Jacob Martinez Is the New Javi Hernandez on Days Of Our Lives

Jacob Martinez Cast as Javier “Javi” Hernández in Days of Our Lives

Jacob Martinez has been announced as the new actor to portray Javier “Javi” Hernández in the popular soap opera Days of Our Lives. He succeeds Al Calderon, who recently departed the series to join NBC’s upcoming show Brilliant Minds.

Martinez’s debut episode is set to air on June 30, 2026. The character Javi previously exited Salem following a breakup with Leo Stark, portrayed by Greg Rikaart, and after receiving news of his father Gabriel’s heart attack.

Prior to this new role, Martinez showcased his talents in the musical In Pieces: The Musical at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater. There, he was chosen by Joey Contreras to take on the role of Grey, sharing the stage with notable performers such as Stephanie Torns, Antonio Cipriano, and Nathan Levy.

In addition to his stage work, Martinez has credits in the short film Memory Swim, directed by Erwin Ordoñez, and in the play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead, where he played the character CB.

A native of Norfolk, Nebraska, Martinez began his performance career at a young age, with early appearances at the Johnny Carson Theatre. Now, he will film Days of Our Lives at Burbank Studios, the same location where Carson filmed The Tonight Show.

Martinez is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) and is represented by AKA Talent Agency and Impact Artists Group.