Days of Our Lives acting legend Susan Seaforth Hayes was noticeably left out of the 2025 Daytime Emmy nominations list for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, and fans are angry. Hayes has portrayed Julie Williams on the soap opera since 1968, and is the only actress to star in the daytime drama for all seven decades it’s been on air.
According to Parade, Hayes’ Daytime Emmy snub greatly disappointed several fans of the actress’ work on the longtime show. The omission is particularly upsetting for spectators with regard to this past season because Hayes had an emotional year with the loss of her husband, Bill Hayes, who also played Susan’s on-screen partner, Doug, on the soap opera.
Many thought Susan powerfully expressed the emotional loss of mourning the love of her life for nearly five decades into the show that brought them together. Here are some posts on X in which actors and fans drew backlash over Susan’s 2025 Daytime Emmy snub:
Part of Amy Jean’s Statement on X: “NO one deserved a nomination this year more than Susan Seaforth Hayes for her absolutely brilliant performance processing and living through Bill Hayes’ and Doug Williams’ deaths. She did what most actors never have to do; she exposed her soul and shared her real life grief with the entire daytime audience. It was raw, real, and MORE than worthy of an Emmy nomination.”
Cherie Jimenez’s Statement on X: “No disrespect to all the incredibly talented women who are nominated, but I find it incredibly hard to believe that our Queen Susan Hayes was not nominated for her incredible performances this past year. With that said Congratulations to all these beautiful women.”
Comment from STEVENTANK replying to Amy Jean on X:
What category did she submit for? I need to know before I burn this place down.
Amy Jean’s reply to STEVENTANK on X:
We submitted her for Lead Actress, because this year’s material was Lead Actress material.
What The Comments On X Mean Regarding Susan Hayes’ Daytime Emmy Snub For Lead Actress
Fans Of Susan Were Deeply Moved By Her Work Amidst Her Husband’s Passing
The comments on X regarding Susan Hayes’ Daytime Emmy omission this year signify the high praise for the longtime soap actress, who has a reputation for being one of the best actors in the genre. Aside from Days of Our Lives, Susan has also starred in General Hospital, The Young and the Restless, and The Bold and the Beautiful.
However, it’s Susan’s decades-long turn as Julie Williams that is considered her strongest work, along with Julie and Doug being considered the first supercouple in daytime TV history. Susan and Bill’s relationship on and off screen for over fifty years speaks to their profound connection and the undeniable chemistry that they shared together.
Soap actress Amy Jean Shaughnessy was particularly vocal about Susan’s lead actress snub, adamantly posting on X that Hayes’ work this past year in Days of Our Lives spoke volumes in depicting raw emotion, especially after going through the devastating loss of a loved one. Susan’s co-star, Cherie Jimenez, was also in disbelief at Susan being left out of award contention.
Susan Hayes’ omission from the 2025 Daytime Emmy Awards may be a major letdown considering her powerful performances this past year in Days of Our Lives. However, the fact that other actors and fans of the long-running soap opera were vocal about the legendary actress’ snub shows she’s already a winner to them.
Their commentary also signifies how touched they were by her courage and bravery to continue working even amidst the loss of her longtime husband. It can be challenging to display emotions on a show that sometimes can mirror reality, but that’s also where some of the finest performances are unveiled. And for Susan Hayes, she did that with dignity and grace to honor Bill.
