“Julie deserves an Emmy”— Days of Our Lives fans in awe of Julie’s acting during Doug’s farewell

Days of Our Lives marked a milestone this week with the funeral of Doug Williams. Many familiar faces congregated for the final farewell, a mark of final respect after the longtime soap character passed away last week.

As the funeral episode aired on Peacock, fans found themselves moved by Susan Hayes' portrayal of Doug's wife, Julie, in the scene. In the comments section of a Facebook post, viewers shared their opinions about the character and the storyline.

A post on Julie's acting during Doug's funeral (Image via Days of Our Lives Official / Facebook)

Netizens also noted the actress and her personal connection to the storyline. Julie's onscreen husband Doug passed away, however, actress Susan Hayes also lost her husband, Bill Hayes, in January 2024. Bill Hayes portrayed Doug Williams on the soap, making the funeral a second tribute for Susan.

A fan speaking on Susan Hayes' loss (Image via Days of Our Lives Official/ Facebook)

Some fans also remarked that the episode was emotional for them, and not an easy watch.

Netizens mourning the loss of Doug (Image via Days of Our Lives Official/ Facebook)

Viewers expressed their support for the actress and remarked on her moving performance and her depiction of grief and loss.

Fans appreciating Julie's emotions (Image via Days of Our Lives Official/ Facebook)

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What happened during Doug's funeral service on Days of Our Lives?

A still from the soap (Image via @dayspeacock/ Instagram)

Doug's funeral service coincided with the 15000th episode of the soap and featured many familiar faces returning to town. Shawn and Belle met each other at the service, and Ciara, Marie, and Eli also made their way to the funeral.

The service started with Shawn reading a scripture verse, followed by Ciara reciting a poem that used to be one of her grandfather's favorites. Eli and Shawn then guided Julie up to the podium for a eulogy. She seemed mournful while looking at her husband's framed picture, but steeled herself to give a speech.

Julie spoke about Doug's life as an orphan and how he decided to be a fighter pilot despite all odds. She recalled his time in the Navy and recounted how much he loved flying. She also reminisced about the times of their relationship and the way he opened Doug's Place in Salem after the war.

A still from the soap (Image via @dayspeacock/ Instagram)

Julie went on to list all the things that Doug loved, and all the things that she loved about her husband. She spoke of his strength, optimism, and the love he shared with the people he genuinely cared about.

After Julie's emotional eulogy, Liz sang a rendition of Always. As she sang, a montage of Doug's life and times appeared as flashbacks, different for each of the characters present. In the end, after everyone left the funeral venue, Julie shed some private tears while looking at Doug's portrait.

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Days of Our Lives episodes can be streamed online via Peacock. New episodes of the soap are released on all weekdays.