Jennie Garth Breaks Silence on Decades-Long Feud with Shannen Doherty
Jennie Garth is finally speaking candidly about her infamous behind-the-scenes feud with the late Shannen Doherty, a rivalry that simmered as both actresses skyrocketed to fame together on the iconic television series Beverly Hills, 90210. The 54-year-old actress, who played Kelly Taylor, a character frequently in conflict with Doherty's Brenda Walsh, has revealed that the on-screen high school drama was not merely scripted entertainment.
On-Screen Rivalry Spilled into Real Life
Garth explained that the intense rivalry, particularly over the character Dylan McKay portrayed by Luke Perry, translated into genuine real-life tension with Doherty, who tragically passed away in 2024 from breast cancer at age 53. '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,' Garth told People magazine. 'And that translated into the media and into the audience and then into the world’s perception of our relationship.'
The actress described the situation as 'confusing' for both of them, openly admitting they would frequently 'clash' on set. 'We were doing the best we could, and so sometimes strong women will clash, especially when they’re young and sort of uneducated about friendship and the importance of it,' she elaborated.
Lack of Guidance Amplified Tensions
Garth reflected that while the negative storyline kept audiences hooked and was 'a better story for the show,' she now realizes how detrimental it was. 'And I just realized how terrible that was, how terrible it was to put us in that position,' she stated. 'Nobody was guiding us. Nobody was getting therapy then. Nobody was talking to us about things. We were both just fending for ourselves.'
Despite the conflicts, Garth acknowledged that their relationship 'did reach points of conflict,' but emphasized a deeper mutual respect. 'But the end of the day, we really did have a respect for one another as strong women who have lasted a long time in this industry,' she explained. 'And she taught me a lot. She taught me a lot of really good things about being strong, standing up for myself, using my voice. And I’m forever grateful for her and for the relationship that we had.' She added, 'Even though at times it was complicated, it was still really good.'
Shared Struggles and Similarities
Garth pointed out that, ultimately, they were more alike than different, noting 'She was an Aries, I’m an Aries.' During the 90210 era, Garth explained that Doherty '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, and there were a lot of things going on, adult things happening for both of us,' Garth added, highlighting their parallel personal struggles.
Past Incidents and Public Disputes
Garth had previously alluded to the feud in 2019 on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, recalling a near-physical altercation. 'I can only remember one incident and that's when we took it outside,' she said. 'I’m a Midwestern girl and I spent some time in Glendale, Arizona, so that makes you tough.' She noted, 'The guys held us back so we never actually [fought].'
In March 2024, Doherty reminisced about a heated argument with Garth over a prank on her podcast Let’s Be Clear with co-star Brian Austin Green. Doherty described Garth's 'Pants Down Day' pranks on crew members, which led her to initiate 'Skirt Up Day' in retaliation. 'And so I did Skirt Up Day and oh, my God, she lost it on me and I was just not in the mood to back down,' Doherty recounted.
A month prior, Doherty had reaffirmed her claims that Alyssa Milano was involved in her firing from Charmed in 2001, despite Milano's denials. At Orlando's MegaCon with co-stars Holly Marie Combs and Rose McGowan, Doherty became emotional while reading a statement. 'I’m sorry if I start crying,' she said. 'Holly and I, we were not mean on the podcast — my podcast, ‘Let’s Be Clear.’ In fact, we went in and we edited out anything that we felt would cause more drama.'
'We simply told the truth because the truth actually does matter,' Doherty continued, her voice breaking. 'At this point in my life with my health diagnosis, with fighting horrific disease every day of my life, it is also incredibly important to me that the truth actually be told as opposed to the narrative that others put out there for me.' She concluded, 'We told it together, we told our truths and we are standing by our truths.'
