‘DOOL’ Cherie Jimenez Addresses Backlash Over Gabi Recast
DOOL fans were not happy when the show recast Gabi Hernandez. Camila Banus created the character in 2010. She left the show for the final time in 2023. Soap newbie Cherie Jimenez took over the role of Gabi in June 2024. The actress reveals how the backlash from fans made her feel.
Cherie Jimenez Addresses Backlash Over Gabi Recast
DOOL fans loved to hate Gabi Hernandez when Camila Banus played the role. They weren’t very accepting when the role was recast earlier this year. Cherie Jimenez has a long acting resume, but playing Gabi was her first soap role. Fans have warmed up to the newbie, but the initial reaction was harsh.
The actress recently spoke to Woman’s World about the backlash. “I cried a bunch in the beginning. 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. I was getting ripped apart in so many different ways — and people were reaching out to do it. It really hurt.”
Her Reaction To Brandon Barash’s Firing
Gabi Hernandez has been romantically linked to Stefan DiMera and his twin brother, Jake, for years. Brandon Barash played both roles. But news broke last month that he was unexpectedly fired. He was kidnapped by his mother Vivian’s henchman Ivan and disappeared. Brandon Barash’s last airdate was October 28. Fans are hoping he might make his way back to General Hospital.
The ABC soap recently came under fire for firing actress Kelly Monaco after more than two decades. During the recent “Day of Days” fan event, Cherie Jimenez weighed in on Monaco’s firing. While she didn’t have personal experience with the actress, she related it back to Barash’s situation.
“This is a soap opera. I trust that the writers know what they’re doing. People come and go. That’s just the way it is, and it creates more drama. It creates more angst. … Characters do come back so I’m hopeful, and we’re just gonna leave it at that and whatever happens, happens. I guess we will see.”
Gabi’s love interest may be gone, but her storyline is just heating up. Her cousin, Javi, recently showed up in Salem. “Viewers will see Gabi laugh and joke around more. She’s just happier,” the actress said about how her cousin’s arrival changes Gabi.
Do you think DOOL fans were too harsh on Cherie Jimenez when she first took over the role of Gabi? Sound off in the comments.
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