Cherie Jimenez'S Serendipitous Journey Back To 'Days Of Our Lives'

The Unexpected Call Back

For nearly two years, Cherie Jimenez has been captivating viewers as Gabi Hernandez on "Days of Our Lives." In a recent chat, the talented actress revealed how her journey back to the iconic soap was both unexpected and serendipitous.

Jimenez joined the YouTube series "Talk About it with Franjez" where she took a stroll down memory lane, reminiscing about her casting experience. She shared, "I got the audition for 'Days of Our Lives,' and thought ‘Wow, I haven't auditioned for Days since I was 22 for the role of Gabi.’” Little did she know, fate had plans to bring her back full circle.

“The casting director said, ‘Do you know about soap operas? We do it in one take,’" Jimenez recalled. "I was like, ‘Yeah, I've heard.’”

A Twist of Fate

Initially, Jimenez thought the role was for a new character, perhaps a relative of Gabi, due to the different name on the audition sides. "I thought it was to be her sister because we kind of look alike or to be a cousin or something," she mused. "I was like, ‘Oo, this is fun. I'll take this audition.’”

The audition happened during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, and Jimenez considered the chance to work amidst the chaos a true blessing. She completed her callback via Zoom from her home in Texas. To her surprise, she soon learned she was screen-testing for the very role she once auditioned for years ago – Gabi Hernandez.

Embracing Destiny

Jimenez traveled to Los Angeles for the screen test, where she faced competition from five other actresses. Among them was a familiar face, which added a layer of comfort to the high-stakes moment. Before her test began, a phoenix statue caught her eye, reminding her of her son, Phoenix, and easing her nerves.

Two weeks later, Jimenez's team delivered the news she had been hoping for. "They unanimously decided nobody else compared. You were it," she recounted, describing the moment as overwhelming and surreal. "For the first time, it was my turn," she said, a testament to the belief that timing in life can be everything.

Jimenez sees her role as Gabi as a dream come true, and "Days of Our Lives" fans can continue to enjoy her performances weekdays on Peacock.