Jason Priestley Says He Had to Cut Off Friends After “Beverly Hills, 90210 ”Took Off

**Jason Priestley Reflects on Fame and the End of Friendships Following ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ Success**

Jason Priestley, renowned for his role as Brandon Walsh in the popular television series *Beverly Hills, 90210*, has opened up about the profound impact that fame had on his relationships, revealing that he had to sever ties with several long-term friends as a result of jealousy and negative behaviour.

In a candid interview on the *Still Here Hollywood* podcast, hosted by Steve Kmetko, Priestley discussed how his experience of sudden stardom led him to reassess his friendships. The actor, now 56, starred in the iconic series from its inception in October 1990 until it concluded in May 2000. His portrayal of the wholesome Brandon Walsh resonated with many viewers, but it also presented challenges within his personal life.

Priestley admitted that gaining fame highlighted certain undesirable traits in some individuals he had considered close friends. He noted, “Oh, yeah. Yeah, very much so,” when asked if he realised that some of his friends were not genuine. He recalled that a few of these friendships dated back to before he moved to Los Angeles and that their behaviour changed as his popularity grew.

“It was an interesting time when the show took off,” he explained. “I had a few friends… that I started to recognise behaviour in them that wasn’t anything I wanted to be around anymore.” This realisation compelled Priestley to make difficult decisions regarding his inner circle. While he did not have a vast number of friends, he felt the need to cut ties with several individuals whom he initially expected would be lifelong companions.

The actor elaborated on the changes that occurred as he found success, stating, “Things happen, especially when you’re young like that, and, you know, people get jealous and then people, you know, start to do things to undercut, you know what I mean?” Although he acknowledged that jealousy often arises in competitive environments, he expressed surprise at witnessing such behaviour from friends, stating, “I was very surprised to see this type of behaviour out of my friends, but whatever. I just had to cut those guys loose.”

In a separate conversation on *Inside of You* with Michael Rosenbaum, Priestley reflected on the overall transformation that early fame brought to his life. He admitted, “Even in the first season of the show… I think that I was still a victim of youthful hubris.” He recognised that, despite having experience prior to landing the role, his newfound success clouded his judgement. “You think you know everything, but you just don’t know what you don’t know,” he added, acknowledging the brashness often characteristic of youth.

Throughout its course, *Beverly Hills, 90210* captured the trials and tribulations of a group of friends navigating their high school years and beyond in affluent Beverly Hills. The show’s success not only established Priestley as a household name but also launched the careers of several other young actors, including Tori Spelling, Jennie Garth, Shannen Doherty, Luke Perry, Brian Austin Green, Ian Ziering, and Gabrielle Carteris.

The relationships portrayed in the series were emblematic of the real-life complexities that the cast members faced, particularly in light of the fame that ensued. The impact on Priestley’s personal life serves as a reminder of how success can alter dynamics that were once stable, compelling individuals to reconsider whom they surround themselves with.

In later years, *Beverly Hills, 90210* spawned a successful spinoff, *Melrose Place*, as well as a reboot, *90210*, which aired in 2008. Despite the ups and downs associated with his early fame, Priestley’s reflections suggest an understanding of the transient nature of certain friendships within the entertainment industry.

As he continues to navigate the world of acting and fame, Priestley’s experiences offer insight into the often overlooked emotional ramifications of celebrity, highlighting the importance of authenticity in relationships, especially when popularity and success come into play.