While his casting had long been rumored, actor Jacob Martinez will officially assume the role of Javi Hernandez on “Days of our Lives,” beginning with the Tuesday, June 30 episode of the Peacock-exclusive series. He replaces Al Calderon, who exited last year to join NBC’s primetime drama “Brilliant Minds” as a series regular for the show’s second season.

Shortly after it was announced that Calderon would exit the series, a spokesperson told Soap Opera Network, “We do not comment on the contract status of our actors, but fans should not worry, ‘Javi’ is alive and well in Salem.” Calderon’s final episodes as Javi Hernandez are slated to air in May 2026, with the character taking time away from Salem until the AKA Talent Agency and Impact Artists Group-repped Martinez plays out Javi’s return after the character departs following his breakup with Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart) and learning his father, Gabriel, had suffered a heart attack.=

A graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), this marks Martinez’ first foray in daytime and his first major acting role. His other credits include the Erwin Ordoñez-directed short “Memory Swim” and the play “Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead.” He also starred in the New York-based Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater production of the musical “In Pieces: The Musical.”

Several cast members from “Days of our Lives” are already following Martinez on Instagram, including Calderon.

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A post shared by Jacob Martinez (@mclovinmartinez)

Deadline first reported Martinez’ casting as Javi.

Note: The post Jacob Martinez Cast As New Javi Hernandez On ‘Days Of Our Lives’, Replacing Al Calderon first appeared on Soap Opera Network.

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I knew it from the moment he was seen at the holiday party this past December. Happy it's finally confirmed, though! Excited to see their take on the role.

Another unnecessary recast. New Javi means more Leo. No thank you.

He’s cute.

Hope it works out… and that Javi finally gets an alternative to Leo.

Dimitri, Mark, his “Texas BF.” Anyone would be better.

Edited April 30Apr 30 by AbcNbc247

Was reading up on him, and in a 2021 post, it says that Jacob is a real-life EMT just like Javi.

On 4/30/2026 at 1:27 PM, JAS0N47 said:

Was reading up on him, and in a 2021 post, it says that Jacob is a real-life EMT just like Javi.

Jacob Martinez talks about that here:
https://www.out.com/gay-tv-shows/jacob-martinez-javi-days-of-our-lives
"Being Hispanic, gay, and an emergency medical technician definitely helped me draw from real-life experiences when I got the role. But after reading the first few scripts, it became clear to me what truly drives this character: his heart," Martinez said. "Javi is the type of person who constantly puts others before himself — not only on the job, but in his personal life as well."

This is kind of cool
https://www.out.com/gay-tv-shows/jacob-martinez-javi-days-of-our-lives

"Johnny Carson and I both come from the same small town in Nebraska called Norfolk," he said. "I was lucky enough to grow up performing in the Johnny Carson Theatre in high school. I will never forget my first role as a freshman, playing the T-Bird 'Doody' in Grease. All the upperclassmen in that production made the theatre feel like home, which inspired me to continue performing on that stage in more ways than just theatre. Choir, show choir, and one-acts became major outlets for me in that space."

"You see, the Johnny Carson show was filmed on the Burbank studio lot, which is exactly where Days of Our Lives films!" he marveled. "I used to pass by his mural every time I took the stage in Norfolk, and now I pass by his mural every day on my way to set. I always make sure to give him a wink as I walk by and say, 'Thanks, Johnny.'"

I'm looking forward to seeing his take on Javi.