Days of Our Lives’ Cherie Jimenez made an instant connection with Al Calderon and hopes that family feeling translates well on screen.
Cherie Jimenez has really found her footing as Days of Our Lives’ Gabi Hernandez. Ever since Vivian captured Gabi’s husband Stefan and made the young woman think he simply left, her story has become more interesting. Gabi’s living with her brother, former police commissioner and now private investigator Rafe. Recently, their cousin Javi came to Salem and has been bunking with the siblings. Jimenez explained how Javi and his portrayer, Al Calderon, affect Gabi.
They Have a Blast
Jimenez is happy that Calderon’s Javi is now part of the mix, as she was hoping to explore more of Gabi’s family. She gushed to Soap Opera Digest: “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.” She further explained that she, Calderon, and Galen Gering (Rafe) get along so well and have a blast on the set.
As soon as Calderon joined the cast, he and Jimenez hit it off. They spent more time talking about each other’s lives than rehearsing. “When we stepped on set together for our first scene, we already had this familiar, comfortable feeling with each other.” She felt that this instant connection helped each other as scene partners.
A Different Side of Gabi
Overjoyed that Calderon and Javi are now a part of her and Gabi’s lives, Jimenez further revealed, “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.” Gabi lets her guard down around Javi which makes the character seem far more relaxed.
In a recent episode, Javi convinced Gabi to go out with JJ (Casey Moss). And that was the best advice he could have given. Feeling like she and Calderon are really family, Jimenez noted that the bond they have is reflected in their performances. “I feel like it translates on screen.”
