Three Famous TV Stars Have Died Over The Weekend
The entertainment world bid farewell to three iconic television stars over the weekend.
Joyce Randolph, Alec Musser, and Bill Hayes each left an indelible mark on the industry before their passing.
Let's reflect on the lives and legacies of these TV stars.
1. Joyce Randolph
"The Honeymooners" star Joyce Randolph passed away at her Upper West Side home in Manhattan Saturday night. She was 99.
Her son, Randolph Charles, said in a statement to the Associated Press that the actress died of natural causes.
The actress' son also told TMZ that she had been unable to walk and was in hospice care at the time of her passing.
Randolph's career soared after Jackie Gleason, the star of "The Honeymooners," noticed her in a chewing gum commercial and helped her snag the role of Trixie Norton, the wife of Ed Norton (played by Art Carney).
The classic comedy only had 39 episodes and aired for just one season from 1955 to 1956 but left an enduring impact and secured its place as one of the greatest comedies of all time.
After her television career, Randolph focused on marriage and motherhood. But she remained active in the entertainment community, attending Broadway openings, fundraisers, and contributing to the United Service Organizations (U.S.O.).
2. Alec Musser
Alec Musser, known for his role as Del Henry in "All My Children," died in his Del Mar, California, home Friday evening. He was 50.
Musser's fiancée, Paige Press, and uncle, Robert, confirmed his passing in statements to TMZ. The cause of death remains undisclosed.
Musser got his role in "All My Children" after becoming a winner of the SOAPnet original series, "I Wanna Be a Soap Star."
He appeared in 43 episodes of the soap opera between 2005 and 2007.
He also made appearances in "Grown Ups," "Rita Rocks," and "Desperate Housewives."
Beyond acting, Musser was a fitness model and bodybuilder, gracing the covers of magazines like Men's Health.
His social media presence showcased his ongoing health journey and glimpses of his personal life.
Musser's last post on Instagram featured him surfing on a hoverboard during a winter sunset.
3. Bill Hayes
"Days of Our Lives" star Bill Hayes passed away in Los Angeles Friday. He was 98.
In an email to CNN, his agent, Gregory David Mayo, stated that Hayes died "peacefully" surrounded by family, including his wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Hayes played Doug Williams on "Days of Our Lives," for over 50 years.
He and Seaforth Hayes, who played Julie Olsen Banning Anderson Williams in the long-running soap opera, married both on and off-screen. Their on-screen nuptials in 1976 even featured their real vows.
Despite clashes with producers in 1984 leading to scaled-down roles, Hayes and Seaforth Hayes continued to be a cornerstone of "Days of Our Lives."
Hayes was featured in over 2,100 episodes of the drama, with his last appearance in December 2023.
Hayes had a diverse career that also included music, TV movies, variety shows, and his stint on Sid Caesar's "Your Show of Shows."
Hayes also wrote and sang the 1955 chart-topping hit, "The Ballad of Davy Crocket."
