Days of Our Lives Spotlight: Emily O’Brien Dishes on Gwen Rizczech’s Schemes, Rivalries, and Behind-the-Scenes Bonds

The drama in Days of Our Lives never rests, and few characters embody that truth more than Gwen Rizczech, played with cunning charm and electrifying intensity by Emily O’Brien. In an exclusive new interview, Emily opened up about Gwen’s latest schemes, her rivalry with Sarah Horton, and the surprising friendships that fuel her fire both on- and off-screen.

Gwen’s Game of Deception

Gwen has always thrived on chaos, but recent storylines have pushed her to new levels of audacity. One of her boldest moves yet was planting the idea that she’d slept with Xander Cook—a brazen lie meant to rattle Sarah Horton.

“I was just trying to make Sarah jealous,” Gwen quipped on-screen, her eyes flashing with mischief. But while her antics delighted some fans, Xander wasn’t amused, and his stern disapproval only pushed Gwen to dig in further.

Emily explains Gwen’s mindset:

“She’s not just stirring the pot—she’s practically flipping it over. Gwen sees Sarah as this golden girl who’s had everything handed to her, while Gwen’s been clawing her way through life. That resentment drives her to poke at Sarah whenever she can.”

This calculated deception struck at the heart of Sarah’s insecurities, sparking an emotional storm that pulled Xander into the crossfire. Social media lit up with reactions: some praising Gwen’s audacity, others condemning her ruthlessness. As one fan put it on X (formerly Twitter): “Gwen is the queen of chaos.”

Villain or Survivor?

Emily is quick to stress that Gwen isn’t a one-note villain.

“Gwen’s not evil for the sake of being evil,” she shared. “She’s driven by pain, by a need to be seen and valued. She’s fighting for her place in the world, even if her methods are… questionable.”

It’s that complexity that makes Gwen so compelling. Her antics may be malicious, but they’re rooted in years of abandonment, betrayal, and survival instinct. For Gwen, envy of Sarah isn’t just pettiness—it’s the sting of being perpetually overlooked.

This layered humanity, brought vividly to life through Emily’s performance, has transformed Gwen into one of Salem’s most talked-about figures.

A Rivalry That Burns On-Screen—and a Friendship Off-Screen

On-screen, Gwen and Sarah’s clashes crackle with animosity. But behind the scenes, Emily O’Brien and Linsey Godfrey (Sarah) share a close bond.

“I love her. I adore her,” Emily gushed. “She lights up a room, and working with her is an absolute joy.”

The actresses’ friendship goes far beyond the set, from birthday celebrations to lively girls’ nights out. This real-life camaraderie, Emily believes, only strengthens their performances:

“Because we’re so close, we can really go for it in our scenes. There’s this trust that lets us dig into the raw emotions without holding back. When Gwen’s throwing shade at Sarah, it’s like we’re playing a game—and Linsey knows exactly how to match my energy.”

Fans have noticed, with many praising the authenticity of their confrontations. As one viewer put it: “You can feel the history between Gwen and Sarah. It’s like they’ve been fighting forever—but you can’t look away.”

The Art of Playing Gwen

For Emily, portraying Gwen is a thrill.

“There’s something so freeing about playing someone so unapologetic,” she laughed. “Gwen doesn’t care if she ruffles feathers—and that’s a blast to portray. Plus, the wardrobe is amazing. Those leather jackets and bold lipsticks? I love them.”

She admits she draws on personal experiences of being underestimated to fuel Gwen’s edge. That honesty resonates with viewers, many of whom see Gwen as messy but real.

As one fan posted: “She’s flawed, she’s fiery, and Emily makes you feel every bit of her struggle.”

What’s Next for Gwen and Sarah?

While Emily remained tight-lipped about spoilers, she teased that Gwen isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

“Let’s just say Gwen’s not done stirring the pot. She’s got a few more tricks up her sleeve, and Sarah won’t know what hit her.”

The Gwen-Sarah rivalry, Emily emphasized, is more than a “catfight.” It’s a clash of two women with different worldviews—one driven by ambition and survival, the other by morality and compassion.

“That’s what makes it compelling,” Emily said. “Gwen’s not just the bad guy, and Sarah’s not just the victim. They’re both flawed, and that’s why the story resonates.”

Why Gwen’s Story Matters

The enduring success of Days of Our Lives lies in its ability to balance high-stakes drama with deeply human emotions. Characters like Gwen embody the complexities of envy, redemption, and the need for belonging.

Emily O’Brien’s nuanced portrayal ensures Gwen is never just a caricature. Instead, she’s a deeply wounded soul who fights, schemes, and manipulates—sometimes ruthlessly—just to prove she deserves her place in Salem.

And as long as Gwen’s in the mix, one thing is certain: Salem will never be boring.