Tori Spelling Says She Cried More Over Shannen Doherty’s Death than She Did Over Her Father Aaron’s 

Tori Spelling has shared her deeply personal reflections regarding her emotional responses to the loss of her former co-star Shannen Doherty and her father, Aaron Spelling, the renowned producer behind “Beverly Hills, 90210.” In an episode of the podcast “Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum,” she expressed that her grief over Doherty’s death was more pronounced than her reaction to her father’s passing.

Doherty, who played Brenda Walsh on the iconic series, passed away in 2024 due to breast cancer at the age of 53. Meanwhile, Aaron Spelling, who produced “Beverly Hills, 90210” among many other successful shows, died in 2006 at the age of 83. Reflecting on these events, Tori revealed that her emotional response to Doherty’s death, which she described as overwhelmingly intense, came as a surprise to her.

According to Tori, her inability to openly grieve her father’s death stemmed from her desire to maintain composure. She stated, “I had to just go on,” which she attributed to being younger and less equipped to handle her feelings at that time. This repression of emotions left her feeling unsure about how to navigate her grief when faced with loss.

Describing her relationship with her father, Tori referred to herself as a quintessential “daddy’s girl.” She stated, “He was everything to me… He’s still my hero,” signifying the lasting impact Aaron had on her life. In his absence, she struggles with the notion of mortality, especially after the passing of friends her own age. She voiced her contemplation of life and death, which added to the difficulty of coping with Doherty’s loss.

In her conversation, Tori compared her reactions to the deaths of both Doherty and Luke Perry, another close friend and co-star, who died in 2019. She noted that her emotional state following Perry’s death was still somewhat restrained, as she employed a façade of strength during that period. However, with Doherty’s passing, a wave of grief overcame her, leading to an emotional breakdown that felt unfamiliar and challenging. She elaborated on her upbringing, describing a household where crying was perceived as a weakness; her father never showed vulnerability in that manner.

During their time on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” Tori portrayed Donna Martin, the loyal best friend of Kelly Taylor, played by Jennie Garth. Doherty’s character, Brenda Walsh, was a prominent figure in the early seasons. Their on-screen camaraderie was mirrored off-screen, with Tori and Shannen sharing a close friendship that deteriorated after Doherty was let go from the show. The reason for their falling out remained unclear to both of them for many years.

Despite their initial estrangement, Tori reflected on how conventions and public appearances allowed them to reconnect before Doherty’s passing, describing this reconsolidation as immensely meaningful. Tori poignantly shared that she recently participated in the first anniversary memorial for Shannen, further emphasising the importance of their rekindled friendship in the latter stages of Doherty’s life.

Aaron Spelling’s legacy includes a plethora of successful television productions such as “Charlie’s Angels,” “Dynasty,” and “Charmed,” among others. Tori reminisced about her supportive role in her father’s career, considering herself his “right-hand man” during the development of some of his major projects, including “Beverly Hills, 90210.” She even took pride in her involvement in casting decisions that influenced the show’s success.

Overall, Tori Spelling’s candid discussion sheds light on her journey of processing grief, the complexities of familial bonds, and the significance of friendship within the entertainment industry. Her reflections serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of emotions and the importance of reaching out to reconnect with loved ones during times of loss. As she continues to navigate her feelings surrounding the deaths of those close to her, Tori demonstrates resilience and self-discovery, reminding us all of our shared human experiences of love, loss, and grief.