Galen Gering is an American actor best known for his work in daytime television, particularly for playing Rafe Hernandez on Days of Our Lives. His career is closely associated with NBC soap operas, where he first gained wide recognition as Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald on Passions before joining Days of Our Lives in 2008.

Born in Los Angeles, California, Gering built a long-running television career through consistent roles in serialized drama. His professional profile is defined by soap opera acting, modeling, commercials, and selected television appearances. This biography covers his early life, acting career, family background, achievements, and verified public facts.

John Joubert Biography: British Composer, Choral Works, Career, and Legacy

Profile Summary Table

Early Life and Background

Galen Laius Gering was born on February 13, 1971, in Los Angeles, California. Public biographical sources list his parents as Michele de Oñate and Alan Gering. He also has an older sister named Charissa Gering.

Before becoming widely recognized as a television actor, Gering was connected with modeling. Public profiles state that he moved to New York City as a young adult and later traveled as a model. He also attended New York University for a period before completing college at the University of Miami, where he studied creative writing and film.

His early background in modeling and media helped prepare him for television work. However, his most visible professional success came through daytime drama rather than film or fashion.

Career and Professional Journey

Galen Gering’s acting career became prominent in 1999 when he joined the NBC daytime soap opera Passions. He played Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, a central role that introduced him to a national daytime television audience. Passions aired from 1999 to 2008, and Gering remained closely associated with the series throughout its run.

His role on Passions helped establish him as a familiar figure in American soap operas. The character of Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald became one of his defining early roles and remains an important part of his acting profile.

After Passions, Gering joined Days of Our Lives, another long-running daytime drama. NBC’s cast coverage notes that he joined the series in 2008 after appearing on Passions. In Days of Our Lives, he plays Rafe Hernandez, a character introduced as an FBI agent connected to major Salem storylines.

Rafe Hernandez became Gering’s most recognized role. His long association with Days of Our Lives strengthened his place in daytime television and connected him with one of the longest-running soap operas in American television history.

Beyond his two major soap opera roles, Gering has also appeared in other television projects. His listed credits include appearances in Miss Match, 10 Items or Less, Venice: The Series, Dirty Soap, and Battle of the Network Stars.

In 2011, Gering appeared on the E! reality series Dirty Soap with his wife, Jenna, and their children. The series followed several daytime television actors and offered viewers a look at parts of their professional and family lives.

Major Achievements and Recognition

Galen Gering’s most notable achievement is his sustained presence in daytime television. Few actors maintain long-term visibility across multiple soap operas, but Gering became known through two major NBC daytime dramas: Passions and Days of Our Lives.

His role as Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald gave him early recognition, while his portrayal of Rafe Hernandez became the role most strongly associated with his later career. NBC’s own coverage identifies him as part of the Days of Our Lives cast and notes his transition from Passions to the long-running series.

Public profiles also note that Gering was named among People magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People” in 2000. TV Guide lists an ALMA Award nomination for Outstanding Performance in a Daytime Drama Series in 2008 for Passions.

These recognitions reflect his visibility during the height of his Passions career and his broader public profile as a daytime television actor.

Family and Personal Life

Galen Gering is married to Jenna Gering, also publicly listed as Jenna Hudlett. People reported that the couple married in Las Vegas on January 3, 2000.

The couple has two sons, Dillon Phoenix and Jensen. While Gering’s family has been mentioned in public entertainment coverage and appeared with him on Dirty Soap, his personal life is generally discussed in relation to verified public information rather than private details.

FAQ Section

Who is Galen Gering?

Galen Gering is an American actor best known for playing Rafe Hernandez on Days of Our Lives. He is also known for his earlier role as Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald on the NBC daytime soap opera Passions.

How old is Galen Gering?

Galen Gering was born on February 13, 1971. As of 2026, he is 55 years old.

What role does Galen Gering play on Days of Our Lives?

Galen Gering plays Rafe Hernandez on Days of Our Lives. The character was introduced in 2008 and became one of Gering’s most recognized soap opera roles.

Was Galen Gering on Passions?

Yes. Galen Gering played Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald on Passions, an NBC daytime soap opera that aired from 1999 to 2008.

Who is Galen Gering’s wife?

Galen Gering is married to Jenna Gering, also known as Jenna Hudlett. Public reporting states that the couple married in 2000 and have two sons.

Conclusion

Galen Gering has built a durable career as an American daytime television actor. His two most important roles are Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald on Passions and Rafe Hernandez on Days of Our Lives. These performances made him a recognizable figure among soap opera audiences and established his long-term connection to NBC daytime drama.

His biography is best understood through verified facts: he was born in Los Angeles in 1971, studied creative writing and film, began his public career through modeling and television, and became widely known through long-running soap opera roles. His career remains closely tied to the tradition of American daytime television.