Jennie Garth Reflects on Grief After Luke Perry's Passing

The '90210' star opens up about the loss of her 'first true love' in her new memoir.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:10pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shattered glass reflecting a faint red light, capturing the fragility and emotional intensity of a personal loss.The shattering impact of a personal loss, as seen through the lens of fragmented glamour.Beverly Hills Today

Jennie Garth is sharing deeply personal memories about the death of her former co-star and close friend Luke Perry in her new memoir, 'I Choose Me: Chasing Joy, Finding Purpose, and Embracing Reinvention.' Garth describes the shock and grief she felt upon learning of Perry's passing in 2019 at the age of 52 following a stroke. She also reflects on the complicated nature of their relationship, which blurred the lines between on-screen romance and real-life connection.

Why it matters

Garth's vulnerable account sheds light on the private grieving process that can occur after the loss of a beloved public figure, especially when the relationship was deeply personal yet not fully understood by others. Her memoir offers a rare glimpse into the lasting impact of certain relationships, even those that existed primarily in the public eye.

The details

In her memoir, Garth recalls the moment she received the call from Luke Perry's manager informing her of his death. She describes being frozen in shock, with the news feeling 'heavy and unreal.' As time passed, Garth struggled to find her place in the shared mourning, saying 'I don't think anyone really understood our relationship, myself included. It was too painful, so I just put it in a box and buried it somewhere deep inside me.' Garth also opened up about the personal connection she shared with Perry during their time on 'Beverly Hills, 90210,' revealing how their on-screen romance blurred into something more intimate: 'When Kelly was falling for Dylan, I was falling for Luke.'

  • Luke Perry passed away in 2019 at the age of 52 following a stroke.
  • Jennie Garth's memoir 'I Choose Me: Chasing Joy, Finding Purpose, and Embracing Reinvention' was published in 2026.

The players

Jennie Garth

An American actress best known for her role as Kelly Taylor on the popular 1990s TV series 'Beverly Hills, 90210,' which she starred in alongside Luke Perry.

Luke Perry

An American actor who rose to fame for his role as Dylan McKay on the TV series 'Beverly Hills, 90210,' where he co-starred with Jennie Garth. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 52 following a stroke.

Steve Himber

Luke Perry's manager, who informed Jennie Garth of Perry's death.

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What they’re saying

“The words hung in the air, heavy and unreal. I was in a state of shock. No words would come out of my mouth. My whole body went cold, like the blood had drained out of me in an instant. My chest tightened, and I couldn't catch my breath – it was as if the air had been sucked out of the car. The word NO kept ricocheting in my mind like a wrecking ball. I went numb. I hung up, and I drove home as fast as I could back to my house.”

— Jennie Garth, Actress

“I don't think anyone really understood our relationship, myself included. It was too painful, so I just put it in a box and buried it somewhere deep inside me. I've never opened it, and I never intend to.”

— Jennie Garth, Actress

“When Kelly was falling for Dylan, I was falling for Luke.”

— Jennie Garth, Actress

“I do think he was my first true love. Now looking back, I'm like, 'You were just like every other girl in the world.' Everyone imagined him as their first true love.”

— Jennie Garth, Actress

The takeaway

Jennie Garth's deeply personal account of grief and loss after the passing of her 'Beverly Hills, 90210' co-star and close friend Luke Perry highlights the complex and often private nature of mourning a public figure. Her memoir offers a rare glimpse into the lasting impact of certain relationships, even those that existed primarily in the public eye.