Days Of Our Lives
A Martinez Makes His Debut On Days of our Lives! What Were Your Impressions Of His First Scenes As Eduardo?

Courtesy/NBC
Monday gave soap fans quite the emotional on-screen entrance for Daytime Emmy winner A Martinez on NBC’s Days of our Lives!
The former star of Santa Barbara, who is currently also co-starring on Longmire, made his highly-anticipated debut as Eduardo: the father of the late Paige (True O’Brien), ex of Eve’s (Kassie DePaiva) and the father of Rafe Hernandez (Galen Gering), which all was basically revealed on the episode!
However, it was A’s scenes with Kassie DePaiva that were so nuanced, that right off the bat it was nice to see this mega-talent being given some material that pulled at the heartstrings as “Eddie” tried to comfort Eve, learn about the daughter he had not seen in many, many years, and attempting to come to grips with losing his little girl via a serial killer. Both Martinez and DePaiva stepped up to the plate in their very first scenes together.
At the end of the episode, Eduardo ran into Rafe … with the cop asking, “What are you doing here?” The pick-up of that scene will air Tuesday.
What were your first impressions of A as Salem’s Eduardo? Did you enjoy the scenes between Martinez and DePavia? Looking forward to seeing how the NBC soap utilizes A in future episodes and storylines? Share your comments below!
Days Of Our Lives
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.
Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.

Photo: NBC
There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.
The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.
In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.
Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.

Photo: NBC
Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”
As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”
The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.
So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
The final few moments of the Thursday, April 30 episode of Days of our Lives, will pave the way, to what just may be the end of Sophia Choi’s (Rachel Boyd) life, but not as you may think!
After an unhinged Sophia paid a visit to Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman), maced him in the eyes, knocked him out and then tied up to a chair, now conscious, she lets him know that she holds him responsible for all the trouble and trauma she has gone through from adopting her child, and her being sent to a mental institution.
So instead of the unregistered gun Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) gave her to finish off Johnny, Sophia sets up a plan to light candle, use nail polish remover and turn on the gas on the stove to ultimately create a mass explosion, which although Johnny pleaded to her not to that to all the innocent people inside his apartment building, she doesn’t seem to care.

Photo: JPI
FIERY FACE OFF
The plan was supposed to be, after she takes care of Johnny she will toss the gun in the Salem River, then focus on payback to Holly Jonas before leaving town to start a new life.
Now, Sophia makes her exit, leaving Johnny to be a few moments away from an explosion or gas inhalation, when Chanel (Raven Bowens) comes home after awaiting the results of her mammogram. She sees Johnny tied up, as he panics and tells her to put out the flame on the candle, things go awry, and a fire has begun and everything may go up in flames with Johnny and Chanel inside.

Photo: JPI
A BROKEN SOPHIA
Back in her room, Sophia breaks down after reading the social media comments about her, she planted, and then starts writing a suicide or farewell note which says. “I’m tired of begging for forgiveness for my mistakes. All I wanted was to move forward, to be loved and understood. But it’s clear that I was never going to get that. Holly Jonas said that I was dead to her. So, as her former BFF, I’m going to make her dream a reality.”

Photo: JPI
A DEADLY TRAP
Now, the fate of Johnny, Chanel and Sophia will be revealed on tomorrow’s May 1st cliffhanger, which may be the end of Sophia when she crosses paths with Kirsten at the bridge near the river. We do know Rachel Boyd is no longer appearing in the show credits section and is now off contract with the soap.
So, what did you think of the climatic final moments of DAYS? What did you think of the performance of Rachel Boyd as Sophia Choi? Let us know via the comment section.
Breaking News
Jacob Martinez is ‘Days of Our Lives’ New Javi Hernandez Replacing Al Calderon in the Role
Finally! The casting has been revealed as to just who would be Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Days of our Lives, Javi Hernandez. On Friday, April 30, the long-running soap opera revealed Jacob Martinez is taking on the part and he will first be seen this coming June 30th and then on all-new episodes streaming on Peacock.
As previously reported, the popular Calderon exited the soap opera last year to join the cast of the NBC primetime medical drama, Brilliant Minds as nurse Nico Silva, who in May will air the remainder of their second season. The series has been on the bubble for renewal by the network. His last episodes as Javi will also air this May on DAYS.
Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming, Martinez has been secretly ensconced in all the drama in Salem for quite some time. When viewers see the new Javi in story, we should learn what will happen in Javi’s relationship with Leo Stark played by Emmy winner, Greg Rikaart, plus his continued relationship with his relatives in the Hernandez clan. Currently, when Javi returned to Salem after taking care of his ailing father, and after the bust-up of his marriage to Leo thanks to Dimitri (Peter Porte), he claimed he had moved on with someone else while he was away from Salem.

