Days of Our Lives’ Emily O’Brien brought high-stakes drama to Salem through Theresa’s forged letter, inheritance scam, and ultimate downfall.

If 2024 on Days of our Lives proved anything, it’s that Theresa Donovan doesn’t just stir the pot — she dumps the whole thing out and sets it on fire. This was the year Emily O’Brien really leaned into Theresa’s schemer side, giving fans a roller coaster of lies, charm, panic, and vulnerability. Whether she was plotting over Victor’s will or digging herself into yet another hole, she made it unforgettable television.

Key Takeaways

• Emily O’Brien turned up the heat as Theresa Donovan in 2024.
• The forged letter and inheritance plot became one of the year’s biggest storylines.
• Her actions cost her freedom and strained her family ties.
• O’Brien’s powerhouse performance earned her a 2025 Daytime Emmy nomination.
• She seamlessly moved between Gwen and Theresa, proving her range.
• A strong year on DOOL cemented why she’s a standout in daytime drama.

A Mess Only Theresa Could Create

The biggest storyline, of course, was the forged letter — the one that changed Victor’s (the late John Aniston) inheritance and tied her to Konstantin (John Kapelos) and Alex (Robert Scott Wilson) in a mess only Theresa could help create. Watching her keep the lie going was akin to seeing her juggle dynamite. With almost every scene filled with Theresa’s desperation and quick thinking, O’Brien was able to deal with the emotional whiplash like a pro.

The year was fraught with tension for Theresa, who orchestrated Victoria’s kidnapping (along with tampering with the will) and conspired to steal the Kiriakis fortune. Ultimately, this landed her in Statesville for a lengthy sentence. Her actions strained her already tenuous relationships with her ex, Brady (Eric Martsolf), and son Tate (Leo Howard).

A Versatile Talent at the Top of Her Game

This isn’t O’Brien’s first time in the Emmy spotlight. Fans remember her from The Young and the Restless, where she racked up multiple nominations for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series. She’s got the kind of daytime resume that commands respect, and her 2025 nomination for Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actress is just the latest chapter in a career built on powerhouse performances.

A native of Bedfordshire, England, O’Brien attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, England. She’s had extensive work as a voiceover artist as well, making appearances in many video games and animated features, including Love, Death & Robots, and DC Heroes United as Wonder Woman.

She previously played Gwen on DOOL, took a break to portray Theresa, and is currently back as Gwen. And let’s be honest — few actors could effortlessly jump between the two characters. She took a character with history, fire, and plenty of baggage and made her feel fresh again. Win or lose, she owned 2024 on DOOL. And if you’ve been watching closely, you know this nomination isn’t just deserved — it’s earned.