Emily O’Brien as Gwen Rizczech – Leaving
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.
She first joined Days in 2020 as Gwen Rizczech until last October. That same day, she made her debut as a different character, Theresa Donovan, previously played by Jen Lilley.
Emily‘s last episode aired on August 8.
“This is the announcement I made, actually, when I left,” Emily recalled to Soap Opera Digest. “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. 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. I just feel so grateful for that experience. It’s been a crazy, wild ride — just mind-blowing.” Find out what else she said.
Arianne Zucker as Nicole – Leaving!
Eric and Nicole have officially left Salem as of the end of July, as Arianne Zucker’s time on Days of Our Lives comes to a quick end.
After discovering the truth about Jude, Nicole left EJ and moved on with Eric, much to “Ericole” fans’ delight. They will start a new life as a family, but it won’t be taking place onscreen.
They went off to Paris as their friends and family threw a going away party.
Sources say this won’t be the last we’ll see of Eric, however.
Arianne Zucker is less likely to return, as she is currently involved in a lawsuit against Days of Our Lives producers and production companies alleging she was let go from the show in retaliation for speaking up about former executive producer Albert Alarr and his allegations.
“I loved my job. I loved my friends. I loved my co-workers, but most of all I love all of you. When someone says you are irreplaceable…maybe, but the heart of an individual is not. I gave all my heart and always will. I could never have had this job unless I had all of you. From the bottom of my heart and beyond, I can’t thank you enough for loving to hate Nicole and for loving her again as she changed in life with all of you. Thank you for being a part of my journey. This is an adventure that will live with me forever. Thank you for standing up for what is right. Thank you for standing by me. Thank you for acknowledging what this industry so easily takes advantage of. I will forever stand for you. I love you!” she wrote on Instagram.
