Bill Hayes (Doug) was almost 20 years older than Susan Hayes, & had been in failing health for a while, thus unable to film for Days. Thus, Julie has a brother, a family member she can jabber with, and who will be there for her whenever the show decides she needs someone. to lean on when Doug is no longer able to be around.
Bill Hayes was 98 when he passed away this past January.
Is not often I recognize an actor from another soap (I don't watch any other), but I do, for some reason, recognize and know who Stephen Schnetzer is. Glad Days was able to snag him,