Jennie Garth Reveals Shannen Doherty Confided Cancer Battle During '90210' Reboot

Garth details their relationship and Doherty's private struggle in her new memoir

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:04pm

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An abstract close-up image featuring shattered glass and glittering sequins in high-contrast studio lighting, conceptually representing the fragility and glamour of celebrity culture.The private health struggles of a beloved '90s TV star shine a light on the complex realities of fame and friendship in Hollywood.Beverly Hills Today

In her new memoir, actress Jennie Garth writes about her relationship with former Beverly Hills, 90210 co-star Shannen Doherty during the 2019 reboot of the show. Garth reveals that Doherty, who was privately battling cancer at the time, seemed 'removed and preoccupied' on set, but did not disclose her diagnosis to Garth until after production had wrapped. Doherty ultimately succumbed to the disease in 2024 at the age of 53.

Why it matters

The memoir provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the complex relationship between the two actresses, who were often portrayed as rivals in the media. It also sheds light on the challenges Doherty faced in keeping her cancer diagnosis private while working on the high-profile reboot.

The details

According to Garth's memoir, Doherty would occasionally invite her to her trailer for a glass of wine during the reboot's production, but never revealed that her cancer had returned. Garth says she wishes she had known about Doherty's diagnosis at the time, as she believes she could have provided more support as a friend and coworker. Doherty was first diagnosed with cancer in 2015, went into remission in 2017, but the disease reappeared in 2019 during the reboot.

  • Doherty was first diagnosed with cancer in March 2015.
  • In April 2017, it was reported that Doherty had gone into remission.
  • Doherty's cancer returned in 2019 during the production of the Beverly Hills, 90210 reboot.
  • Doherty passed away on July 13, 2024 at the age of 53 after a long battle with cancer.

The players

Jennie Garth

An American actress best known for her role as Kelly Taylor on the original Beverly Hills, 90210 series. She has remained close with many of her former co-stars over the years.

Shannen Doherty

An American actress who played Brenda Walsh on the original Beverly Hills, 90210 series. She passed away in 2024 at the age of 53 after a long battle with cancer.

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What they’re saying

“It felt like she was a little removed and preoccupied during the filming, which now makes perfect sense. She invited me to her trailer for a glass of wine on a few occasions and we had some good hangs. But she didn't tell me the news that her cancer had returned.”

— Jennie Garth, Actress

“I think we were both in the same position, really thrust into the spotlight, and we were written as characters to be against each other. That translated into the media and into the audience and then into the world's perception of our relationship. That, in turn, was confusing for both of us.”

— Jennie Garth, Actress

The takeaway

Garth's memoir provides a rare, intimate look at the complex relationship between two iconic '90s television stars, and the personal struggles Doherty faced while working on the high-profile reboot of their beloved show. It serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges celebrities can face in the public eye, especially when dealing with serious health issues.