Days Of Our Lives: Emily O’Brien Asks Fans To ‘Have Fun’ With Her New Role As Theresa Donovan

Days Of Our Lives recently shocked fans with a casting shakeup. And it resulted in Emily O’Brien, who had portrayed Gwen on Days Of Our Lives, replacing Jen Lilley in the role of Theresa Donovan.

But now Emily has broken her silence. And on Instagram, O’Brien bid farewell to Gwen. Keep reading to learn what else the Days Of Our Lives star shared about her new role as Theresa. 

Days Of Our Lives Spoilers – Farewell To Gwen Rizczech?

Emily O’Brien, 38, has played Gwen on Days Of Our Lives since 2020. And turning to Instagram, the actress broke her silence on her recasting as Theresa Donovan. But first Emily bid farewell to Gwen, noted Us.

“Don’t worry, I am sure Gwen is still smirking somewhere,” wrote O’Brien on Instagram. And she added, “I want to take a small respite from the current events of the world to show my utmost gratitude for the opportunity to have portrayed such a beautifully layered character for the past 4 years.”

And the Days Of Our Lives star expressed appreciation to Gwen for taking her “through such a delicious discovery of who she is, and what she ultimately always yearned for— despite all her pain, vengeance and deceit. To be loved. Perhaps someday, somewhere away from Salem, she can finally find it.”

DOOL Spoilers – Emily O’Brien Asks Fans To Be Kind

And while she expressed excitement about exploring the character of Theresa, O’Brien asked fans to be kind. “So, as I step into the shoes (and wig) of a very different role, I hope that you can keep an open mind, have fun with my interpretation, and enjoy the ride,” she requested. “After all, it’s just a bit of dress up and make believe, really. ;)”

And fans united with Days Of Our Live stars in showing support. For instance, Lilley, 39, gushed, “YOU’RE DOING A WONDERFUL JOB.” And O’Brien’s costar Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis, declared, “You’re amazing Emily!”

Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera) praised, “You are so talented Emily! Anything you do will be gold!!!!! Always such a pleasure working with you in any character!!!!!”

Fans learned through the credits of the October 2 episode that O’Brien would replace Lilley as Theresa. But it shocked Lilley herself, who had portrayed Theresa in a recurring role since 2013. But Jen expressed sympathy for O’Brien.

And Lilley noted that she holds “no hard feelings” toward O’Brien. “That poor girl has had to have conversations with me [on set, knowing she was going to replace me]. How horrible she must have felt!”

Tell us what you think. How did you react to learning that Emily O’Brien would replace Jen Lilley as Theresa Donovan? And after you share your views, check back on our site for more Days Of Our Lives news.