Thanksgiving may never be the same in Salem after last year’s heartbreak. After giving thanks among family and friends, Doug passed away in his sleep. Days of our Lives fans can’t believe it’s already been a year since the on-screen death, but he’s not the only character they’re missing this year.

• Bill Hayes passed away in January 2024, leading to his character Doug’s death in November 2024.
• Doug’s passing led to the arrival of his grandson, Doug III.
• DAYS fans miss Doug III and his portrayer Peyton Meyer in Salem and wonder what could have been.

A Legacy Lives On

Doug’s (Hayes) passing rocked Salem like never before. This legendary character was one half of supercouple Doug and Julie (Susan Seaforth Hayes, who joined fellow DAYS OGs to spill some Salem tea), Hope’s (Kristian Alfonso) father, and a patriarch across a town full of Hortons, Bradys, and DiMeras.

Julie saying goodbye to her husband was hard to watch, but a glimmer of hope appeared when she encountered a young man who seemed familiar. He introduced himself as Doug III (Peyton Meyer), the grandson of Doug and a new member of the family for Julie to hold on to as she mourned her husband.

While Doug III’s story was cut short when he left Salem after admitting to stealing Julie’s necklace — and not before starting the quickest love triangle in history between himself, Holly (Ashley Puzemis), and Tate (Leo Howard) — he was well-liked by viewers, who are reminiscing about the character this Thanksgiving.

After a DAYS fan wished Meyer a happy birthday on November 24, many chimed in with their desire for Doug III to return to Salem.