Jennie Garth, best known for her role as Kelly Taylor in the iconic teen drama Beverly Hills, 90210, has opened up about feeling lost and unfulfilled in her 50s. In a candid interview, the 54-year-old actress discusses her new memoir and podcast, both titled I Choose Me, which aim to help other women navigate similar crossroads in their lives.
From Teen Stardom to Midlife Uncertainty
Garth shot to fame at the age of 18 when Beverly Hills, 90210 premiered in 1990. The show made her a household name, but the experience was disorienting. 'It really does screw with your mind,' she says. 'I felt like I spent a good 20 years of my life—the 10 of the show and the 10 after—just trying to keep my head above water.' Despite her success, Garth always felt like an outsider in Hollywood, typecast and overlooked by the industry.
Approaching her 50s, Garth found herself at a standstill. Her three daughters were growing up, and acting roles were scarce. In her diary, she noted that potential jobs were 'few and far between,' and she rarely heard from her agent. 'I was feeling stuck and I thought, how am I going to get out of this?' she recalls. The deaths of her 90210 co-stars Luke Perry in 2019 and Shannen Doherty in 2024 added a sense of urgency, prompting her to reevaluate her purpose.
A New Chapter: Podcast and Memoir
Drawing on years of therapy and self-help reading, Garth realized her purpose might lie in sharing her experiences with other women. She launched the podcast I Choose Me and later wrote a book of the same name, blending memoir with self-help advice. The title references a pivotal moment in 90210 when her character Kelly Taylor chooses herself over two love interests—a line that has become iconic among fans.
In the book, Garth addresses themes such as validation from within, dealing with uncertainty, overthinking, and impostor syndrome. While the insights may not be groundbreaking to avid self-help readers, they are delivered with Garth's characteristic warmth and sincerity. 'I finally feel like I am my age now, as far as my ability to handle whatever comes my way,' she says.
Navigating Sexism and Competition in Hollywood
Garth also reflects on the sexism she faced as a young actress in the 1990s. 'Girls my age on every set in the 90s were exposed to far more than they should—more sexualisation, more discrimination,' she says. She recalls differences in treatment between male and female cast members, including unequal salaries and expectations for women to appear in bathing suits or maintain a certain look. To meet these pressures, she starved herself, took diet pills, and underwent breast enhancement at 24—a decision she now discourages her own daughters from making.
The competitive environment also hindered her ability to form female friendships. The media often pitted her character against Shannen Doherty's, blurring into real-life rivalry. 'We were just young, and we didn't have those words,' Garth says. Later, they became friends 'outside of all that ridiculousness.'
Overcoming Personal Struggles
Garth's personal life has also been marked by challenges. Her 11-year marriage to actor Peter Facinelli ended in 2012, a period so traumatic that she ended up in hospital after an accidental overdose and subsequently entered rehab. She describes the experience as a turning point: 'I wasn't at a place in my life where I had the kind of mind control that I do now.'
She later married actor David Abrams, though their relationship faced difficulties due to failed IVF and miscarriages, leading to a year-long separation. During that time, Garth pursued therapy, travel, and Buddhism. 'I was on a bender to find happiness and joy within myself,' she says. She now believes in angels and spirits, acknowledging that this might sound 'very LA woo-woo' but that it works for her.
Embracing Her 50s
Garth has decided that her 50s are a time to speed up rather than slow down. She is more selective about acting roles, seeking projects that feel meaningful. 'I've really put the brakes on doing acting that doesn't feel like it's going to take me somewhere,' she says. She recently auditioned for the hit series White Lotus, the kind of show that can elevate a career.
Ultimately, Garth's message is one of self-acceptance and resilience. 'You lose that need to be liked, that need to please people around you all the time, and there's something so freeing in that,' she says. Her sister once told her, 'You're Jennie fucking Garth!'—a reminder she now shares with others, famous or not, to embrace their own unique power.
I Choose Me by Jennie Garth is published by Park Row Books and is available from 21 May.
