Jennie Garth Says Shannen Doherty Only Told One “90210” Cast Member Her Cancer Returned While Filming Reboot

Jennie Garth has reflected on her time with the late Shannen Doherty, revealing the emotions and regrets linked to their relationship while filming the reboot of the beloved series “Beverly Hills, 90210.” The two reunited in 2019 for the show’s revival, a project that came shortly after the tragic passing of their co-star Luke Perry.

In her newly released memoir, “I Choose Me: Chasing Joy, Finding Purpose, and Embracing Reinvention,” Garth candidly discusses their complex history, stemming from their earlier roles in the original series. Notably, Garth shares how this reunion was overshadowed by a significant challenge facing Doherty, as the actress was coping with the return of her cancer. At the time, this struggle was largely unknown to the cast, with Garth now expressing her disappointment at being unaware of Doherty’s health issues during filming.

Garth, who is 54 years old, recalls, “It felt like she was a little removed and preoccupied during the filming, which now makes perfect sense.” During their time together on set, Doherty occasionally invited Garth to her trailer for relaxed evenings over a glass of wine. Despite their camaraderie, Garth notes that Doherty did not disclose her cancer diagnosis to her, which Garth later learned was known by only Brian Austin Green among their castmates.

“I wish I had known,” Garth wrote, reflecting on the missed opportunity to offer more support to her friend and colleague. The denial of this deeply personal struggle was a painful realisation for Garth, who expressed sadness at having spent weeks with Doherty without knowing the truth. “That news was tough to hear – not only because of the weight of what she was facing, but because I realised I had been with her for weeks and never knew,” she explained.

Doherty had initially been diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2015 and announced her remission in April 2017. However, by 2019, it became evident that her battle was not over. She publicly revealed the progression of her illness to metastatic stage 4 cancer in February 2020, and in June 2023, she shared with fans that the disease had spread to her brain and that she had undergone surgery. Tragically, Doherty passed away in 2024 at the age of 53, leaving a profound impact on those who knew and loved her.

Looking back on their relationship, Garth expressed regret over the tension that had marked their interactions during the earlier years of “Beverly Hills, 90210.” She described how their on-screen rivalry inadvertently sowed discord in their real lives, stating, “I think we were both in the same position, really thrust into the spotlight.” This complicated dynamic, further fuelled by media portrayal, led to confusion, Garth admitted.

Despite their rocky start, Garth emphasises the evolution of her relationship with Doherty, reflecting on a mutual respect that developed as both women navigated the entertainment industry. “At 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,” Garth said. She acknowledged the lessons she learned from Doherty, particularly around resilience and self-assertion. “She taught me a lot of really good things about being strong, standing up for myself, using my voice,” she noted gratefully.

The actress recognised that their relationship, though at times fraught with complications, ultimately held significant value. “Even though at times it was complicated, it was still really good,” Garth concluded. This reflection serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of communication and understanding in all relationships, especially as they weather the trials of life.

As Garth continues to honour Doherty’s memory through her writing and reflections, fans of the pair are reminded of the complexities that define friendship, particularly in the high-pressure environment of show business. Through her memoir, Garth hopes to inspire readers to embrace their journeys, fostering connections with others in meaningful ways.