Days of Our Lives fans know that it’s a slippery slope when it comes to casting. It’s pretty regular to see fan-favorite characters and actors leave the show for months or years at a time before returning to Salem for a dramatic homecoming. Recently, it was revealed that Emily O’Brien will finally be setting things right by leaving the role of Theresa Donovan and returning to her original role of Gwen Rizczech.
Emily O’Brien Sets Return As Gwen Rizczech
Emily O’Brien will officially begin playing Gwen again on July 7, 2025, per Parade. So, say goodbye to her version of Theresa and be ready for Gwen to return to Salem with a bang. As many fans know, Days of Our Lives pulled off a wild character switch when O’Brien boarded a plane out of Salem as Gwen and returned on another plane in a blonde wig as Theresa…in the same episode!
During Gwen’s first run in Salem she and Xander Kiriakis (Paul Telfer) had a volatile romance. She was revealed to be the love child of Jack Deveraux (Matthew Ashford) and the sister of Abigail Deveraux DiMera (Marci Miller). She caused a lot of trouble for the family, including getting into a scuffle with Abby’s grandmother, Laura Horton, which resulted in Laura’s death.
Days of Our Lives Welcomes Back a Plethora of Iconic Characters
Meanwhile, Gwen isn’t the only character that will soon be headed back to Days of Our Lives. In addition to the beloved Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney), others such as Jack Deveraux, Jennifer Horton (Melissa Reeves), Eric Brady (Greg Vaughan), Will Horton (Chandler Massey), Bo Brady (Peter Reckell), Hope Brady (Kristian Alfonso), Tony DiMera (Thaao Penghlis), and Anna DiMera (Leann Hunley) are all set to return as well. Will and Gabi’s daughter, Ariana Horton, will also be back in the fold, this time aged and being played by actress Marissa Reye.
With Theresa on her way out and Gwen on her way in, it’s a seamless transition that promises some juicy storytelling ahead. And if Days of Our Lives knows how to do anything right, it’s taking a fan-favorite actor and throwing them back into the fire for maximum drama. Whether you’re a Gwen fan or just here for the mess, one thing’s for sure—Emily O’Brien is back, and Salem will never be the same.
Image Credits: YouTube.
Nina Franklin 
Amanda Lynne 
