TV Drama Digest Exclusive: Susan Seaforth Hayes and the 2024 Emmy Controversy – A Legacy Overlooked, But Never Diminished
By TV Days Drama Digest Staff
Greetings, devoted fans of daytime drama. Today, we delve into a story that has rocked the world of soap operas—an emotional, poignant, and deeply controversial narrative surrounding Susan Seaforth Hayes, the beloved legend of Days of Our Lives, and her glaring absence from the final nominee list for Outstanding Performance in a Drama Series at the 2024 Daytime Emmy Awards.
Her exclusion has left fans outraged, critics puzzled, and the industry asking hard questions. Was this simply a misstep, or does it speak to something larger—an evolving awards system that may be drifting away from honoring legacy and substance in favor of flash and trend?
Let’s take a closer look at Seaforth Hayes’s remarkable journey, the emotional weight of her 2024 performance, and the firestorm surrounding her Emmy snub.
The Enduring Grace of Susan Seaforth Hayes
To understand the uproar, one must first appreciate the profound impact of Susan Seaforth Hayes on daytime television. Since 1968, Hayes has portrayed Julie Williams, a woman who has loved, fought, wept, and risen from ashes more times than anyone in Salem can count. Through countless arcs, from romance to tragedy, Susan’s embodiment of Julie has remained a pillar of emotional depth and sophistication.
In 2024, Hayes delivered what many have called a career-defining performance during the Days of Our Lives funeral storyline for Doug Williams—her character’s beloved husband, portrayed by her real-life partner Bill Hayes, who passed away earlier that year.
Her portrayal of grief was raw, powerful, and devastatingly real. It wasn’t just acting—it was lived experience. The funeral and wake scenes were soaked in both personal loss and fictional heartbreak, blurring the lines between reality and fiction in the most stirring way. Viewers were moved to tears. Critics praised her work as “a masterclass in restraint and emotional complexity.”
Which is why, when Emmy nominations were revealed, the exclusion of her name from the final Outstanding Performance roster left fans in stunned disbelief.
A Lifetime of Dedication – And A Legacy Ignored?
Susan Seaforth Hayes is no stranger to the Daytime Emmys. She’s been nominated six times throughout her iconic career and received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, alongside her late husband, Bill Hayes. Their bond—on-screen and off—was legendary. Julie and Doug were not just characters; they were a living love story cherished by generations.
In an interview earlier this year, Hayes reflected proudly:
“I’ve been nominated in every category—from emerging to leading. It’s been an honor to tell stories that connect so deeply with people.”
From co-hosting the Emmys to inspiring younger generations of actors, Hayes has been a fixture in the soap world and a symbol of consistency and class.
Which is why the 2024 omission—after such a towering performance—hit especially hard.
The Fan Backlash: #JusticeForSusan Trends
Once the nominee list dropped, fan outrage erupted across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Clips from Julie’s funeral monologues flooded timelines. The hashtag #JusticeForSusan began trending, with posts like:
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“Her performance was the soul of ‘Days’ this year. How did they miss that?”
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“Susan Seaforth Hayes IS daytime TV. This is not just a snub—it’s a betrayal.”
The emotion behind these posts wasn’t just about an awards show—it was about recognition for decades of dedication, and for one of the most emotionally harrowing performances in soap history.
Theories Behind the Snub: Competition or Changing Values?
So what happened?
The 2024 Daytime Emmy Awards, held on October 17th in Pasadena, featured one of the most competitive fields in years. With daytime drama expanding to streaming platforms, and a fresh crop of breakout stars delivering viral-worthy moments, some speculate the judges may have leaned toward newer, buzzier performances over more nuanced ones.
There are whispers of shifting priorities in the judging process, including:
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A preference for high-concept arcs over quiet character moments.
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An industry drift toward younger demographics and faster pacing, marginalizing legacy players.
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The increasing dominance of streaming soaps, which may be influencing where judges focus their attention.
Another possibility? Simple oversight—a painful, unfortunate one.
But to fans, no explanation seems to justify the exclusion of one of the most celebrated actresses in daytime history from recognition in her most vulnerable, moving performance to date.
Susan’s Response: Grace, Gratitude, and Quiet Strength
While the storm brewed online, Susan Seaforth Hayes responded with the same elegance that’s defined her career. In a heartfelt online statement, she wrote:
“I’m deeply honored by the nomination and the love from the fans. The Emmys are a celebration of our industry, and I’m thrilled to be a part of this community—win or lose.”
Her words reflect humility and perspective. But there’s no denying the subtle undertone: a woman hurt, but never bitter. At 82, Hayes remains grounded in her craft and proud of her contribution to the genre.
“Tomorrow I will be 82,” she said in another interview, “and I’m still telling stories that matter to people. That’s the greatest reward.”
A Deeper Conversation: What the Snub Says About the Industry
Hayes’s absence from the Emmy stage shines a harsh light on how daytime TV treats its elders.
Veteran performers—particularly women over 60—often struggle to receive the same attention as their younger co-stars, even when delivering deeply resonant work. In a culture increasingly obsessed with “new,” icons like Susan Seaforth Hayes risk being unfairly pushed aside.
And yet, fans don’t forget.
Soap operas have always thrived because of longevity, familiarity, and loyalty. Julie Williams isn’t just a character—she’s family. For many viewers, she has been a part of their lives longer than most relationships.
To overlook Susan Seaforth Hayes is to overlook what makes daytime great: legacy, emotional intelligence, and timeless storytelling.
The Sands of Salem Still Shift – And So Does Julie’s Story
Despite the Emmy snub, Loyal Days of Our Lives fans can rest assured—Julie Williams isn’t going anywhere.
Sources say Julie’s story will take a renewed emotional turn this fall, with the show preparing a heartwarming tribute arc that will further explore her grief, strength, and legacy in Salem. Rumors even hint at a multi-generational storyline involving younger family members reconnecting with Julie’s past to understand their future.
Whether the Emmys acknowledge her or not, Susan Seaforth Hayes continues to define what it means to be a soap opera icon.
Conclusion: A Star That Still Shines
Susan Seaforth Hayes’s absence from the 2024 Daytime Emmy final nominee list may be one of the most controversial moments in recent award history—but it cannot dim the brilliance of her legacy.
With six nominations, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and decades of devotion to her craft, Hayes is a living legend. Her performance during Doug Williams’s farewell was more than Emmy-worthy—it was history in the making.
As the world of daytime drama continues to evolve, we must ensure that its foundations—its icons—are not forgotten. Because without women like Susan Seaforth Hayes, there would be no Salem, no Julie, and no Days of Our Lives as we know it.
So here’s to Susan—still standing, still storytelling, and still capturing our hearts with every line.
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Because in daytime drama, the story is never really over.
