Actor Reggie Hayes, best known for his role as William Dent on the UPN/CW television sitcom “Girlfriends,” was recently hospitalized after experiencing heart issues. While the 51-year-old did not disclose any details surrounding his hospitalization, he did reveal that it was not COVID-19 related.
The actor posted a photo of himself wearing a mask and a hospital gown, captioning the picture, “F–k you 2020. Its just one step forward and two steps back this year #reggiehayes.” The snap received over 2,000 likes and over 600 comments from fans wishing the actor a speedy recovery. Former “Girlfriends” co-star Jill Marie Jones left a sweet note for the actor, writing, “Sending LOTS OF LOVE and Prayers your way ♥️♥️🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾.” Hayes responded, saying, “I love you jilly bean. I’m gonna be ok. Thanks for writing❤️.”
Another user wrote, “I’m watching Girlfriends and this was the first post I see on Instagram…I will pray and continue to pray for God’s healing and comfort for you… peace and blessings ❣️🙏🏼❣️🙏🏼❣️🙏🏼❣️🙏🏼.”
Other fans left words of encouragement as well, including one person who wrote, “Hang in there Reggie. The year is almost over. Just concentrate on ‘now.’ Get well soon.”
Another fan who hit the same note, said, “no no no no. You can’t. I am on the episode where you are going to marry Yvonne. You gotta get better for her. Even if it was years ago. Be strong William. Swear you made that show so dang funny.”
Hayes has a history of health complications. In 2017, the star revealed in an interview with Comedy Hype he’ been a victim of a mild heart attack. He has also been dealing with a significant amount of weight gain. A year before his heart attack, the actor took to Twitter to address critics who had plenty to say about his appearance. At the time Hayes tweeted, “It a shame that with all I’ve accomplished in my life. People from my own community can’t wait to kick me when I’m down.” The NAACP Image Award winner followed up that tweet with another post, writing, “I have to say though I’m so touched by the support of everyone. You really are wonderful friends. LOVE IS SO MUCH STRONGER THAN HATE.”
News of Hayes’ hospitalization comes as fans celebrated the return of the popular show on Netflix’s streaming platform. “Girlfriends” follows the lives of a group of Black women living in Los Angeles. The show starred Tracee Ellis Ross, Persia White, Jill Marie Jones, and Golden Brooks. Hayes’ character brought on a male perspective to the series and, of course, plenty of laughs.