Photo: JPI
Like Calderon before him, Martinez is a multi-talented actor and singer. Jacob’s resume is impressive having appeared in the musical In Pieces: The Musical at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and he was hand-picked by Joey Contreras to play the role of Grey. Other credits include: the short film, Memory Swim and the play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage.
Martinez hails from Norfolk, Nebraska and appeared when he was very young at the Johnny Carson Theatre, and as DAYS fans know, Jacob is now working at the Days of our Lives studios, right where the “Tonight Show” is filled. In addition, Jacob Martinez is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).
Taking to his Instagram on Thursday, April 30 once the news of his casting was revealed, Martinez, expressed, “Way too many people to thank in one post, so I’ll just say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART to each and every person who continues to pour into me and encourage me to chase my dreams. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am. I already feel beyond blessed, supported, and loved. See you all in Salem ⏳”
Jacob Martinez appeared on Friday on the Days of our Lives Instagram account announcing his casting. You can check it out below. Deadline was the first to report the casting switch.
So, excited to learn who is the new Javi Hernandez? Please welcome Jacob Martinez to the role and be on the lookout for his debut on June 30. Comment below.
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His debut was super awesome…
Love the actor but that facial hair is NOT good, They need to shave have him shave that off.
yeah, I don’t like it either…. it’s making him unattractive and unappealing…
he made reference to it… with MF and Galen Gerring… in their interview “fest”
ie: that .. A. Martinez… left the facial hair on… and it seemed to get him more work….
well? you have a contract ! lose that stubble
Mr. Santa Barbara; soon to be; Mr. Days
I don’t think he’s allowed to shave, Vicki. That’s for his role in the Netflix series titled “Longmire.”
Thanks for that info, I STILL HATE it-Makes him look like he ISNT redeemable at all and never will be.
It was foolish to write out Eve at this time with a new character connected to her past…wouldve liked to have seen Eves and Eddies backstory played out!!!
She isn’t leaving for awhile since they film so far in advance. Hopefully we’ll see that part of the storyline before she goes…
Hope so…
We’ll most likely see it played out, Jimh. We may have Kassie/Eve for another five months.
4got they film in advance
@Jimh, -Days films six months in advance which means we won’t see Eve leave town until at least March 2016.
I forgot that they film that way
@Jimh: Me too. Kassie DePaiva has been brilliant with the fallout of Paige’s death. She always has been brilliant, but the writing for Eve has really sucked up until now. The whole Jennifer/JJ crap was an injustice to all three of those actors IMO.
I hope some great casting director/producer sees her recent work and casts her in something really superb. She is, was, always has been, very talented and riveting to watch. Wishing her all the best.
“…Both Martinez and DePaiva stepped up to the plate in their very first scenes together ”
we’re talking two mega-watt magnates
NBC : must watch!
you need to re-hire this gem!
I am a big fan of understated performances and Martinez is a master of them. I thought he was brilliant, as was Kassie DePaiva. He’s going to be a valuable asset to Days and a pleasure to watch. There are generally two types of actors on soaps – those who are line readers and those who truly inhabit a character. The line readers deliver the dialogue as written and little more while those who inhabit a character create memorable roles. A Martinez is in the latter category.
ummm that goatee? somebody please explain that wire belongs on a spool not your chin. and I am not quite certain what the big deal is about A Martinez. Kassie DePaiva chewed him up and spit him out on his “debut” day. Cause when push comes to shove only the strong (talented) survive. he didn’t even react at all. All he did was give that “look” that says nothing other than “what’s my line again?”. He may have been good on Santa Barbara but if this is excellence the bar is VERY low.
I thought he did a great job. He had to play the scenes and show caring to an actor/character he never worked with.
It is too bad Days killed Paige off and let Kassie go now that the father/husband is on the show. Paige was related to Rafe and Gabi. There is story there.
I thought A’s scenes with Kassie were fantastic, and I too was thinking why get rid of Eve now when they are finally letting her connect with other characters. But back to A. I had always heard how good he was on Santa Barbara and to see him in those scenes with Eve, taking the brunt of her rage at him not being there for her and Paige. All the emotions that were on his face…it was good soap. I am really looking forward to seeing more of Eddie.
I suppose he did fine in his scenes with Kassie (as Eve) and their acting together, dramatic histrionics and all, were believable.
I guess they are writing “Eve” out because they are concentrating on this Anniversary dull-as-dishwater jazz, with Caroline seeing faces on the wall. I am already bored to tears with Kayla telling her teen-age rebellious son (gee….how different and unusual) to learn to behave. “Patch” is going to look for Hope’s long-lost husband who of course couldn’t get back to Hope because he is being held captive……yawn…..
