Galen Gering is an American actor best known for his long-running work in daytime television. He established his career as Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald on Passions before joining Days of Our Lives as Rafe Hernandez in 2008.
Born in Los Angeles on February 13, 1971, Gering initially worked as a model and studied creative writing and film before becoming a professional actor. His career has included soap operas, television guest appearances, a web series, commercials, and reality television.
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Profile Summary
| Profile field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Galen Laius Gering |
| Professional name | Galen Gering |
| Date of birth | February 13, 1971 |
| Age | 55 years old as of July 2026 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor |
| Years active | 1999–present |
| Known for | Passions and Days of Our Lives |
| Notable characters | Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald and Rafe Hernandez |
| Spouse | Jenna Gering |
| Marriage year | 2000 |
| Children | Two sons, Dillon Phoenix Gering and Jensen Gering |
| Parents | Michele de Oñate and Alan Gering |
| Sibling | Charissa Gering |
| Education | New York University and the University of Miami |
Early Life and Background
Galen Laius Gering was born and raised in Los Angeles. His parents are artist Michele de Oñate and Alan Gering. He also has an older sister, Charissa.
At age 18, Gering moved to New York City to pursue modeling. He completed high school remotely and later worked as a model in Europe. This early experience introduced him to the entertainment and advertising industries before he began acting professionally.
Gering attended New York University for one year. He subsequently continued his education at the University of Miami, where he studied creative writing and film. His academic interests provided a foundation for his later work in television and other forms of visual storytelling.
Career and Professional Journey
Modeling and Commercial Work
Before becoming widely known as an actor, Gering worked professionally as a model. He also appeared in numerous national commercials.
His move into television acting occurred near the end of his university studies. In 1999, he secured the role that would establish him as a recognizable figure in American daytime drama.
Breakthrough Role in Passions
Gering made his soap opera debut as Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald in Passions. The character was a police officer and a central member of the fictional Lopez-Fitzgerald family.
He played Luis from the program’s debut in 1999 until its cancellation in 2008. The nine-year role gave Gering sustained exposure and positioned him for another major daytime television opportunity.
Rafe Hernandez in Days of Our Lives
Soon after Passions ended, Gering joined Days of Our Lives. He made his first appearance as Rafe Hernandez on October 31, 2008.
Rafe was introduced as an FBI agent assigned to protect Sami Brady while she was in witness protection. The character later became involved in numerous law-enforcement, family, and relationship storylines in the fictional community of Salem.
Gering’s association with Days of Our Lives has lasted for most of the period since his debut. In March 2026, industry reporting indicated that he had moved from contract status to the recurring section of the program’s credits. A representative for the Peacock series confirmed that Rafe remained in Salem despite the status change. Soap Opera Digest
Other Television Roles
Outside his two principal soap opera roles, Gering has appeared in programs such as Miss Match and 10 Items or Less. He also played Owen Brogno in Venice: The Series, a web drama created by Crystal Chappell.
In 2011, Gering and his wife appeared in the E! reality series Dirty Soap. The program followed the professional and private lives of several daytime television performers and ran for one season.
His additional television appearances include Battle of the Network Stars. These projects broadened his screen credits, although daytime drama has remained the central focus of his career.
Major Achievements and Recognition
Gering’s principal professional achievement is his longevity in daytime television. His consecutive roles in Passions and Days of Our Lives have connected him with two established soap opera audiences over a career extending beyond two decades.
In 2000, during the early years of Passions, Gering was selected for People magazine’s annual “50 Most Beautiful People” feature. The recognition increased his public profile during the program’s early run.
His transition from Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald to Rafe Hernandez was another important career milestone. Rather than leaving daytime television when Passions ended, he moved to a second long-running serial within the same year.
Wife and Children
Galen Gering married actress and model Jenna Gering in 2000. She has also worked under her birth name, Jenna Hudlett.
The couple have two sons: Dillon Phoenix Gering and Jensen Gering. Gering has generally kept detailed information about his children outside his professional publicity, although the family appeared together on Dirty Soap.
Publicly available biographical records consistently identify Jenna as his wife and list the couple as parents of two children. Claims beyond those documented facts should be treated cautiously.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Galen Gering?
Galen Gering is 55 years old as of July 2026. He was born on February 13, 1971, in Los Angeles, California.
Who is Galen Gering’s wife?
Galen Gering’s wife is actress and model Jenna Gering, also known as Jenna Hudlett. They married in 2000.
How many children does Galen Gering have?
Gering has two children. He and Jenna Gering are the parents of two sons, Dillon Phoenix Gering and Jensen Gering.
Who does Galen Gering play on Days of Our Lives?
Gering portrays Rafe Hernandez. He began playing the character in October 2008 and was listed as a recurring cast member in 2026.
Who did Galen Gering play in Passions?
He played police officer Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. Gering remained with Passions from its 1999 premiere until the soap opera ended in 2008.
Conclusion
Galen Gering is an American daytime television actor whose career is primarily defined by two enduring roles. He portrayed Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald throughout the run of Passions and subsequently became known as Rafe Hernandez on Days of Our Lives.
Born in Los Angeles in 1971, Gering studied creative writing and film after beginning his professional life as a model. He has been married to Jenna Gering since 2000, and they have two sons, Dillon and Jensen. His sustained presence in daytime drama remains his most significant professional distinction.
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