Kennedy Garcia has been tapped by Days of Our Lives to portray a new character named Felicity, making her soap debut the week of May 20. The young actress, who began performing at the age of five, has appeared in a range of hit shows from This Is Us to 9-1-1 to Sesame Street. She was particularly thrilled to join the cast of Days.
“I got the audition for Felicity last year, and I was so excited!” she enthuses. “I have wanted to be on a soap opera for a long time, so for a role to come up for a teenager with Down syndrome was just amazing!”
Garcia was already quite familiar with daytime television — she’s a big fan of The Young and the Restless. “My mom and I watch Young and the Restless every day, and have since I was born,” she reports. “In fact, a few years ago I did ‘twinning’ photos with many of the stars from the show on my Instagram. We had a lot of fun with it!” (She’s quickly become familiar with Days, however. “I learned fast! I am a good Salem resident now!”)
While her résumé includes a host of credits, she admits she had some initial jitters. “I was so nervous on my first day,” Garcia recalls. “I was worried I would mess up or forget my lines, but everyone was so nice! They even let me choose my own wardrobe! I’m not nervous anymore!”
Fortunately, she had some star power to help guide her way. “My first day on set, Raven Bowens, who plays Chanel, really helped me out and showed me around,” Garcia shares. “She’s been amazing! And even before that, my friend Courtney Hope, who works on Young and the Restless [as Sally], prepared me for my audition and really cheered me on.”
Garcia, also a cancer survivor, is proud to be the first teen with Down syndrome to secure an ongoing role in the genre. “It’s really such a special thing,” she reflects. “I am so proud of Days of our Lives for taking this step and taking a chance on me. Inclusion in this industry is so important, and I am proud to help move it forward.”
Felicity: A Character to Love
Garcia hopes to spread a positive message through her character: “Felicity is awesome,” Garcia raves. “She is sweet, funny, and kind. She is also very smart, and she never misses anything. Most of all, she loves her family more than anything else. I think that viewers will love her and see the beauty she brings to everyone in her life.”
“I hope that everyone will love Felicity and see that even though she has Down syndrome, she is cherished by her family and friends, she is capable of great things, and she’s a hard worker. I’m pretty sure she bakes better than I do. She is also a typical teenager who has real feelings and fears that people will see as her story goes on. I hope no one underestimates Felicity as a character or actors with disabilities like me.”
Representation is so important, and I’m so thankful for this opportunity to become Felicity and let you all get to know her, and me!”
Beyond the Screen
When she’s not in Salem, Garcia travels around and shares her inspiring story through public speaking. “I love speaking to all sorts of people, but going into schools is my favorite because I think when other teens can look past the Down syndrome and see that I am just like them — I love shopping and music, and movies and hanging out with my boyfriend and making TikToks — they see that maybe they can be friends with someone with a disability,” she relays. “I tell them to just go over and say ‘hello’; it could be the start of a beautiful friendship.”
Days of Our Lives, Weekdays, Peacock
A Bright Future Ahead
Kennedy Garcia’s addition to Days of Our Lives marks a significant step towards greater representation and inclusion in the entertainment industry. Her role as Felicity is not just a milestone for her career but also a beacon of hope and inspiration for many aspiring actors with disabilities. Garcia’s journey from a young actress with dreams to a pioneering figure in daytime television showcases the power of perseverance, talent, and the importance of opportunities.
Her story is a reminder that the entertainment industry can and should be a place where diversity is celebrated, and where stories of all kinds are told and appreciated. As Felicity’s storyline unfolds, viewers can look forward to a character who brings warmth, intelligence, and authenticity to the screen, much like the actress who portrays her.
Garcia’s enthusiasm and dedication to her craft are evident in every word she speaks about her new role. Her excitement is infectious, and her determination to make a positive impact through her work is truly commendable. It’s clear that Felicity is more than just a character on a show; she’s a symbol of hope, a testament to the power of inclusion, and a reflection of Garcia’s own inspiring journey.
In an industry often criticized for its lack of diversity, Garcia’s role is a refreshing and much-needed change. It’s a step forward that highlights the importance of giving a platform to voices that are often underrepresented. As Garcia continues to shine on Days of Our Lives, she’s not just making a name for herself; she’s paving the way for future generations of actors with disabilities to follow their dreams and succeed in the entertainment world.
Engaging the Audience
Garcia’s journey and her role as Felicity have already begun to resonate with fans of Days of Our Lives and beyond. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and the impact it can have on audiences. By sharing her experiences and advocating for inclusion, Garcia is not only enriching the storyline of the show but also contributing to a larger conversation about diversity in the media.
Her message to viewers is clear: “Representation matters. Inclusion matters. And everyone, regardless of their abilities, deserves a chance to shine.” This ethos is reflected in her portrayal of Felicity, a character who embodies these values and brings them to life on screen.
As fans eagerly anticipate Felicity’s debut and the unfolding of her storyline, there’s no doubt that Garcia’s performance will leave a lasting impression. Her authenticity, talent, and passion for her role are sure to captivate audiences and make Felicity a beloved character in the world of daytime television.
A Role Model for Many
Garcia’s journey is an inspiration not just for aspiring actors with disabilities but for anyone who faces challenges and dreams of overcoming them. Her success story is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and the importance of seizing opportunities.
Through her role as Felicity, Garcia is not only breaking barriers but also serving as a role model for countless individuals. Her advocacy for inclusion and her dedication to her craft are paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive entertainment industry. As she continues to share her story and inspire others, there’s no doubt that Kennedy Garcia is a force to be reckoned with.
Looking Ahead
The future looks bright for Kennedy Garcia. With her role on Days of Our Lives, she’s already making a significant impact in the world of daytime television. But this is just the beginning. Her talent, determination, and advocacy for inclusion are sure to open even more doors for her in the future.
As viewers continue to follow Felicity’s journey on Days of Our Lives, they’ll also be following Garcia’s journey as an actress and advocate. It’s a journey that promises to be filled with exciting opportunities, inspiring moments, and a lot of heart.
In conclusion, Kennedy Garcia’s groundbreaking role on Days of Our Lives is more than just a new character on a beloved show. It’s a milestone for representation in the entertainment industry, a source of inspiration for many, and a testament to the power of inclusion. As Garcia steps into the spotlight, she’s not just making history; she’s changing the future of television for the better. And we can’t wait to see what she does next.