<Tr> <Th> Other relatives </Th> <Td> <Ul> <Li> Jennifer Horton </Li> <Li> Doug Williams </Li> <Li> Hope Brady </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> Jennifer Horton </Li> <Li> Doug Williams </Li> <Li> Hope Brady </Li> </Ul> <P> Eli Grant is a fictional character from the long - running NBC daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives . Created by head writers Dena Higley and Ryan Quan, the role was originated by actor Lamon Archey in 2017 . Eli is introduced as the previously unknown son of Valerie Grant (Vanessa A. Williams) fathered by the late David Banning . Through his father, Eli is a member of the Horton family, the central family within the series . Eli is embraced by the family, particularly his grandmother Julie Olson Williams (Susan Seaforth Hayes) which puts a strain on his budding romance with Gabi Hernandez (Camila Banus). </P> <P> Eli is notable for being the product of the very first interracial couple in the history of American daytime television as well as the first "Black" member of the Horton family . The casting of Lamon Archey was well received and the actor also garnered critical acclaim for his portrayal of Eli . However, the reception to the writing for the character's introduction was less positive . </P>

Who plays eli grant on days of our lives