DAYS Exclusive: Cherie Jimenez Forged An Instant Bond with Al Calderon
Cherie Jimenez (Gabi) totally envisioned the introduction of a new Hernandez family member before it actually happened on Days of our Lives. “When I knew that the end was coming for Stefan and Gabi, at least the temporary end depending on what happens in the storyline, I literally said out loud to someone, ‘It would be so nice if Gabi could just move in with Rafe and spend time with family. And how wonderful would it be if they brought in a new family member?’ ” recounts Jimenez. “Cut to a week or so later and I found out that I was getting a cousin.”
We Are Family
That cousin was Javi, played by Al Calderon. “Since Al and I met, we have been so close,” says Jimenez. “I made a point to go to his dressing room and introduce myself on his first day. We spent the whole entire time talking to where we only ran lines for a little bit. But when we stepped on set together for our first scene, we already had this familiar, comfortable feeling with each other. I honestly felt like the relationship and the connection that we had created right off the bat was so important, because it allowed us to really just play off each other.
“Also, we have this connection, this vibe that we truly are family,” continues Jimenez. “We love each other so much. I’m so grateful that Al came into my life. He’s just so fun. We have developed such a wonderful bond and relationship outside of the show. I feel like it translates on screen. What’s so beautiful is that as he continues to air, our relationship kind of flourishes and I feel like you get to see a different side of Gabi, which I’m really excited about.”
Aside from the bond she’s forged with Calderon, Jimenez is also excited about what his addition has meant to the show. “What a beautiful thing to expand the Hernandez family,” says Jimenez. “That in itself is wonderful, because right now I think we are the only Latin family in daytime. I know that there are Latin characters throughout other soaps, but we are growing and building a family, and that is such a beautiful thing to be a part of. And all of us really just bond so well together,” she adds, referring to herself, Calderon and Galen Gering (Rafe). “We have so much fun on set whenever we’re working together.”
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