For a while there, the show was really moving in a progressive direction with Sonny, Will, Paul and the elusive Derrick. Of the four of them, only Will and Paul remain, and they have been reduced to supportive roles.
Oh well, I didn’t really think the show would continue to be quite so innovative.
Popping into days after a 3 yr hiatus, im not exactly impresses myself. Came to check out stephen, peter and thaao. Not liking Joey, never liked Abigail and there is wayyyy too much of her, do not like Kassie as Eve and glad they let her go and i dont think this show needs A Martinez on it; no offense to the actor. I imagine I will pop out again once the 50th hoopla dies down. Bored.
No more Will, Sonny, Paul, and Derrick? “Happy days are here again! The skies are bright and clear again. Let us sing a song of cheer again, Happy Day Are Here Again!”
That’s fine, your entitled to your opinion, however sarcastic and homophobic it may come across.
Yes, you can sing Happy Days because the Gay characters are gone.
But you still have Caroline seeing old faces on the wall, and John and Marlena talking of finding their way to each other when they should be discussing Medicare. How much longer can THAT dull as dishwasher
storyline go on?
How long? Forever! Those characters, Caroline, John, Marlena, along with others you also probably consider dull are what made the show reach its 50 year milestone!
“Happy days are here again…!” What a nice and fitting song! Happy “Days”! Yes, I am VERY happy! God truly answers prayer!
Great debut. The scenes his character had with Eve were emotional and heartbreaking. Looking forward to more from A. Martinez!
I know when new writers come in there isn’t always a smooth transition from what was to what will be, but I wished there had been more back story about this character and Eve’s relationship– also think it would have been more interesting for Rafe and us, to have found out Paige was related to that family, before she got killed. Now that Paige is dead, this reveal seems a bit anti-climatic — it also doesn’t help knowing that Eve has an expiry date.
That said my first impression of this character is positive– ripe with possibilities. Enjoyed his and Eve scenes, but I really enjoyed Eve and Kate– what a brilliant idea to make these ladies friends, again such a shame it will be short lived.
I enjoyed Eve and Kate too!
A Martinez is a terrific actor and his few episodes so far have confirmed that. He works well with everyone he’s been in scenes with so far. But it stings to say this because I wish that DOOL had brought him on sooner so that he could interact with KDP more. They are extraordinary together. I already feel like I understand so much of Eduardo’s backstory even though he’s only appeared in 3 episodes so far. Why oh why didn’t DOOL try to write more for veteran actors who know how to pull off grief, anger, rejection, or any other strong emotion before now? KDP is finally kicking butt and taking names. Galen Gering has more to do now than just walking restaurant patrons over to their table and handing them a menu. Why didn’t DOOL write a better storyline for James Read, who is another huge talent who had the writing fail him? It’s so frustrating but if the ratings rebound like they did last week, then maybe it’s better late than never.
“…They are extraordinary together.”
didn’t they just up the “it” factor
stratosphere / top draw
and took it to an all together ‘nother level
as only ; Kassie DePaiva and A. Martinez REELED
to say that all else paled in compare
you betcha
ps: I was going by the pic: his “goatee” stubble is not bad at all
his acting drove.. and KD’ helmed and flew
“It ain’t over till the fat lady sings!” And she hasn’t sung yet! There may be more twists and turns in the story that offer hope for future returns and better story for actors who are leaving. If they were not killed off we may see them again in Salem! (I even expect to see Kristen DiMera again, although I have no idea when! Maybe Andre will have something to do with Kristen’s return!)
I also think a temporary change is good for the actors as well as the writers if the story told for the actor’s character was not a good one. It gives the writers time to regroup and come up with something better. I do hope this is the case for Kassie DePavia. James Read too!
The fans of the soap opera Santa Barbara will forever remember him as Cruz . Cruz and Eden … what a love story … What a soap Santa Barbara was … We still miss it . Glad to see A Martinez back in the soap industry . Could someone revive Santa Barbara with new episodes ?
Could someone revive YOU into 2015…LOL…but seriously though…
A Martinez can’t go or do wrong, no matter what. He is la creme de la creme, always, without fail. Nonetheless, Kassie did it again….she stole the show. I love her more than ever. I only hope that this unique actress’s talent is not swept under the proverbial rug.
Thought was good but rather predictable. Don’t like the facial hair. Was hoping there would’ve been a Santa Barbara reference!
I heard that Cassie/Eve is being recast by Marci Walker.. It is brilliant casting by Days.. they are rockin it!!
“god” I could let KD go; if this were true
and only…
