Jennie Garth’s appearance during a recent outing sparked concern among fans following the loss of her “Beverly Hills, 90210” co-star Shannen Doherty. The pair, who had a notoriously tense relationship on set, opened up about the dynamics of their relationship in Shannen’s final moments.
Jennie Garth and Shannen Doherty’s on-screen characters mirrored their real-life tensions. The actresses’ relationship was marked by friendship and friction.
As Shannen battled cancer, the pair revealed astonishing details about their complicated past. Since Shannen’s passing, Jennie was recently spotted as she went about her day. Photos of her had social media users concerned as they noticed a visible change.
Jennie Garth and Shannen Doherty’s Feud on the ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ Set
“Beverly Hills, 90210” first premiered in October 1990 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The show was set in the upscale community of Beverly Hills and followed the glamorous yet turbulent lives of a group of teenagers.
Shannen Doherty and Jennie Garth with their “Beverly Hills, 90210” castmates, circa 1991. | Source: Getty Images
At the heart of the series were two pivotal characters: Kelly Taylor, played by Jennie, and Brenda Walsh, portrayed by Shannen. Kelly was the sweet girl next door with a complicated life. Brenda, on the other hand, was a fiery and ambitious newcomer.
On-screen, Kelly and Brenda had a complex relationship that shifted between close friendship and intense rivalry. Their interactions were central to the show’s drama and mirrored the off-screen tensions that would later come to light.
Years after “Beverly Hills, 90210” ended, Jennie and Shannen opened up about the rumors of tension between them on the set.
In an interview, Jennie revealed, “We were locked in this sound stage for 14-16 hours every day. There were times when we loved each other and there were times when we wanted to claw each other’s eyes out.” This was the case during a fiery exchange on set.
Luke Perry, Shannen Doherty, Jennie Garth, and Jason Priestley on the set of “Beverly Hills, 90210” in September 1991 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
According to Shannen, Jennie was a jokester and would go around playfully pulling down some crew members’ pants. “She was calling it Pants Down Day,” Shannen recalled during an episode of her podcast, “Let’s Be Clear with Shannen Doherty.”
However, not everyone saw the humor in Jennie’s actions. This prompted Shannen to turn the tables on Jennie, and the result was explosive. In what Shannen dubbed “Skirt Up Day,” she lifted Jennie’s skirt.
Shannen revealed that she knew Jennie wore men’s Calvin Klein underwear, so she did not see the big deal. However, it was very much a big deal, Jennie revealed during her appearance on “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.”
“I didn’t care for that. Who does — I wouldn’t do that to someone,” Jennie said. The actress added that they “took it outside” and the incident nearly resulted in a fight. Shannen recalled, “Oh my God, she lost it on me, and I was just not in the mood to back down.”
However, the co-stars never actually exchanged blows, as their male castmates stepped between them and broke up the heated exchange. Shannen later decided to leave “Beverly Hills, 90210” after four seasons.
Her departure was shrouded in controversy and speculation. The actress’s co-star Brian Austin Green offered some insight, revealing that Shannen was always portrayed as the bad girl, but was really just a “victim” in it all.
“Certain people got along with her and certain people didn’t, and the people that didn’t won,” he said. However, according to producers Aaron Spelling and Charles Rosin, Jennie was not the only person Shannen had a strained relationship with.
According to Charles, Shannen’s frequent lateness to set was “appalling.” The former executive producer also accused Shannen of having a “callous attitude and an indifference.” He felt she was no longer on the show.
Shannen Doherty, circa 1993. | Source: Getty Images
Aaron echoed these sentiments, adding, “It wasn’t like she ruined the show or anything. It just upset the cast members tremendously. I remember them calling me and saying, ‘Please, can’t you get her here on time?'”
Shannen, however, shared a different perspective. She dismissed the accusations of lateness and hinted at deeper issues within the cast. “I don’t think that lateness had anything to do with it…. There were a lot of petty jealousies on that show, and I had never dealt with that before,” she revealed.
Nevertheless, she confirmed she was no longer happy and didn’t want to be there at some point. The actress didn’t want to sound ungrateful because she was on a hit show that paid well. Shannen felt the sacrifices she was making were too much for her to handle.
She noted that being in front of the camera all day while trying to grow up and figure out her life, relationships, spirituality, and more as a teenager was a lot to take in. Tori Spelling, Aaron’s daughter and a star of “Beverly Hills, 90210,” reflected on Shannen’s departure, saying, “She thought it was time to go, and the cast did too.”
