‘Days of Our Lives’ Star Cherie Jimenez Speaks Out After Being Bullied by Soap Fans
Actress Cherie Jimenez knew it would be a tough road taking over the iconic role of Gabi Hernandez on Days of Our Lives back in June, but she wasn’t prepared for the bullying from a section of the fanbase.
Jimenez took over the role of Gabi from Camila Banus, who had portrayed the popular character for 13 years. While Banus wasn’t the first to play Gabi (she was first portrayed by Gabriella Rodriguez from 2009 to 2010), she had been the longest-running and most associated with the character.
Banus filmed her last episode of Days in April 2023 as she left to focus on starting a family with her husband, Marlon Aquino. “My husband and I are trying to start a family, hopefully,” she told The Wrap last year. “And that’s another big factor in possibly just slowing down for a little bit and seeing where this time takes me.”
Speaking to Soaps.com back before her episodes had started airing, Jimenez said, “I understand that it’s not gonna be easy, but I really hope that people fall in love with my interpretation of Gabi, and just know that I’m doing my absolute best and I’m giving it my all.”
Camila Banus; Amy Sussman/Getty Images
“Camila played this role for 13 years,” she added. “This is her baby. She brought a lot of who she is into this character. The biggest thing is that I want to do justice and remain in the same realm of who Gabi Hernandez is, but also, I am my own person. And so at the end of the day, I’m going to bring to it parts of who I am as well.”
However, since her episodes have been airing, Jimenez has faced backlash from some viewers, many of whom have spread their hate to the actress online.
“I cried a bunch in the beginning,” Jimenez shared in a new interview with Woman’s World. “The fanbase was basically bullying me. People miss Camila, and even though I tried to bring elements of her to the role, I’m not Camila.”
Jimenez explained that it wasn’t just online hate comments but people contacting her directly, “reaching out to do it. It really hurt.”
“Bullying is not okay, in any form,” she stated. “And I choose to change the narrative and what I acknowledge. My life is very full. I’m blessed. I’m so thankful.”
Jimenez also said she is “proud of her work” and has received praise from the Days higher-ups. “My producers and bosses let me know that I have exceeded their expectations, and now, I have some fans,” she noted. “I’d say it’s 50/50, so I’m focusing on the viewers that are giving me a chance and showing me love.”
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C
Cherie is an excellent actress and I enjoy watching her. She makes Gabi just as believable as Camila did and doing and amazing job! I love Camila who is amazing in her own right but Cherie is definitely doing the role justice. She has the "Gabi spark" and definitely does not deserve any hate for doing what she was hired to do just because she isn't someone else.
All the love to Cherie! Remember you are smart, beautiful and talented no matter what the haters say.
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B
You are doing an excellent job with the role so please don’t let the hater’s bring you down. Stay strong, positive, sweet and true to yourself. Be sure to report any threats that come your way because this is a crazy world we live in nowadays. I am a huge DOOL fan
BOBBI K.
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C
I'm ot gonna lie i was alittle upset she left the show thought no one could pull her character off ,but let me tell you, you are doing a fantastic job you are a great actress don't worry about the haters they love to hate...keep up the good work you are great at this roll.....
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G
I agree with you lisa…. I miss Camilla very much and it’s difficult for fans too but it’s not Cherie’s fault she got the job. It is what it is. She’s a good actress and doing a good job and everyone should suck it up. It’s the storyline that needs mucho help… it’s ridiculous.
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G
I love the Gabi before this new one. But I am starting to see how good she’s doing as Gabi. Wish her and Stephen would have stayed together I love their chemistry.
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C
I liked Camila but Cherie deserves a, chance
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G
she's doing a good job. She seems more sweeter then the other hyper gabbie
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B
I think you are doing an awesome job. Some people just don't like change. Keep up the good work. Your beautiful.
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O
I think she isdoing a fantastic job. The only difference between the two of them is the face. Both are beautiful just different. I give her a huge kudos.
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G
She's a working actress Give your head s shake people . I think she is doing a great job . You go girl
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G
I like the original Gabby, but I think you're doing an excellent job as portraying. Gabby, keep up the good work.
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R
I think you are doing A awesome job don’t let what people say hurt you you’re doing great
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P
I think Cherie is doing a great job portraying Gabi. Of course she isn't a Camella Banus but she is putting her own style to Gabi. Fans need to give her a chance
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G
I Loved Camilla, I hate change but I have to say that Cherie is doing a fine job and if it’s true that Camilla chose to leave, we must accept and enjoy. Cits not her fault she took this job, that’s all it is and think about yourself taking a new job.
However, I will await Eric & Nicole forever and never completely enjoy DOOL after 50 years.
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C
At first I was comparing. But over time I've gotten used to the new Gabi. I think she's going to do great. Give her time. No two people are alike. Hang in there Cherie
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R
She is never going to be Camilla and it’s going to be very hard to accept her as Gabi. I find she just haven’t got the proper look. The same with the departure Of Allison Sweeney, there is nobody that can fill that role. Glad they didn’t recast because she is still open to come back.
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B
Cherie, you are an excellent actress. The scenes with "Stefan" are intense and believable. Gabi's spicy personality has been well interpreted by you. You have made it your own and I love it. Ignore the women who bully....how childish. You have really grown into the Gabbi role. I love your interpretation of her! You have a strong fan base out here. Much love ❤️
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