Jennie Garth, the beloved actress known for her role as Kelly Taylor in the iconic TV series “Beverly Hills, 90210,” recently opened up about her biggest regret in her career. At the 90’s Con event in Daytona Beach, Florida, Garth revealed that she wishes she hadn’t participated in the “Beverly Hills, 90210” reboot that aired on The CW from 2008 to 2013. Despite her regrets, she expressed no ill will towards the production team or her co-stars from the reboot.
The Regret
During a panel discussion at 90’s Con, Garth shared her feelings about her decision to return for the “Beverly Hills, 90210” reboot. She recounted how a producer, who was a friend of a friend, convinced her to join the project by portraying it as a “chance of a lifetime.” However, looking back, Garth admitted that she wishes she had declined the offer.
Reflecting on her experience, Garth explained, “He asked me to do it, and I didn’t know how to say no then.” Despite her initial hesitations, she acknowledged that the people involved in the reboot were very nice, and she wished them all the best. It’s clear that Garth’s decision to participate in the reboot was a difficult one for her, and she now sees it as a regret in her career.
The Original Series
“Beverly Hills, 90210” originally aired from 1990 to 2000 on Fox and followed the lives of a group of wealthy friends as they navigated the transition from high school to adulthood in Beverly Hills. The show became a cultural phenomenon and launched the careers of its young cast, including Garth, Jason Priestley, Tori Spelling, Shannen Doherty, Gabrielle Carteris, Brian Austin Green, Ian Ziering, and Luke Perry.
Garth’s portrayal of Kelly Taylor in the original series endeared her to fans and solidified her status as a TV icon. Alongside her co-stars, she helped create a show that resonated with audiences around the world and left a lasting impact on the television landscape.
The Reboot and Beyond
In the 2008 reboot of “Beverly Hills, 90210,” Garth reprised her role as Kelly Taylor, alongside Tori Spelling and Shannen Doherty. The reboot introduced new characters and storylines while also revisiting familiar faces from the original series. Despite the reunion of the beloved cast members, Garth now regrets her decision to participate in the project.
Following the reboot, the cast members of “Beverly Hills, 90210” continued to stay connected through various projects and events. In 2019, almost the entire original cast returned for “BH90210,” a revival that saw them playing heightened versions of themselves in the present day. However, the absence of Luke Perry, who tragically passed away in 2019, and Shannen Doherty, who succumbed to cancer in 2022, left a void in the reunion.
Tribute to Shannen Doherty
During the 90’s Con panel discussion, the cast members paid tribute to their late co-star Shannen Doherty, who had played Brenda Walsh in the franchise. Doherty’s passing in 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer deeply impacted her friends and colleagues from “Beverly Hills, 90210.”
Reflecting on Doherty’s bravery and resilience, Brian Austin Green praised her for sharing her journey with others despite her personal challenges. Green emphasized the importance of Doherty’s openness and transparency, highlighting her courage in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, Jennie Garth’s candid admission about her regrets regarding the “Beverly Hills, 90210” reboot sheds light on the complexities of navigating a long and successful career in the entertainment industry. Despite her misgivings, Garth’s honesty and vulnerability serve as a reminder of the challenges and choices that actors face throughout their careers. Through her experiences, Garth continues to inspire her fans with her authenticity and candor, showcasing the resilience and strength that have defined her career in Hollywood.