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Days of Our Lives’ Cherie Jimenez Spins Negative Criticism Into Positive Outlook

Published by

Chanel Adams

2 months ago

Cherie Jimenez opens up about the online bullying she experienced from Days of our Lives fans.

Days of Our Lives star Cherie Jimenez dealt with harsh criticism over her portrayal of Gabi Hernandez. Fans were used to Camila Banus, who played the role for 13 years. This can be a difficult transition for anyone, even the viewers. But that doesn’t excuse bullying. In a new interview, Jimenez addressed the negativity she faced on social media and warned those who compare her to her predecessor.

Loving her Role

For Jimenez, playing such an iconic character on the Peacock soap is a dream come true. She also loves the Latina representation that the show brings. In an interview with Woman’s World, Jimenez shared her thoughts about landing the role of Gabi. She first auditioned for the part in 2009.

Jimenez jumped at the opportunity when she first got it. She had no idea that Camila Banus stepped down from the role. “For this to come back around 15-plus years later is such a wild experience,” she mused. “I cried in gratitude, and it’s changed my life.”

Her career flourished soon thereafter. After her hiatus from acting, Jimenez was chosen for the movie Maya. The DAYS star reprised the role she played on Angie: Lost Girls. She also landed another movie, Guns and Moses, which is in preview at multiple film festivals.

Handling Online Bullying

Another moment she shed tears over was the online bullying she received. She didn’t realize that her new role on the soap would come with so much negativity. Jimenez took that negative criticism and turned it into something positive.

“My life is very full. I’m blessed. I’m so thankful,” Jimenez said. “I’m also proud of my work. My producers and bosses let me know that I have exceeded their expectations, and now, I have some fans.”

She shifted her attention to her newfound fans. Jimenez also reminded her haters: “I’m not Camila.” Thankfully, she had her DAYS co-stars, like Brandon Barash (Stefan) and her husband, Sean Faris, on her side.