A Shocking Career Setback: Days of Our Lives Blocked Banus’ Big Break

After over a decade of playing the fiery and beloved Gabi Hernandez on Days of Our Lives, Camila Banus shocked fans in 2023 by announcing her departure from the long-running soap opera. But as the actress recently revealed, her decision to leave wasn’t just about pursuing new opportunities; it was about overcoming a significant career roadblock that Days had put in her path.

While many soap stars dream of transitioning to new projects and roles, Banus found herself at a standstill when a major career opportunity was blocked—leaving her feeling frustrated and defeated. What started as a dream role in another series turned into a crushing experience that almost derailed her confidence. Banus’ story of career stifling and spirit-crushing decisions offers a deep look into the real struggles of working in a high-pressure industry.

The Dream Role That Wasn’t Meant to Be

In 2018, Banus caught her big break in a recurring role on Fox’s Star. What was initially planned as a one-episode guest spot quickly evolved into a multi-episode arc, which seemed like the perfect opportunity for Banus to expand her career outside the realm of daytime TV. Living in Atlanta while still fulfilling her Days of Our Lives contract, Banus was on top of the world, convinced that this project would catapult her into film and more significant roles.

But what should have been a career-boosting experience quickly turned sour when Days stepped in and prevented her from continuing on Star beyond her seventh episode. Despite already being written into the next episode of Star, Days enforced a contract that prohibited her from participating in further episodes, forcing the show to write her out in a way that felt unnatural and sudden.

Banus expressed how devastating this experience was: “I honestly just went back to my regular day-to-day. Going to Days of Our Lives every day. I left that chapter behind me. That was really hard for me to do. I can only imagine it crushed my spirit a little bit.”

Balancing Two Worlds: The Toll of Soap Opera Life

The demands of being on a soap opera are well-known, but for Banus, the intense schedule wasn’t just exhausting—it was limiting. The constant juggling between Days and outside opportunities left her in a constant state of professional and personal strain. “I would bring [Gabi] home with me sometimes,” Banus admitted. “My husband would be like, ‘You’re Gabi right now, and I need you to snap out of work and come back down to earth and be Camila.’”

This blurred line between her real life and her on-screen persona not only impacted her relationships but also kept her from fully exploring new roles that would allow her to grow as an actress. Despite being eager to move forward and stretch her acting chops, the confines of her contract limited her ability to spread her wings. Her career aspirations were repeatedly pushed aside for the demands of the soap opera.

The Final Straw: Why Banus Walked Away from Days of Our Lives

After the crushing blow of losing her role on Star, Banus reached a turning point. In 2023, after 13 years of playing Gabi, Banus made the bold decision to walk away from Days of Our Lives and focus on her personal life and future career prospects. For her, this wasn’t just a job; it was a moment of self-realization and rebirth.

“I’m just ready for something different,” Banus said, explaining her need to step away and redefine her path. After years of being confined to one role, Banus was eager to explore new avenues, including pursuing opportunities in film. It was a moment of liberation, but also one of mourning for the parts of her career that were left behind.

Looking Toward the Future: Is the Soap Genre Dying?

With Days of Our Lives transitioning from traditional TV to streaming platforms, Banus shared her thoughts on the future of soap operas. She believes that the genre has already begun to evolve into new forms, particularly in the world of short-form, vertical content aimed at younger audiences. Shows with shorter, snappier episodes packed with emotional drama—think of them as “mini soap operas”—are gaining popularity, according to Banus.

While she’s uncertain about the future of daytime soaps like Days, Banus is optimistic that the genre will continue to adapt and evolve, even if it looks very different than it once did. “I think right now there’s a huge craze with short form vertical scripted content,” she observed. “I think a huge part of those shows is that they’re teenage angst shows.

It’s just very soapy for sure.”

Camila Banus’ Bold New Beginning

Camila Banus’ journey from a beloved soap star to an actress searching for new opportunities is a testament to the often-hidden challenges faced by performers in the entertainment industry. Her story of being trapped by contract limitations, combined with her courage to walk away and pursue something more fulfilling, is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

As she leaves Days of Our Lives behind, Banus is looking to create a legacy beyond soap operas, proving that it’s never too late to reinvent oneself and reach for new dreams. Her story reminds us that sometimes, in order to move forward, we need to let go of the past—no matter how painful that may be.