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The Heartbreaking List: 'Days Of Our Lives' Stars We Lost In 2024–2025 And Their Enduring Legacies

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The world of daytime drama faced a series of profound losses in 2024, continuing into 2025, with several actors from the iconic soap opera *Days of Our Lives* (DOOL) passing away. As of today, December 11, 2025, fans are still reeling from the deaths of beloved veterans and talented younger stars, whose contributions to the fictional town of Salem left an indelible mark on television history. This article honors their lives, their unforgettable characters, and the legacies they leave behind in the hearts of millions of viewers. The recent passing of these stars, especially the unexpected loss of younger talent and the farewell to a foundational pillar of the show, has brought a wave of reflection across the soap opera community, highlighting the fragility of life and the deep bonds formed over decades of shared storytelling.

A Pillar of Salem: The Life and Legacy of Bill Hayes (Doug Williams)

The loss of Bill Hayes in early 2024 marked the end of an era for *Days of Our Lives*. His character, Doug Williams, was not just a fan favorite but a central figure whose decades-long love story with Julie Olson (played by his real-life wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes) became one of the most celebrated supercouples in soap opera history.

Bill Hayes: Biography and Career Profile

  • Full Name: William Foster Hayes III
  • Born: June 5, 1925, in Harvey, Illinois, U.S.
  • Died: January 12, 2024, in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
  • Age at Death: 98
  • Cause of Death: Not publicly disclosed, passed away peacefully of natural causes.
  • Spouse: Susan Seaforth Hayes (married 1974)
  • DOOL Role: Doug Williams (1970–2024)
  • Notable Career Highlights: Hayes was a celebrated actor and singer, known for his early career on Broadway and for recording the hit song "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" in 1955. His 53-year tenure on *Days of Our Lives* cemented his status as a daytime legend.
Hayes first joined the DOOL cast in 1970, and his immediate chemistry with Susan Seaforth (Julie Olson) led to the creation of the show’s first major supercouple. The on-screen marriage of Doug and Julie in 1976 was a cultural phenomenon, even making the cover of *Time* magazine. His passing at the age of 98 was met with an outpouring of grief from co-stars and fans alike. The show dedicated time to honoring his life, with many cast members sharing personal anecdotes about his kindness, professionalism, and enduring love for his wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes. His legacy is not just the character of Doug Williams, but the real-life love story that inspired millions.

Unexpected Losses: Diane Delano and Francisco San Martin

While the passing of a 98-year-old legend is a somber but expected farewell, the soap community was also rocked by the deaths of two other actors whose lives were cut tragically short: Diane Delano and Francisco San Martin.

Diane Delano: A Beloved Character Actress

Diane Delano, a veteran character actress known for her distinct voice and commanding presence, passed away in late 2024. Although her time on *Days of Our Lives* was relatively brief, her memorable character left a lasting impression.

Diane Delano: Biography and Career Profile

  • Full Name: Diane Allie Delano
  • Born: January 29, 1957
  • Died: December 13, 2024, in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
  • Age at Death: 67
  • Cause of Death: Passed away after a battle with cancer.
  • DOOL Role: Hilda (FBI agent hired to protect Sami Brady) (2008–2009, recurring) and an earlier role as Olga.
  • Notable Career Highlights: Delano had an extensive career across film and television. She is perhaps best known for her recurring role as Officer Barbara Semanski on the series *Northern Exposure* and as Ms. Glass on Ryan Murphy's *Popular*. She also appeared in films like *Jeepers Creepers 2* and had roles in *Two and a Half Men* and *The Wicker Man*.
Delano’s role as Hilda, the tough and protective FBI agent assigned to Sami Brady, showcased her ability to blend authority with a touch of eccentricity, making her a standout in a short run. Her death, just days before the end of 2024, was a shock to those who had followed her career across multiple genres. Tributes poured in, remembering her as a "larger than life" performer who brought immense energy to every role.

Francisco San Martin: A Talented Young Star

The death of Francisco San Martin in early 2024 was a particularly heartbreaking loss, underscoring the mental health struggles that can affect anyone, regardless of their success.

Francisco San Martin: Biography and Career Profile

  • Full Name: Francisco San Martin
  • Born: August 27, 1985, in Mallorca, Spain
  • Died: January 16, 2024, in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
  • Age at Death: 39
  • Cause of Death: Suicide by hanging.
  • DOOL Role: Dario Hernandez (2010–2011, 2017)
  • Notable Career Highlights: San Martin was a Spanish actor who gained recognition in American daytime television. Beyond Dario Hernandez, a petty thief who arrived in Salem, he also played a second character, Javier Rodriguez, on DOOL and had a role on *The Bold and the Beautiful*. He also appeared in *Jane the Virgin*.
San Martin’s character, Dario Hernandez, was involved in various Salem dramas, often crossing paths with the show's core families. His death at the age of 39 was confirmed by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office as a suicide, prompting a powerful conversation about mental health awareness within the entertainment industry and among his fans. His passing serves as a somber reminder of the importance of support and resources for those struggling with mental illness.

Other Notable Losses and The Enduring Legacy of DOOL Stars

While Hayes, Delano, and San Martin represent the most recent and significant losses, the *Days of Our Lives* family has also mourned other talented individuals in the recent past, further emphasizing the cyclical nature of life and loss in a show with a six-decade history.

Remembering Cody Longo and Wayne Northrop

The community also remembers Cody Longo, who passed away from chronic ethanol abuse, and Wayne Northrop, the original Roman Brady, who died after a battle with Alzheimer's. These deaths, each unique in their circumstances, contribute to the tapestry of recent farewells. * Cody Longo: Known for his roles in various TV shows, his death was a tragic consequence of chronic ethanol abuse, highlighting the hidden battles many face. * Wayne Northrop: His portrayal of Roman Brady was foundational to the show's history, and his loss due to Alzheimer's disease was a poignant moment for longtime viewers.

The Topical Authority of Soap Opera Tributes

The sheer volume of recent losses underscores the deep, familial nature of the soap opera world. Unlike prime-time shows, soap actors often work together for decades, forming bonds that transcend the screen. When a star dies, the tribute is often a deeply personal and collective one. The enduring popularity of *Days of Our Lives*, which has been on the air since 1965, ensures that the characters and the actors who played them become a part of the viewers' extended family. The deaths of stars like Bill Hayes, who was on the show for over half a century, are felt as a loss within the family home of millions of viewers worldwide. The show itself often incorporates these real-life tragedies into the on-screen narrative, offering a respectful and emotional farewell to the characters, as seen with the character of John Black after Drake Hogestyn's passing. The legacies of Bill Hayes, Diane Delano, Francisco San Martin, and others continue to live on through their work, the memories of their co-stars, and the vast archive of episodes that can be revisited by fans for generations to come. Their contributions are a permanent, cherished part of the *Days of Our Lives* history.
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