Salem bids a heartfelt farewell to one of its beloved inhabitants, as Emily O'Brien gracefully steps away from the vibrant world of 'Days of Our Lives,' following the dramatic arrest of her iconic character, Theresa Donovan, at the close of July 2024. In a poignant interview with Soap Opera Digest, the actress confirmed her exit, marking the official conclusion of her transformative journey as Theresa.
The August 8th episode, streaming exclusively on Peacock, cemented this emotional turn of events as Theresa was sentenced to the harsh confines of Statesville prison, facing a lengthy incarceration for her nefarious deeds. Her criminal repertoire included the shocking revelation of kidnapping baby Victoria, deceiving Alex and Xander, and orchestrating a daring heist with Konstantin to seize the Kiriakis fortune. While imprisonment is a common narrative twist in soap operas, O'Brien's departure from the series resonates deeper, stirring a sense of disbelief among fans.
Reflecting on her unexpected journey, O'Brien shared, "My time on this show exceeded all expectations. I never imagined that daytime television would once again welcome me with open arms," acknowledging her prior stint as Jana in 'The Young and the Restless.' Behind the scenes, her departure was fraught with emotion, as she tearfully addressed her fellow cast members and the cameras, expressing her profound gratitude. "I stood there, tears streaming down my face, looking out at everyone and the cameras, telling them how immensely fortunate I've been," she reminisced.
O'Brien's appreciation for her experience shone through as she added, "I didn't just embody one remarkable character; I lived two extraordinary lives." Fans of 'Days' will fondly recall O'Brien's debut as Theresa in October 2023, but her legacy extends beyond that, encompassing over two years of masterfully portraying the manipulative Gwen Rizczech. Her departure, though bittersweet, leaves an indelible mark on the show's rich tapestry of characters and stories.
Ultimately, O'Brien's journey as Theresa proved to be an exhilarating one, with her heartwarming confession: "I couldn't help but fall head over heels for Theresa, her essence, and the intricate web she weaves. The immense trust bestowed upon me by [the team] to embody both facets of this character—it fills me with profound gratitude, a sentiment that resonates deeply within me." Though her departure from the show may be protracted, when queried about a potential return to her beloved Days roles, O'Brien enigmatically replied, "The future holds many unknowns, and one can never say never." Share your thoughts on Emily's exit in the comments below, and don't miss out on Days of Our Lives, streaming exclusively on Peacock.
