Will County Gazette

Kathryn Hays, born Kay Piper on July 26, 1934, in Princeton, Illinois, spent her early years in Joliet. After her parents’ divorce, she was raised by her mother and stepfather. As a young adult, Hays took classes at Northwestern University and worked as a model. She changed her name to Kathryn Hays in 1962, adopting her mother’s maiden name. Hays is best known for her role as Kim Hughes on CBS's As the World Turns, where she worked from 1972 until the show ended in 2010. Her career also included roles on The Guiding Light, Star Trek, and several films. She appeared in Broadway productions and made guest appearances on TV shows later in her career. Hays maintained a connection to Joliet throughout her life. She passed away on March 25, 2022.