Performer Of The Week Emily O’brien

(GWEN, DAYS)

■ When Gwen went to the hospital to confirm her pregnancy, Emily O’brien quietly conveyed her character’s conflict over whether or not to keep the baby.

Kayla entered the exam room, and Gwen steeled herself to reveal why she was there, a hint of nervousness in her eyes, but trying to keep her composure. As she explained how a baby would further damage her complicated relationship with Abigail, Gwen was already trying to convince herself that perhaps terminating was the better option. “Maybe I’m not even pregnant,” she offered with a wry smile, body trembling slightly, fear and anticipation both clear on her face.

After the blood test came back positive, Kayla got the sonogram equipment. Gwen insisted on Kayla blocking the screen so she couldn’t see the baby, but as she sat back on the table, her eyes darting around, O’brien played Gwen as suddenly driven by a need to see what was going on. Her breath coming quickly, Gwen asked Kayla to show her the screen.

Later, Gwen arrived at the Dimera mansion to see Chad. She inhaled deliberately, then announced she was keeping the baby. She described seeing the sonogram, and Gwen’s eyes welled and she explained the connection she felt. As tears threatened to fall, Gwen noted that the baby gave her a chance to experience the life she yearned for but never had. Gwen tried to keep her nerves at bay, fidgety as she bit her nails and awaited his response.

O’brien’s understated approach helped illustrate the softer sides of her alter ego, and went a long way to show how Gwen has changed over the past few months, as she strives to leave the past behind and connect with her new Salem family.