Performer of the Month: How Susan Seaforth Hayes Ruled December on Days of Our Lives
December on Days of Our Lives was an emotional roller coaster for fans, packed with heartfelt farewells, surprising twists, and standout performances. The month truly belonged to Susan Seaforth Hayes, who delivered one remarkable scene after another as Julie faced the heartbreaking reality of saying goodbye to Doug. Her powerful portrayal earned her the well-deserved title of Soap’s Performer of the Month for December 2024.
The drama in Salem reached new heights in December. Clyde Weston began the month as a fugitive but ended up in a coma. Rafe Hernandez faced an unsettling encounter with his doppelgänger, while Stefan learned that Sophia was expecting a child. Meanwhile, Xander and Philip found themselves at odds over Titan Industries, with a judge issuing a dramatic Solomonic decision to split the company.
Amid the chaos, Salem bid a tearful farewell to one of its most beloved characters, Doug Williams, played by the late Bill Hayes. His loss created a ripple effect of grief and reflection across the town.
December’s Performer of the Month pool featured a strong lineup of seasoned soap veterans. Each nominee brought their A-game to the emotionally charged storylines, but two contenders stood out for their brief yet impactful returns to Salem. Greg Rikaart shined once again as Leo Stark, tackling complex dialogue with finesse. His portrayal captured Leo’s struggles as he navigated challenges in his professional life, making viewers empathize with his character.
Stephen Schnetzer returned to the canvas as Julie’s brother, Steve Olson, after over four decades. His heartfelt performance as he reconnected with Julie and supported her during Doug’s funeral reminded fans why his character remains unforgettable. Kristian Alfonso made her emotional return as Hope Brady. Though her appearance came after the funeral, her grave goodbye to Doug was a poignant and memorable moment for fans.
While all nominees delivered remarkable performances, Susan Seaforth Hayes was the clear favorite among Days fans. Her portrayal of Julie grappling with the loss of Doug was nothing short of extraordinary. As Julie, Susan navigated complex emotions—grief, strength, and resilience—as she faced the loss of her husband of five decades.
From her tender moments reminiscing about their love to her raw pain in the quiet moments alone, Susan brought depth and authenticity to every scene. One moment in particular stood out: Julie’s eulogy for Doug was a masterclass in acting. Her words painted a vivid picture of the man she loved, capturing his essence while bringing tears to the eyes of her family, friends, and viewers at home. Her heartfelt delivery cemented her place as December’s Performer of the Month for the second consecutive time.
Susan Seaforth Hayes has always been a powerhouse on Days of Our Lives, and December proved why she remains a beloved icon in daytime television. Her ability to convey the depth of Julie’s love and loss resonated deeply with fans. Her performances reminded us of the power of storytelling and the impact of a well-crafted character.
Congratulations to Susan Seaforth Hayes on this well-deserved recognition. Fans are excited to see what lies ahead for Julie as she continues her journey in Salem.
So, what were your favorite moments from December? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
