In a significant move for his acting career, Alain Hernández bids farewell to his role as Jesús de la Reina in the popular series Sueños de libertad, making way for a new chapter in his career with the upcoming drama series, Las hijas de la criada. This transition, which took place just after the airing of his final episode on March 19, 2025, underscores Hernández’s commitment not only to his craft but also to his family.
Hernández's departure from Sueños de libertad was a heartfelt decision influenced largely by his desire to spend more time with his children. "I knew it would be very complicated to be away from my family, seeing them only on weekends," he explained during an emotional moment on the talk show Y ahora Sonsoles. After a year of intense work, he reflected on the sacrifices made during the show's production, sharing that, "In these types of series, when you give so much, there’s so much personal sacrifice behind it..." This sentiment reveals the toll that long hours, particularly during the show's demanding schedule, have taken on him.
As Hernández steps into his new role as Gustavo Valdés in Las hijas de la criada, a series based on Sonsoles Ónega’s acclaimed novel, he prepares to portray a character deeply woven into the fabric of early 20th-century family drama. The show, which is set against the backdrop of Galicia and colonial Cuba, tells a story of forbidden love, class struggles, and hidden secrets. Hernández's transition includes working alongside talented actresses such as Verónica Sánchez and Carlota Baró, who will portray Inés and Renata, respectively.
The plot centers around two girls, Clara and Catalina, whose lives intertwine amid the turbulent dynamics of their families. As Hernández joins the cast, he brings with him the depth and complexity of his previous role, which was characterized by a darker depiction of power and villainy. Reflection on his previous character elucidates how his interpretation of Jesús de la Reina resonated deeply with audiences. Hernández described the challenge of embodying such a conflicted persona: "It was hard because it’s many days living and talking with Jesús,” he noted, admitting that the emotional weight of playing a character that many viewers despised was palpable.
The series forced Hernández to confront the balance between personal life and professional obligations. His role in Sueños de libertad demanded extensive time away from his family, and he quickly realized the strain such a commitment could place on family life. With two young children aged five and two, Hernández concluded that seeing them only one and a half days a week was untenable for his family dynamic. "I wanted to be responsible and consistent regarding my role as a parent," he affirmed. This commitment to his family is commendable and reflects a growing awareness in the entertainment industry about balancing work with personal priorities.
In the wake of Jesús de la Reina's unexpected death in the series, a development that viewers witnessed in real-time, Hernández has expressed that the emotional complexity of the character has left a lasting impact on him. "Jesus has become increasingly cornered, which required extra strength," he described, highlighting the challenge of portraying a character who became progressively more isolated in his villainy. Reflecting on his character’s arc, he stated, "You don’t go home with the character at the end of the day, but some days it was hard." Embracing the darker elements of his character while also striving to evoke empathy presented a robust narrative challenge he navigated for multiple seasons.
As a significant presence in Sueños de libertad for 269 episodes, the emotional farewell to his character marks a notable moment in his career. The series, known for addressing themes of gender violence and the struggles of women during the era it depicts, has not only been a major part of Hernández's professional life but also a substantial cultural touchstone for its audience. His role has resonated with the public, eliciting both admiration and critique, a testament to his skill as an actor who can evoke strong reactions.
Despite the challenges he faced, Hernández is excited about new projects ahead. His foray into Las hijas de la criada suggests a rich terrain for exploring another complex character, and he is eager to leverage the skills honed in his previous role. With production already underway, Hernández is prepared to embrace this new opportunity while drawing upon his rich experiences from Sueños de libertad.
In reflecting on his journey, Alain Hernández has graciously acknowledged the support he received from colleagues, expressing how during moments of emotionality on set, the bond with fellow cast members helped ease some of the difficulties. As he prepares for this next chapter, he remains steadfast in maintaining a balance between his burgeoning acting career and his essential role as a father. "From here, I send my best wishes to my kids; I love them a lot," he remarked, emphasizing the priority of family in his life.
As audiences bid farewell to Jesús de la Reina, they can also look forward to seeing Hernández navigate new familial and societal challenges in Las hijas de la criada, alongside deeply relatable themes that continue to echo across time and place.
