The Original Cast of Beverly Hills, 90210: A Look Back at the Iconic Teen Drama
When Beverly Hills, 90210 premiered on October 4, 1990, on Fox, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Created by Darren Star and produced by Aaron Spelling, the show captivated audiences with its depiction of the glamorous lives and complex issues faced by teenagers living in the upscale community of Beverly Hills, California. Over the course of ten seasons, the series not only became a staple of ’90s pop culture but also launched the careers of its young and talented cast. This article takes an in-depth look at the original cast of Beverly Hills, 90210, exploring their roles, their impact on the show, and their lives and careers after the series.
1. Jason Priestley as Brandon Walsh
Jason Priestley played Brandon Walsh, the quintessential all-American boy-next-door. Brandon, along with his twin sister Brenda, moved from Minneapolis to Beverly Hills, and his character served as the moral compass of the series. Brandon’s charm, integrity, and dedication to journalism made him a fan favorite.
Life After 90210
After leaving 90210 in 1998, Priestley shifted his focus to directing and producing. He directed several episodes of the series and went on to work on various TV shows and films, including Call Me Fitz and Private Eyes. Despite facing personal challenges, such as a near-fatal car accident in 2002, Priestley remains active in Hollywood.
2. Shannen Doherty as Brenda Walsh
Shannen Doherty portrayed Brenda Walsh, Brandon’s ambitious and often rebellious twin sister. Brenda’s relationship with Dylan McKay (played by Luke Perry) was one of the show’s most iconic storylines. Her struggles with fitting into the affluent Beverly Hills lifestyle and her fiery personality made her a complex character.
Life After 90210
Doherty left the show after the fourth season amid reports of on-set tensions. She later starred in another hit series, Charmed, but left that show under similar circumstances. In recent years, Doherty has been open about her battle with breast cancer, earning admiration for her resilience and advocacy for cancer awareness.
3. Jennie Garth as Kelly Taylor
Jennie Garth played Kelly Taylor, a character who evolved from a shallow high school queen bee to a deeply layered and sympathetic figure. Kelly’s tumultuous relationships, including her love triangle with Brandon and Dylan, and her struggles with addiction and trauma, made her one of the most compelling characters on the show.
Life After 90210
Garth continued to find success on television, starring in shows like What I Like About You alongside Amanda Bynes. She reprised her role as Kelly in the 90210 reboot and later in BH90210, a meta-revival of the original series. Garth also explored reality television and published a memoir, Deep Thoughts from a Hollywood Blonde.
4. Luke Perry as Dylan McKay
Luke Perry portrayed Dylan McKay, the brooding bad boy with a heart of gold. Dylan’s complicated relationships, struggles with substance abuse, and search for his identity made him one of the show’s most beloved and iconic characters.
Life After 90210
After leaving 90210, Perry appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including Oz, Jeremiah, and Riverdale, where he played Fred Andrews, the father of Archie. His sudden death in 2019 at the age of 52 shocked fans and co-stars alike, and he is remembered as a beloved actor and friend.
5. Tori Spelling as Donna Martin
Tori Spelling played Donna Martin, a sweet and naive teenager who gradually grew into a confident and independent young woman. Donna’s relationship with David Silver and her journey to overcome academic struggles and assert her independence were key storylines.
Life After 90210
As the daughter of producer Aaron Spelling, Tori was already connected to Hollywood royalty. After 90210, she appeared in several TV movies and reality shows, including Tori & Dean: Inn Love. Spelling also wrote several books, including sTORI Telling, which became a New York Times bestseller.
6. Brian Austin Green as David Silver
Brian Austin Green played David Silver, an aspiring musician and DJ who started as a geeky freshman and transformed into a confident young adult. His romance with Donna Martin and his struggles with addiction were central to his character’s development.
Life After 90210
Green found continued success on television with roles in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Anger Management, and Desperate Housewives. He also gained attention for his high-profile relationships, including his marriage to actress Megan Fox, with whom he shares three children.
7. Gabrielle Carteris as Andrea Zuckerman
Gabrielle Carteris portrayed Andrea Zuckerman, the intelligent and ambitious editor of the school newspaper. Andrea was the voice of reason in the group and often dealt with issues of class and identity, as she was from a modest background compared to her affluent peers.
Life After 90210
Carteris left the show in its fifth season but continued acting in various TV shows and films. She later became a prominent advocate for actors’ rights and was elected president of the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).
8. Ian Ziering as Steve Sanders
Ian Ziering played Steve Sanders, the privileged and often arrogant friend of Brandon and the rest of the gang. Despite his initially shallow persona, Steve evolved into a loyal and endearing character over the course of the series.
Life After 90210
Ziering enjoyed a resurgence of popularity with his role in the Sharknado film series, where he embraced the campy, over-the-top nature of the franchise. He has also appeared on reality shows like Dancing with the Stars and continues to act in various television projects.
Impact of Beverly Hills, 90210
Beverly Hills, 90210 was more than just a teen drama—it tackled serious issues such as drug addiction, teen pregnancy, racism, and mental health, making it a groundbreaking show for its time. The series resonated with audiences worldwide and helped shape the teen drama genre, paving the way for shows like Dawson’s Creek, The O.C., and Gossip Girl.
Legacy and Reboots
The original 90210 cast reunited for several projects, including the 2008 reboot 90210, which followed a new generation of Beverly Hills teens, and BH90210 in 2019, a unique meta-revival where the actors played heightened versions of themselves planning a reboot of the original show. These reunions highlighted the enduring popularity of the series and its cast
Where Are They Now?
Today, the original cast members continue to work in various facets of the entertainment industry, from acting and directing to advocacy and writing. Their contributions to television history remain significant, and they are fondly remembered by fans who grew up watching the show.
