FLASHBACK: Why did Addie Williams Have to Die on 'Days of our Lives'? (1974)

Bill Hayes and Patricia Barry as Doug and Addie Williams.

The character of Addie Horton Williams, Hope's mother, died on Days of our Lives in 1974 when she was struck by an oncoming car. Addie, played by soap veteran actress Patricia Barry, had been suffering from leukemia as well.

She was originally supposed to die during Christmas 1973.

Betty Corday, producer of Days, said, "What happens in daytime series is that the story dictates where we have to go."

Check out this classic Daytime TV article from 1974 that reveals more about why the character was written off the canvas.

Click the image to expand the article for easier reading.



EDITOR'S NOTE: Many thanks to Larry Manogue for his contribution to the We Love Soaps "Flashback" archives. Look for any others classics coming soon.