”It’s time to take a break,” Susan Hayes shares shocking news to DOOL fans Days of our lives
Video below!!Video below!!Video below!!Video below!!Video below!!Video below!!Video below!!“It’s Time to Take a Break,” Susan Hayes Shares Shocking News With Days of Our Lives Fans
For decades, Days of Our Lives fans have relied on Susan Seaforth Hayes as the steady, elegant, and emotionally powerful heart of Salem. As Julie Williams, she has been a beacon of warmth, loyalty, and old-school soap opera magic. But this week, the beloved actress stunned the DOOL community with an emotional announcement: she is stepping away from the show—for now.
Susan Hayes, one of the longest-running cast members in daytime television history, revealed that it is “time to take a break,” sending shockwaves through the DOOL fanbase. Her words struck deep, not only because of her legendary status on the series, but because Julie Williams remains a vital presence in Salem’s storytelling. The thought of losing her—even temporarily—immediately sparked concern, speculation, and heartfelt reactions from viewers around the world.
Hayes explained that this decision did not come lightly. At 81, she has continued to work tirelessly, often leading emotionally heavy storylines and sharing intense scenes with co-stars. In recent months, fans noticed Julie becoming more central once again, especially following the crisis surrounding Horton House, the deepening tensions within the family, and Doug’s health complications. While viewers celebrated the return of classic Horton stories, behind the scenes, the workload, travel demands, and filming schedule were becoming increasingly challenging.
The actress expressed her gratitude for the support she has received over the years, acknowledging that her connection to the audience helped sustain her passion for the show. However, she emphasized that sometimes even the strongest hearts need rest. “I love Julie, I love Days, and I love the fans,” she said in a message shared through a fan-page administrator. “But after so many years of giving my all, it’s time to take a break and take care of myself.”
Hayes’ words immediately raised a pressing question: What does this mean for Julie Williams’ future on the show? According to insiders, the break is temporary, and the door is wide open for Hayes to return whenever she feels ready. Instead of writing Julie out with a dramatic exit or tragedy, the writers reportedly crafted a soft, respectful pause that allows the character to step away from the forefront while preserving her legacy.
Fans can expect Julie to appear less frequently in the coming months, with her storylines wrapped in a way that honors her importance without closing the chapter permanently. Sources hint that her onscreen absence may be explained through travel or family responsibilities, giving her a peaceful, dignified reason to be off-screen.
The news has already sparked emotional responses across social media. Longtime viewers expressed sadness, but also understanding. Many pointed out that Hayes has given more than 50 years to the world of Salem—longer than several generations of fans have been alive. Others reminisced about Julie’s iconic story arcs: her whirlwind romance with Doug, her fiery rivalries, her heroic moments, and her unwavering devotion to the Horton legacy.
Some fans also worry about Doug’s future, given Bill Hayes’ passing earlier this year. The thought of Julie navigating Salem without Doug already carried emotional weight, and now the possibility of her absence intensifies those feelings. Still, many viewers hope that Susan Hayes’ break will allow her to return refreshed and ready for new chapters when the time is right.
For now, the actress encourages fans to continue supporting the show and celebrating the history that she helped shape. While she steps back to focus on her well-being, the warmth and strength of Julie Williams will continue to echo through Salem’s storylines.
In the world of soaps, characters might disappear, return, be reborn, or even recast—but there is only one Susan Seaforth Hayes. Her legacy doesn’t fade with time; it deepens. And as she takes this much-deserved break, Days of Our Lives fans worldwide are united in one message: thank you, Susan, for everything—and we’ll be waiting for your return.
