Days of Our Lives: SHOCKING! Al Calderon Shares True Reason for Quitting DOOL. Fans Can’t Believe It

The world of daytime television thrives on unexpected twists, but this time the surprise didn’t come from a storyline—it came from real life. Fans of Days of Our Lives were left reeling when Al Calderon, the beloved actor behind Javi Hernandez, revealed the real reason for his sudden departure from Salem. What began as whispers in soap opera fan circles quickly turned into one of the most talked-about exits in recent memory, as Calderon opened up about the difficult but life-changing decision that took him from the long-running NBC soap to a high-profile role on prime-time television.

A revelation no one saw coming

When Calderon first appeared in Salem back in February 2024, audiences instantly warmed to his charm, wit, and ability to play Javi with both strength and sensitivity. Within months, he was cemented as one of the rising stars of Days of Our Lives, sharing memorable storylines alongside Gabby Hernandez, Leo Stark, and Xander Kiriakis. So when news spread that he was leaving, many assumed it must have been because of creative disputes, behind-the-scenes conflicts, or burnout from the grueling soap schedule.

But Calderon shocked the entertainment world by clarifying that none of those rumors were true. Instead, he revealed that he was offered a rare opportunity—one he simply couldn’t turn down. The 31-year-old actor landed a coveted series regular role on NBC’s critically acclaimed medical drama Brilliant Minds, starring alongside Emmy-nominated Zachary Quinto. This prime-time leap, Calderon explained, was a career-defining chance to showcase his talent in a whole new arena.

“It wasn’t about leaving DOOL,” he admitted. “It was about taking a step forward when the door opened. And I knew if I didn’t walk through it, I’d regret it forever.”

A heartfelt goodbye to Salem

Despite the excitement of his new role, Calderon didn’t leave Salem lightly. In an emotional Instagram story, he spoke directly to fans, thanking them for embracing him during his run. “My time on Days of Our Lives has been truly life-changing,” he wrote. “I’m endlessly grateful to the cast, crew, and creatives who made me feel seen, valued, and part of a legacy of family.”

His farewell wasn’t just heartfelt—it was poetic. Calderon used the imagery of the soap’s iconic hourglass to describe his experience: “While I’m just a small grain of sand, I’m happy I got to pass through the hourglass.” Fans immediately recognized the symbolic nod to the show’s famous opening line, and many admitted they teared up reading his words.

He closed his goodbye with a line inspired by his late mother: “It’s not goodbye, just see you later. I love you forever.” Those words encapsulated both the sadness of leaving and the hope of returning someday, leaving fans both devastated and deeply moved.

Entering the world of Brilliant Minds

For Calderon, stepping into prime time means stepping into an entirely different world. On Brilliant Minds, he plays Nico Silva, a nurse described as the unofficial mayor of Bronx General Hospital. With a mix of charisma, humor, and authority, Nico becomes the glue that holds the hospital together, balancing politics, patient care, and the personal dramas of his colleagues.

The role is a far cry from Javi Hernandez, but Calderon embraces the challenge. “Javi was fiery, vulnerable, and a little reckless at times,” he explained. “Nico is different—he’s steady, magnetic, and someone people rely on in a crisis. That contrast is what excites me as an actor.”

Critics already predict Nico Silva will quickly become a fan favorite, and NBC executives are banking on Calderon’s natural charm to add both warmth and depth to the ensemble cast. The show, inspired by the groundbreaking work of neurologist Oliver Sacks, blends medical mysteries with human stories of resilience. It’s the perfect showcase for Calderon’s versatility.

The overwhelming support from Salem

If Calderon worried about backlash from Days fans, he didn’t need to. Support poured in from every corner of Salem. Sherri Jimenez (Gabby Hernandez) called him a “sparkling star who lights up every room.” Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis) posted celebratory emojis and cheered, “That’s right, Al!” And Greg Rikaart (Leo Stark), whose character shared a romance with Javi, reposted Calderon’s farewell with the tribute: “You’re a class act and a star.”

Social media exploded with fan reactions. Some mourned the loss—“Javi was just getting good, how can he leave now?”—while others celebrated the actor’s success: “From Salem to prime time! We’ll be cheering for you every step of the way.” One fan perfectly summed up the mood: “It hurts to lose Javi, but it feels like we’re gaining Nico.”

The future of Javi Hernandez

So, what happens now in Salem? Thankfully, viewers won’t have to say goodbye to Javi immediately. Because Days of Our Lives films nine months ahead, Calderon’s final episodes won’t air until May 2026. That means fans have plenty of time to watch Javi’s journey unfold before his inevitable exit.

And here’s the big twist: producers have confirmed that the character of Javi Hernandez won’t be written off. Instead, they plan to recast the role, ensuring that the character remains a vital part of the Salem canvas. A spokesperson reassured fans: “Javi is alive and well. He has more stories to tell.”

This decision speaks volumes about how integral Javi has become in just over a year. The Hernandez family’s storylines remain deeply woven into the fabric of Salem, and Javi’s presence will continue to drive drama, romance, and intrigue—even if played by another actor.

From newcomer to prime-time star

Calderon’s rise feels like something out of a soap opera itself. Just over a year ago, he was a fresh face on Days of Our Lives, stepping into the long-running Hernandez legacy. Within months, he had captured the audience’s attention, balancing Javi’s professional ambition with his personal vulnerability. Now, he’s making the leap into prime time, proving that daytime can be a powerful launchpad for bigger opportunities.

It’s a path familiar to some of the biggest names in Hollywood—Julianne Moore, Meg Ryan, and even Brad Pitt all got their start in soaps before breaking into mainstream film and television. Calderon now joins that list of actors who turned daytime success into broader recognition.

Fans torn between loss and excitement

As the reality of his departure sinks in, fans find themselves caught between grief and pride. On one hand, losing Calderon in Salem is heartbreaking, especially since his chemistry with castmates was just beginning to shine. On the other hand, his move feels like validation for all the talent viewers saw in him from the very beginning.

“It feels like losing a family member,” one longtime fan tweeted. “But I’ll be tuning into Brilliant Minds every week. He deserves this.”

A new chapter begins

At its heart, Calderon’s story is one of growth, courage, and the bittersweet nature of change. His decision to leave Days of Our Lives may have stunned the soap world, but it also serves as an inspiring reminder: sometimes the scariest choices lead to the most rewarding chapters.

As fans prepare to follow him from the familiar streets of Salem to the bustling corridors of Bronx General Hospital, one thing is certain—Al Calderon’s journey is far from over. Whether he’s Javi Hernandez fighting for love and family in Salem or Nico Silva navigating the high-stakes world of medicine, Calderon’s talent shines through.

And as his mother’s words echo—“It’s not goodbye, just see you later”—fans can hold onto the hope that someday, somewhere down the line, Calderon might once again pass through the sands of Salem’s hourglass.