On June 5th, 2020 Emily O’Brien assumed the role of Gwen Rizczech on Days of our Lives. Today marks 2 years since her debut!
Gwen Rizczech was first introduced as a resident in Bayview Sanitarium who befriended Claire Brady (Olivia Rose Keegan). Gwen faked a meltdown so she can hide there because she stole something from her boyfriend, Jake (Brandon Barash) and it was wanted by dangerous people as Jake had mob ties at the time.
Gwen Rizczech is one of Salem’s misunderstood, bad girls. She is the daughter of Jack Devereaux (Matthew Ashford) and Tiffany Rizczech. Her mother struggled with addiction and Gwen was led to believe that Jack wanted nothing to do with her. So she targeted the family, specifically her half-sister, Abigail DiMera (Marci Miller). It was revealed that she was behind drugging Abigail which affected her mental state. Gwen tried to break up Jack and Jennifer (Melissa Reeves/Cady McClain) by getting Abigail to get drunk and revealing that Jack had an affair with Kate (Lauren Koslow). Gwen also tried to break up Abigail and Chad (Billy Flynn) by letting Chad think Abigail was sleeping with Jake so she can hook up with Chad. She wound up getting pregnant with his baby.
Over time, Gwen developed a relationship with her father. Things got complicated when Gwen had a miscarriage and she blamed it on Abigail. However, she found out she miscarried before her fight with Abigail and she was afraid if she told Jack the truth, she’d lose him. Her doctor blackmailed her to deliver drugs. She confided in Xander Kiriakis (Paul Telfer) and their friendship developed into romance. When Gwen caught wind that Xander’s ex, Sarah Horton (Linsey Godfrey) didn’t break up with Xander, but was kidnapped, Gwen conspired with Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk) and Ava Vitali (Tamara Braun) to keep Sarah from Xander. When Abigail found out the truth, she had Gwen arrested and Xander broke up with her.
Gwen is currently in prison and claims she wants to change and make things right. However, Gwen might be hiding another secret. She might have killed Abigail’s grandmother. Gwen has sworn her death was an accident, but Gwen’s friend, Leo Stark (Greg Rikkart) tried asking her about it and she dodged the question.
Emily O’Brien is brilliant at portraying Gwen’s complex character and many layers. Gwen has done horrible things, but mainly out of desperation to belong and feel loved.
Help us celebrate O’Brien’s 2 year anniversary of her debut as Gwen Rizczech!
(Article written by Adriana Grecco)
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