Tragedy Strikes: A Devastating Loss at Just 19

In May 2023, Camila Banus shocked Days of Our Lives fans by announcing her departure from the soap after an impressive 13-year run. While many speculated about her reasons for leaving, Banus herself has now revealed a deeply personal and heartbreaking motivation behind her decision.

At just 19 years old, as she was embarking on her career in Salem, Banus was hit with a tragedy that would change her life forever.

Her father tragically died by suicide, and she was left to navigate the overwhelming grief while simultaneously starting a new chapter in her professional life. “I was in the parking lot of a dollar store with my mom, who was on the phone, when she started screaming,” Banus recalled. Her world was shattered in that moment. But remarkably, the young actress returned to work just days later, burying her emotions beneath the pressure of her career.

“I handled it the best way I could as a 19-year-old, which was… not to tell anybody,” Banus admitted. For years, she buried her grief, anger, and sadness. But little did she know, the very role that brought her fame would eventually help her heal in ways she never expected.

From Grief to Growth: How Gabi’s Story Mirrored Her Own

As Banus’s character, Gabi Hernandez, evolved on Days of Our Lives, so too did Banus herself.

The storyline took a dramatic turn when Gabi became a mother, prompting Banus to take a parenting class to prepare for the role. This became a pivotal moment for her—both on-screen and off. Reflecting on her own upbringing, Banus began to see how her father’s death had shaped her into the person she was becoming.

“I reflected on how the parenting done to me has molded me into the adult I became,” she shared.

This experience of preparing for motherhood on-screen triggered deep self-reflection, allowing Banus to slowly start unpacking the emotional baggage she had carried for so long.

But that wasn’t all. Banus’s journey towards healing was also profoundly impacted by her advocacy work. She became involved with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, connecting with families who had experienced similar losses.

Through this, she found a new sense of community and support, which greatly aided in her emotional recovery.

From Tragedy to Empathy: How Loss Transformed Her

The devastating loss of her father has undoubtedly changed Banus in many ways—chiefly, it made her more empathetic and deeply connected to the people around her. “I want them to know that I care,” Banus expressed.

“I want them to know they are wanted, important, needed.” This profound shift in her perspective would shape not only her approach to life but also her decision to leave Days of Our Lives behind.

While Days had been a “dream job” for Banus, she felt that her journey with the show had reached its natural end. “I did it for me and the dreams that surpassed Days of Our Lives,” Banus wrote.

“I did it for my family: past, present, and future. I did it for my dad, in honor of the person he thought I could be — but never could see me become.”

Her decision was more than just a career move. It was a commitment to herself and her future. For Banus, stepping away from the show was part of a larger quest to honor her father’s legacy and fulfill her own dreams.

The New Chapter: Ready for a Family and a Fresh Start

With her husband, Marlon Aquino, by her side, Banus is now focused on creating a new chapter in her life—one filled with personal growth, love, and, hopefully, motherhood. “My husband and I are trying to start a family, hopefully,” she revealed. This decision to step back from the soap opera world reflects her desire to slow down and prioritize her family and future.

Banus is also open to new opportunities and is ready to embrace different challenges in her career. “I’m just ready for something different,” she says, hinting at her excitement to explore new avenues, possibly in film, as she continues to honor the sacrifices her immigrant parents made for her success.

A Journey of Healing, Hope, and New Beginnings

Camila Banus’s emotional journey—from dealing with the sudden loss of her father to embracing new opportunities—is a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s resilience. Through her work on Days of Our Lives, her involvement in advocacy, and her ongoing personal growth, Banus has not only found a way to heal but has transformed tragedy into a source of empathy and strength.

As she leaves behind her iconic role as Gabi Hernandez, Banus is not just stepping away from a beloved character. She is embracing a new chapter—one that honors her father’s memory, allows her to create her own legacy, and opens the door to a future filled with love and hope.

Her story is one of inspiration, reminding us all that even in the face of unimaginable grief, new beginnings are always within reach.