Days of Our Lives delivered a gripping scene when Sarah suffered a severe allergic reaction after eating a scone from Sweet Bits. The moment turned emotionally charged when Xander accused young Felicity of being responsible.
While the drama unfolded on screen, something far more touching happened behind the scenes — the cast rallied around Kennedy Garcia, the talented young actress who plays Felicity.
Cast’s Gentle Approach Behind the Scenes
Kennedy, who has Down syndrome, was fully supported by her castmates during the emotionally intense storyline. AnnaLynne McCord, who plays Felicity’s protective sister Cat, opened up about the deep care everyone showed during filming. She noted that both Paul Telfer (Xander) and Linsey Godfrey (Sarah) were determined to make Kennedy feel safe. The actors even reworked the scene the night before, deciding it didn’t need to be overly aggressive to be powerful.
The cast collectively agreed to tone down any direct blame toward Felicity in the script. They knew that making her feel at fault could affect Kennedy emotionally. “This doesn’t have to be full escalation for it to be felt,” McCord explained.
The actors were clear that their top priority was ensuring Kennedy’s comfort and emotional well-being throughout the filming process. That sense of protection ran deep and showed just how tight-knit the set environment is.
Days of Our Lives: Kennedy’s Bravery Shines Through
McCord described Kennedy as incredibly brave during filming. Despite the heavy emotions in the scene, Kennedy remained focused and present. “She was so fully present, and that can feel destabilizing on the nervous system,” McCord said.
To help, McCord held Kennedy close during the shoot, pressing her heart to Kennedy’s head so the young actress could feel her calm energy. While Paul Telfer had to act out Xander’s outburst, Kennedy never broke character, showcasing her professionalism and courage.
Paul Telfer’s Sweet Gesture
Once the scene wrapped, Paul Telfer immediately made sure Kennedy was okay. He walked over and gently apologized for yelling during the performance. “Do you want to give me a little sock?” he asked with a smile.
Kennedy didn’t hesitate — she playfully punched him in the stomach. Everyone around burst into laughter, lightening the mood and turning a tense shoot into a beautiful memory. The moment highlighted the cast’s deep bond and commitment to protecting each other.
AnnaLynne McCord couldn’t stop gushing about her admiration for Kennedy. “I’m obsessed with Kennedy,” she said. “She’s the realest, most darling, most loving and affectionate human you’ll ever meet.” But McCord also pointed out something deeper — Kennedy’s honesty and authenticity. She’s not shaped by societal expectations and brings a pure, unfiltered perspective to everything she does. That quality shines through in her portrayal of Felicity, making her presence on the show even more meaningful.
Days of Our Lives: A Role That Truly Matters
Kennedy’s portrayal of Felicity brings heart, truth, and soul to Days of Our Lives. The writers have built a beautiful dynamic between Felicity and Cat, and Kennedy shows up for every scene with courage and heart. She’s not just a supporting character — she’s an emotional anchor who adds layers to the show’s storytelling. With every appearance, she reminds viewers and co-stars alike of the power of authenticity.
This behind-the-scenes story shows why Days of Our Lives remains so beloved. The cast’s care for Kennedy Garcia created a supportive space that allowed her to shine — not just as Felicity, but as an inspiration. For more uplifting stories and heartfelt Days of Our Lives updates, keep visiting Soap Opera Daily. Until next time!
