Longtime fans of Days of Our Lives are bracing for another heartfelt transition, as actor Al Calderon is reportedly set to exit his role as Javi Hernandez. Since joining the cast in February 2023, Calderon has quickly become a familiar face in the fictional town of Salem, delivering a charismatic and grounded performance that resonated with viewers. Now, just over a year later, the 31-year-old actor is preparing to step away from the long-running NBC soap opera. His departure is not due to any dramatic storyline twist but rather an exciting new opportunity—Calderon has landed a regular role on another NBC series, marking a new chapter in his rising television career. While Days of Our Lives will be recasting the role of Javi, fans will undoubtedly feel the impact of Calderon’s absence as the show continues to evolve.
Al Calderon Leaves Salem for a New Chapter on NBC’s Brilliant Minds
Calderon’s exit comes as he lands a regular role on Brilliant Minds, a drama series inspired by the groundbreaking life and work of author and neurologist Oliver Sacks. He will portray Nurse Scotty Silva in the show’s second season, marking a significant milestone in his television career. Joining him in this new endeavor are fellow cast additions Brian Altemus and John Clarence Stewart.
Although Days of Our Lives has not publicly confirmed contract specifics, a representative assured fans that the character of Javi is not being written off the canvas entirely. “We do not comment on the contract status of our actors, but fans should not worry—Javi is alive and well in Salem,” the statement to Deadline read.
That assurance suggests that the character will soon be recast, ensuring the continuation of Javi’s storyline and ongoing connection to the people of Salem.
Another Major Casting Shift for Days of Our Lives
Calderon’s departure adds to a growing list of recent casting changes on Days of Our Lives, a series known for evolving with time while maintaining its emotional core. Just last month, viewers were met with one of the most devastating storylines in recent memory—the onscreen death of beloved character John Black, portrayed by Drake Hogestyn.
Hogestyn, a mainstay on the show since the 1980s, appeared in nearly 4,300 episodes over the decades. The actor tragically passed away in September 2024 at the age of 70 due to pancreatic cancer. His final scenes were aired on September 9, just weeks before his death, though his character had remained off-screen until a final tribute was woven into the show.
John Black’s Final Farewell — A Tribute to a Legend
In a deeply moving episode, John Black was shown hospitalized after being gravely injured in a lab explosion while heroically searching for an experimental drug to help Bo Brady (played by Peter Reckell). His face fully bandaged, John lies unconscious as Marlena (Deidre Hall), his longtime love and frequent on-screen wife, stays by his bedside.
In the final moments of his life, Marlena whispers a heartfelt goodbye, telling him, “You’ve given me and our four children all the love we will ever, ever need.” Her words bring a somber, poetic close to the life of a man whose presence on the show spanned generations. “We will always have you in our memories. We will always hold you in our hearts,” she adds, before softly assuring him, “You can rest now.”
The scene was a tribute not only to the character but also to Hogestyn’s legacy. Deidre Hall later called it the “hardest day ever” in an emotional Instagram post shared just hours after the episode aired.
Peter Reckell Reflects on Filming John’s Memorial Scene
Peter Reckell, who reprised his role as Bo Brady for the special storyline, reflected on the emotional intensity of filming John’s memorial. Speaking to TV Insider, Reckell admitted that filming those scenes didn’t require much acting—because the pain was all too real.
“There was no acting required,” Reckell said. “When I went to John’s memorial and all these emotions came up, I just wanted to run away and be by myself and feel those feelings. To have to do it as a character was really difficult.”
His words resonate deeply with longtime fans of Days of Our Lives, as the loss of both a beloved actor and his iconic character marks the end of an era for the daytime staple.
What’s Next for Days of Our Lives After Calderon’s Exit?
Although the character of Javi Hernandez is expected to remain on the Days of Our Lives canvas, the exit of Al Calderon signals the end of an era for many devoted fans. Calderon’s portrayal of Javi brought a rare combination of charm, emotional nuance, and magnetic presence that breathed fresh life into the long-running daytime drama. Over the past year, his performance earned praise for its sincerity and subtlety, resonating with both veteran viewers and those newly tuning into the show. Recasting the role opens the door for new narrative directions, but filling Calderon’s shoes will be no easy feat. His interpretation of Javi added depth to Salem’s landscape—depth that may be difficult to replicate in the immediate future.
This casting shift is just one of many recent changes signaling a period of transformation for Days of Our Lives. As the series moves forward, it remains deeply rooted in the elements that have sustained it for more than half a century—emotional storytelling, generational ties, and a willingness to tackle love, loss, and redemption in ways that keep audiences engaged. Even as actors come and go, the show’s enduring commitment to meaningful character development ensures that each transition feels purposeful rather than fleeting.
In many ways, Al Calderon’s departure reflects the ever-shifting dynamics of the soap opera world, where character arcs evolve, and fresh talent continually reshapes the direction of the narrative. But in a show with such a storied legacy, every casting change becomes more than a simple production adjustment—it becomes a reflection of the show’s ongoing effort to grow without losing its soul.
As viewers prepare to welcome a new face to the role of Javi, they do so with a mixture of curiosity and nostalgia. Calderon’s time in Salem may have been relatively short, but it was undoubtedly impactful. His portrayal helped shape the show’s recent storylines and will leave a lasting imprint on Days of Our Lives history. While fans will miss the familiar expressions and emotional beats Calderon brought to the screen, many will also look forward to how the character of Javi continues to evolve in this next chapter.
In the grand tradition of daytime dramas, change is not only inevitable—it’s essential. Days of Our Lives understands this better than most, having navigated numerous cast changes and dramatic reinventions throughout its decades on the air. And yet, the show continues to offer something uniquely enduring: a space where audiences can find connection, continuity, and catharsis. Whether bidding farewell to a beloved character or welcoming a new storyline, the show remains unwavering in its ability to stir emotion and spark conversation.
As Al Calderon embarks on a new adventure with NBC’s Brilliant Minds, fans wish him success while reflecting fondly on the impact he made during his time in Salem. In a world as rich and emotionally layered as Days of Our Lives, goodbyes are never truly final—they’re simply part of the journey.
