was also active in various campus activities, such as the literary magazine, the debate team, and the drama club.
From #Days of our Lives Publicity:
— ryan w (@SourceRyan) January 13, 2024
It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Bill Hayes.
One of the longest running characters on Days of our Lives, Bill originated the role of “Doug Williams” in 1970 and portrayed him continuously throughout his life.… pic.twitter.com/rmUtcmZeaU
It was at DePauw that she met Bill Hayes, a handsome and talented young man who had a passion for music and theater. Bill was also a Phi Beta Kappa member and a Sigma Chi fraternity brother. He was a star of the glee club, the choir, and the band. He also performed in several musicals and plays, such as The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, and The Student Prince.
The two were instantly attracted to each other and began dating. They shared a love of literature, art, and music. They also had a sense of adventure and a desire to explore the world beyond their small town. They graduated from DePauw in 1947 and got married in February of that year.
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BIO/WIKI
| Name | Mary Hobbs |
|---|---|
| Birth date | 1922 |
| Age (as of 1997) | 75 years |
| Death Date | 1997 |
| Cause of Death | Not Known |
| Occupation | Educator |
| Spouse/Husband | Bill Hayes (1947-1969) |
| Children | Carolyn Hayes, William Foster Hayes IV, Thomas Harley Hayes, Margaret Hayes, and Catherine Christian Hayes |
| Education | Master’s degree in Special Education |
Mary Hobbs’ Marriage, Husband and Family
After their wedding, Bill Hayes and Mary moved to New York City, where Bill pursued his dream of becoming a Broadway star. He landed roles in shows such as Carousel, Brigadoon, and Me and Juliet. He also recorded songs for RCA Victor, including his hit single “The Ballad of Davy Crockett,” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts in 1955.
Mary supported Bill’s career while also pursuing her own. She earned a Master’s degree in Special Education from Columbia University and taught at various schools in New York and New Jersey. She specialized in working with children with learning disabilities and emotional problems. She was a pioneer in the field of special education and a respected professional among her peers.
Son, Daughter & Children
Bill and Mary Hobbs also started a family. They had five children: Carolyn Hayes, William Foster Hayes IV, Thomas Harley Hayes, Margaret Hayes, and Catherine Christian Hayes. They raised them in a loving and stimulating environment, filled with music, books, and lively discussions. They also exposed them to different cultures and experiences, traveling with them across the country and abroad. They were devoted parents who encouraged their children to pursue their interests and talents.
Separation and Divorce with Bill Hayes
Despite their seemingly perfect marriage, Bill and Mary faced some challenges and conflicts over the years. They had different personalities and temperaments. Bill was outgoing, charismatic, and adventurous. Mary was introverted, intellectual, and reserved. They also had different expectations and needs. Bill wanted more attention and affection from Mary. Mary wanted more independence and recognition for her work.
The stress of balancing their careers and family also took a toll on their relationship. Bill was often away from home, performing on stage or on television. Mary was often at home, managing the household and the children. They grew apart and drifted into their own worlds.
Many fans have said to me that losing Bill Hayes is like losing a member of their family, that’s how much he touched the hearts of us all. Enjoy this excerpt from “World by the Tail, The Bill Hayes story”- a must see film celebrating his incredible life. #Days #DaysofourLives pic.twitter.com/aHNkgtPr1U
— 𝘈𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘦 (@Evangelia1111) January 13, 2024
In 1969, after 22 years of marriage, Bill Hayes and Mary Hobbs decided to end their relationship. They divorced amicably and remained friends. They also co-parented their children with respect and cooperation. They never spoke ill of each other in public or in private. They acknowledged their contributions and achievements in each other’s lives. They also wished each other happiness and success in their future endeavors.
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Later Years and Legacy
After their divorce, Bill Hayes and Mary moved on with their lives. Bill met Susan Seaforth, his co-star on Days of Our Lives, and married her in 1974. They became one of the most popular and enduring couples on television, playing Doug and Julie for over four decades. They also appeared in other shows, such as The Love Boat, Murder, She Wrote, and The Young and the Restless. They also wrote a memoir, Like Sands Through the Hourglass, in 2005.
Second Spouse & Wedding
Mary continued her career in education, working as a consultant, a supervisor, and a director of special education programs. She also remarried and had two more children, David and Elizabeth. She retired in 1987 and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She also connected with Bill and Susan, attending their anniversary parties and celebrating their milestones.
Mary Hobbs passed away in 1997 at the age of 75. She was survived by her husband, her seven children, and her 14 grandchildren. She was remembered as a brilliant, compassionate, and generous woman who touched many lives with her wisdom and kindness. She was also honored as a trailblazer and a leader in the field of special education, leaving a lasting legacy of innovation and excellence.
Bill Hayes’ Death
Bill Hayes passed away in 2024 at the age of 98. He was survived by his wife, his five children, and his 15 grandchildren. He was remembered as a legend, a gentleman, and a joy to work with. He was also honored as a pioneer and an icon in the field of daytime television, leaving a lasting legacy of entertainment and romance.
Bill and Mary Hobbs may have parted ways, but they never forgot each other. They shared a history, a bond, and a love that transcended time and distance. They were both remarkable people who made a difference in the world. They were also part of each other’s stories, and their stories will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew them and loved them.
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