Emily O'Brien Announces Exit from 'Days Of Our Lives' After Four Years

Emily O’Brien is saying goodbye to Days of Our Lives.

In a new interview, the 39-year-old Emmy-nominated actress announced that she is leaving the long-running soap opera after four years and playing two different characters.

Emily first joined Days in 2020 and played Gwen Rizczech until last October. That same day, she made her debut as a different character, Theresa Donovan, who had previously been played by Jen Lilley.

Keep reading to find out more…Emily‘s last episode aired on Thursday (August 8) when her character Theresa was shipped off to Statesville.

While speaking to Soap Opera Digest, Emily recalled her emotional, final day on set.

“This is the announcement I made, actually, when I left,” Emily recalled. “I was in tears, and I faced everybody on stage and I looked at the cameras. Then I just told everyone how incredibly lucky I am.”

“I wasn’t supposed to be on the show for as long as I was,” Emily continued. “I never thought that daytime would be something that was accessible to me again [after leaving The Young and the Restless in 2011]. And I not only got to play one amazing role, but I played two amazing roles.”

“I ended up falling in love with Theresa and who she is and the circle that she’s involved in. The fact that [the powers-that-be at DAYS] put their trust in me to play both of these roles,” Emily added. “I just feel so grateful for that experience. It’s been a crazy, wild ride — just mind-blowing.”

She said, “Every single day there is something that keeps everyone going full force to do everything they can to put out another amazing episode where people are so invested. It’s the hardest job ever, and I’m so grateful that I got to experience that with this group.”

Emily also noted that since both of her characters – Gwen and Theresa – weren’t killed off the show, there’s a chance that she could come return to Days in the future.

“It’s incredible,” Emily said.

While Emily might be leaving Days of Our Lives, a fan-favorite actress just recently announced that she’s returning to the soap!