Jennie Garth Opens Up About Trauma From Divorce And Miscarriages

The 'Beverly Hills 90210' star reflects on her struggles with fame, relationships, and self-worth.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:36pm

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Actress Jennie Garth, known for her role as 'Kelly Taylor' on the hit show 'Beverly Hills 90210', has opened up about the personal challenges she faced in the years after the show's success. In a new interview and memoir, Garth discusses the trauma of her divorce, miscarriages, and mental health struggles, and how she has found solace in the 'I Choose Me' mantra that her character once embodied.

Why it matters

Garth's candid revelations shed light on the personal toll that fame and success can take, even on seemingly confident and successful individuals. Her story resonates with many who have grappled with issues of self-worth, grief, and the pressure to have it all, offering a relatable and inspiring perspective on the journey of self-discovery and reinvention.

The details

Garth, now 56 years old, reflects on how the iconic 'I Choose Me' line from 'Beverly Hills 90210' has taken on new meaning for her in the decades since the show's end. She explains that while she didn't fully understand the feminist sentiment behind the line at the time, it has since become a guiding principle as she has navigated a painful divorce, multiple miscarriages, and mental health challenges. Garth also opens up about the intense anxiety and isolation she experienced due to the sudden fame and exposure that came with starring on the hit show as a teenager, leading her to withdraw and protect her privacy. Despite these struggles, Garth has found sobriety, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose, which she explores in her upcoming memoir 'I Choose Me: Chasing Joy, Finding Purpose, and Embracing Reinvention'.

  • Jennie Garth played the role of 'Kelly Taylor' on 'Beverly Hills 90210' in the 1990s, when she was around 18 years old.
  • Garth is now 56 years old and recently sat down for an interview with People magazine on April 8, 2026.
  • Garth's new memoir 'I Choose Me: Chasing Joy, Finding Purpose, and Embracing Reinvention' is set to be released on April 14, 2026.

The players

Jennie Garth

An American actress best known for playing the role of 'Kelly Taylor' throughout the 'Beverly Hills 90210' franchise. She has faced personal challenges including divorce, miscarriages, and mental health struggles, which she has opened up about in a new interview and memoir.

Peter Facinelli

Jennie Garth's first husband, with whom she was married for 17 years and had three children.

Dave Abrams

Jennie Garth's current husband, with whom she reconciled after a separation due to the pressures of IVF and miscarriages.

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What they’re saying

“At that age, I didn't really get it.”

— Jennie Garth, Actress

“It was like being in The Beatles. There was no preparation for it. It was scary and unknown for all of us, and it was like sink or swim, just survive and figure it out as you go. It was a major on-the-job training.”

— Jennie Garth, Actress

“I noticed my light really dimming. I wasn't putting off good vibes. I could see it in the mirror. I could look at the negative impact that that kind of grief and anger was having on me. And there was a weird switch where one day I just said, 'I don't want to carry this anymore. It's impacting my relationships and how I feel about myself. I've got to let it go. I've got to forgive him.'”

— Jennie Garth, Actress

“I really wanted to give Dave a baby because he was young and all his friends were having kids and I just thought that's what he needed.”

— Jennie Garth, Actress

What’s next

Garth's new memoir 'I Choose Me: Chasing Joy, Finding Purpose, and Embracing Reinvention' is set to be released on April 14, 2026, providing further insight into her personal journey.

The takeaway

Jennie Garth's candid revelations about her struggles with fame, relationships, and mental health serve as a powerful reminder that even successful and confident individuals can face profound personal challenges. Her story offers hope and inspiration to those who have grappled with similar issues, showcasing the transformative power of self-discovery, forgiveness, and the courage to choose oneself.