Jennie Garth Reflects on '90210' Feud with Shannen Doherty

Garth says she and Doherty were pitted against each other during their time on the hit show.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:25pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of shattered glass reflecting a faint red light, conveying a sense of fractured relationships and tensions behind the scenes of a popular television show.The backstage drama between the stars of a hit 1990s TV series exposed the personal challenges that can arise when young actors are thrust into the spotlight.Beverly Hills Today

Actress Jennie Garth has opened up about the infamous feud between her and her former '90210' co-star Shannen Doherty, saying the two were 'viciously pitted against one another' during their time on the iconic 1990s series. Garth revealed that both she and Doherty were dealing with personal challenges related to their families' health at the time, which contributed to the tension on set.

Why it matters

The behind-the-scenes drama between Garth and Doherty was a major part of the show's legacy, with their characters' on-screen rivalry captivating audiences. Garth's comments shed new light on the complex personal factors that fueled the feud, providing a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by the young cast.

The details

Garth and Doherty played Kelly Taylor and Brenda Walsh, respectively, on 'Beverly Hills, 90210.' The two actresses were reportedly at odds during much of the show's run, with rumors of on-set tensions and even physical altercations. In a new interview, Garth explained that the feud was exacerbated by the fact that she and Doherty were both dealing with family health issues at the time, which led them to be 'closely connected' yet 'viciously pitted against one another' by the show's producers and the media.

  • Jennie Garth and Shannen Doherty co-starred on 'Beverly Hills, 90210' from 1990 to 1994.

The players

Jennie Garth

An American actress best known for her role as Kelly Taylor on the hit 1990s TV series 'Beverly Hills, 90210.'

Shannen Doherty

An American actress who played Brenda Walsh on 'Beverly Hills, 90210' and has since appeared in other TV shows and films.

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What they’re saying

“She was very closely connected with her parents and her father's health challenges, I too was going through the same exact thing at the same time,”

— Jennie Garth

The takeaway

Garth's candid reflection on the Doherty feud highlights the personal struggles that can arise when young actors are thrust into the spotlight, and how external factors can exacerbate on-set tensions. Her comments provide a more nuanced understanding of a famous Hollywood rivalry.