Emily O’Brien played two very different women on Days of Our Lives, but only one claimed the deepest piece of her. During a warm, funny interview, the actress explained why Gwen remains closest to her, how Theresa challenged her, and why reuniting with Greg Rikaart gave an old soap partnership an unexpected second life.
Key Takeaways
- Emily O’Brien called Gwen her “heart and soul” and said she now understands the DAYS character completely.
- O’Brien found playing Theresa challenging but credited Eric Martsolf with helping her grow comfortable in the role.
- Reuniting with Greg Rikaart gave O’Brien and Rikaart a second chance to continue the chemistry they first built on The Young and the Restless.
Gwen Became Emily O’Brien’s Salem Home
O’Brien (Gwen/Theresa) appeared on Soapy, hosted by DAYS’ Rikaart (Leo) and The Bold and the Beautiful’s Rebecca Budig (Taylor). The conversation quickly turned to O’Brien’s unusual run as both Gwen and Theresa. “Gwen is sort of my heart and soul, really,” she said.
That attachment did not make Theresa’s nine-month run meaningless. O’Brien admitted she never expected to book a character like Theresa and felt nervous stepping into an established role, but Eric Martsolf (Brady) helped her settle in. “I was so lucky to be paired with him,” she said, crediting his support and willingness to rehearse.
Still, Gwen gave O’Brien the off-kilter material she naturally enjoys. She even created Gwen’s nervous nail-biting habit, though viewers found it so convincing that she eventually phased it out. Apparently, Salem can handle resurrection serum, but a ragged cuticle crossed the line.
READ THIS: See what twists are about to rattle Salem.
Gwen and Leo Found Their Second Act
O’Brien and Rikaart first worked together as Jana and Kevin on Y&R, where a five-episode job stretched into five years. Their story ended without the closure either actor expected. Years later, DAYS paired them again as Gwen and Leo, proving daytime occasionally remembers where it buried the good silverware.
Rikaart described the new pair as soulmates separated by one obvious obstacle. “We’re definitely soulmates, but the obstacle of my sexuality prevents us from being husband and wife,” he said. Their dynamic changed, but the teasing affection and trust they built years earlier came right back.
O’Brien also remembered thinking daytime was behind her before DAYS unexpectedly called. After first auditioning for Sarah, she was hired for a short-term lawyer role that vanished before filming, because the show decided to create Gwen instead. “I think I’ve figured her out and who she is,” O’Brien said, which may be why Gwen feels less like another assignment and more like home after all these years.