Tori Spelling, Shannen Doherty, and Jennie Garth at the 18th annual People’s Choice Awards on March 17, 1992, in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images
Mending Fences – From Feud to Friendship
According to Jennie, the conflict between her and Shannen during the filming of the series was largely a result of their youth and the pressures they faced.
“It was more of just young girls finding their way and finding their individual voices,” Jennie reflected. Both actresses were born under the zodiac sign Aries, and Jennie noted that this led to them being “very strong” and “independent” women who often butted heads.
However, as the years passed and both women matured, they began to put their past conflicts behind them. In 2012, Shannen was a guest at Jennie’s 40th birthday party in West Hollywood.
By the next year, they traveled to Las Vegas together to watch a revue show. In June 2023, the Daily Mail spotted Jennie on a supermarket run in Los Angeles when the actress was asked if she supported Shannen after the news of her cancer battle. Jennie responded, “Obviously. Whatever she needs.”
Shannen Doherty, Jennie Garth, and Ian Ziering at Garth’s 40th Birthday celebration and the premiere party for “Jennie Garth: A Little Bit Country,” on April 19, 2012, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
On the May 20, 2024, episode of her podcast, Shannen elaborated on the state of her and Jennie’s friendship and said it was “good.” The actress also revealed that they meet at conventions where they talk and laugh.
She noted that she and Jennie were young at the time, but reflected that there were things she would have done differently back then. Shannen added, “I don’t hold grudges against anyone from that show.”
She confirmed that they were all experiencing something for the first time, and in such situations, one has to give room for mistakes. Additionally, Shannen remarked that she should have also given herself room to allow for poor judgment.
Sadly, the actress can no longer reflect on her past and continue to build her friendship with Jennie and the other cast members.
Shannen Doherty at the Hollywood Unites for the 5th Biennial Stand Up To Cancer event on September 9, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Shannen Doherty’s Passing and Jennie Garth’s Heartfelt Tribute
In July 2024, the world was saddened by the news of Shannen’s passing. Her longtime publicist, Leslie Sloane, confirmed the heartbreaking news with a statement.
“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease,” Leslie revealed.
Leslie also noted that Shannen was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. In her final moment, she was surrounded by her loved ones and her dog, Bowie. As Leslie broke the news, she asked fans to give Shannen’s family the privacy to grieve in peace,
The loss of Shannen was felt deeply by her “Beverly Hills, 90210” family. Many of her castmates took to social media to honor her memory, sharing their grief and fond memories. Among them was Jennie, who posted a touching tribute to her late friend and colleague.
The “Beverly Hills, 90210” cast members at the 18th People’s Choice Awards on March 17, 1992, in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images
The actress took to Instagram to share two throwback pictures of her and Shannen and crafted a beautiful and emotional caption. “I am still processing my tremendous grief over the loss of my long time friend Shannen, the woman I have often described as one of the strongest people I have ever known,” the caption read in part.
“Our connection was real and honest. We were so often pitted against each other but none of that reflected the truth of our real relationship which was one built on mutual respect and admiration,” the actress continued.
She praised Shannen for being “courageous, passionate, determined and very loving and generous.” Jennie wrote that she would miss Shannen and will forever honor the actress in her heart and memories.
Jennie ended her tribute by writing, “My heart breaks for her family and Bowie and all the people who loved her. 💔”
A few days after Shannen’s death and after writing her tribute, Jennie was seen in public for the first time. The actress, dressed in casual attire with an overflowing handbag, looked somber as she went about her day in Hollywood.
This sighting quickly drew attention from social media users, who expressed concern over Jennie’s appearance. Her visible grief and the toll of losing a close friend did not go unnoticed.
One social media user commented, “OMG. She looks much older. Hope she’s okay. RIP Shannen.” Others shared the same sentiment of Jennie looking old, as another person shared in part, “Jennie is my age. But my God does she look […] old.”
A third person typed, “She looks 65. Or a sister of Ruth Madoff.” However, one commenter was sorry for Jennie as she was photographed while grieving.
The story of Jennie Garth and Shannen Doherty’s relationship is one of transformation and growth. The actresses evolved from young stars with intense rivalry to mature friends who supported each other through life’s challenges.