if KD was the recast of NLG; Alexis Davis
Tim: Marcy Walker retired from acting she is now a youth minister for Life Church in Edmond, Oklahoma.
I hope Eve won’t be gone for good, I’m hoping DAYS might bring some people back if they get renewed. Probably keeping the budget down to help make that happen. Enjoying the show
I left a brief message, stating that the chin hair on A Martinez does him no favors, and my comment wasn’t published. Yet countless others have mentioned the same thing. What’s up?!?!
Speaking of DOOL, Chad evidently doesn’t heal quickly. Will he still have that cut on his lip throughout the trial?
Didn’t Marci Walker play the role Of Liza Colby on AMC?
I did not know she was possibly going to play Eve on Days of Our lives. I think that Kassie
does a very good job with the role. I will be sorry to see her go.
Personally, I started watching the show for it’s innovation, watching how Will and Sonny
progress. Now it’s like a different show, bringing back characters from long ago, before I started to watch.
Well, in all fairness, you can’t please everyone….and I’m not pleased.
Yes she was Liza-and brilliant in my opinion –on AMC– but then on Santa Barbara with A Martinez and they were a couple.
I love Kassie and she is a great actress and singer and don’t like that she got fired. I haven’t seen or heard anything about Marcy Walker taking her place in the role– but if that is true I think it is a brilliant casting move and will drive more viewers to Days.
Love A. Martinez, that thing on chin needs to go. Reminds me of a Billy goat.
he was brilliant
To the viewers who expected/wanted a reference to Santa Barbara, that is what GH does, not DOOL.
I love this show. I am a proud fan of Days of our lives. 51 years I have watched this show. I have seen them come and seen them go. Keep up the good work. Mary
For the record, I hate what they have done to the character Aiden. Daniel Cosgrove has been amazing in this turn to the darkside, but sometimes I like a good guy to just be a good guy. He’s one of them. Loved Hope and Aiden. I think I’m the only one not looking forward to Bo’s return. I’m happy for his fans and for the sake of the Anniversary, I just wish they’d kept Aiden and Hope as endgame. My understanding is Peter Reckell’s return isn’t for the long haul. If that is true, I don’t look forward to going back to “Lonely Hope” with no storyline.
I want to know what is up between Eduardo and Kate! Do they know each other from the past. Hope not because she had an affair with Rafe!
A Martinez is doing a nice job. But he acts like a wounded puppy. I feel sorry for him. That may not be what the writers intended but he behaves like a dog who has been beaten mercilessly. Even though he was a bad father I get there is more to the story than meets the eye.
I don’t remember having a feeling like that about a new character before, especially one who was introduced as having a bad reputation.
I don’t even know if I answered the question(s) above or not. Didn’t stop to read the article. Just jumped in with my first impression of Eduardo. Will read now.
I watched a clip of Santa Barbara about two months ago and ended up watching the whole show from day 1 to its finale. As I watched it as a teen, I got hooked again. Literally a few days later, To turn on the TV and see A Martinez on DOOL, I threw my hands in the air saying yes! I was so excited to see him on my fav show let alone back again. I’m looking forward to his role on DOOL. Marcy Walker would be great casting for replacing Eve. Supposedly she quit acting years ago so although that would be a perfect match… that does not look promising. It is Daytime so u never know. I say bring Lane Davies from Santa Barbara onto DOOL… Good ole Mason Capwell….. Hilarious character… If ha loved EJ… Lane can give a character like that a good run… Just saying! Enjoy everyone!
Mr. A. Martinez: I’ve watched 2 eps with him… and i’m smitten
in the 9/23/15 issue of SOD… there is a wonderful two page ditty on his DAYS gig.
he is so thought provoking… just a dear man… who cares about his craft… and has such nice things to say about his castmates
I had no idea he was… on OLTL.. and worked with both Eve and Gabs…
and here he is on DAYS, once again, playing , her father.
Gabs… I’m going to enjoy seeing Gabs have a father… much to Rafe chagrin and/or dismay… the rebonding… between these two…. since Eduardo didn’t even meet Page… this should be interesting… especially, being a grandfather to Arianna Grace.
Eve… he mentioned in SOD… ie: acting with Kassie DePaiva… how their collaboration and chemistry was that easy affecting and met their mark….
this is just top draw to me… I will laud Kassie DePaiva… till she’s reHIREd… some where!
Rafe: this really impressed me… what A. Martinez… (this is not verbatim) says about GG… that their is this light in Galen Gerring that shows in his acting…
Galen Gerring… is not given near enough credit for how much he carries with. his looks are astounding… and it’s all you really see… but … when you really look at his acting choices… and the witty repartee… good dialogue… he’s funny… for instance… it was a delight for the short time… Rafe interacted with Victor.
this could have been a “BIG” family… Eduardo, Eve, Rafe, Gabs, Ariana grace… and that twin daughter… MIA.. (OK jimH) that Eduardo took for his own… and he reunites w/Eve.
Welcome to Salem; A. Martinez !
whew!