Days of our Lives comings and goings: Brandon Barash OUT as Stefan

Just as Days of our Lives' Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez) is having second thoughts about divorcing Stefan comes news that she might not have a choice. Brandon Barash is exiting the soap and his last airdate is Monday, October 28.

Days of our Lives stuns Brandon Barash

Cherie Jimenez and Brandon Barash as Gabi and Stefan | Image Source: JPI Studios

According to Soaps.com, Barash was blindsided last March when he was told of the decision to let him go. The actor was filming the recent hospital scenes between Stefan and Gabi when he was asked to meet with Executive Producer Janet Spellman-Drucker.

Love General Hospital, B&B, DAYS or other soaps? Join the conversation on our SC boards! Click here to connect with fans and dive into discussions now

"I knew exactly what was happening as soon as I was called up to [the boss’] office," Barash told Soaps.com. "And she said, 'Look, this is not my doing. I don’t like it. And this is no reflection on you or your abilities. You’re very talented. We know your work ethic is very high, but it’s just where we’re deciding to take the character.'"

Barash described the moment as a "gut punch" yet he remains positive about the future.

"Of course, the ego is like, 'Oh, OK, that hurt,'" he said. "But I walked out of the office equal parts shocked and excited about what was around the corner."

Barash's dramatic DAYS career

Brandon Barash and Louise Sorel as Stefan and Vivian | Image Source: JPI Studios

Barash came to soap fame as General Hospital's Johnny Zacchara off and on from 2007 to 2016. That's where he met Kirsten Storms (Maxie Jones), whom he was married to from 2013 to 2026. The pair shares a daughter, Harper, born in 2014. He is currently married to Isabella Devoto. Their son was born in 2023.

In 2019, Barash replaced former GH co-star Tyler Christopher as DAYS' Stefan, but the character was allegedly killed at the end of the year. However, the soap decided to bring Barash back as Stefan's twin brother, Jake. Unfortunately, the Jake character never took off with fans who preferred Stefan.

In true DAYS fashion, the soap found a way to reverse Stefan's death using the magic of Dr. Rolf (Richard Wharton), the Salem mad scientist who can bring almost anyone back to life. Jake was shot and killed, Stefan returned, and Gabi was thrilled to have her man back. However, now it looks like she will have to branch out on her own.