Shannen Doherty Opens Up About Her Departure from “90210”
Actress Shannen Doherty, best known for her role as Brenda Walsh on the hit TV series “Beverly Hills 90210,” recently shared the real reasons behind her departure from the show. In a candid conversation with her former co-star Jason Priestly on her podcast “Let’s Be Clear with Shannen Doherty,” she revealed the personal struggles that led to her exit.
Doherty admitted that during her time on “90210,” she experienced significant challenges and growth. In season 4, her character Brenda decided to pursue acting in England, but the decision to write her off the show was not hers. The producers ultimately fired her.
On the podcast, Doherty openly discussed her tardiness and how it inconvenienced the cast and crew. She attributed her lateness to being in a difficult marriage, which made it hard for her to consistently be on time for work. Her marriage to Ashley Hamilton, whom she wed in 1993 and divorced a year later, was plagued with problems.
Taking full responsibility for her actions, Doherty expressed her wish for someone to have sat her down and warned her that her behavior would lead to her dismissal. She acknowledged that it wasn’t acceptable for her personal life to affect her professional life and admitted that she should have been more transparent with the show’s producers and her co-stars. At the time, her father was seriously ill, and her husband battled drug addiction and violent tendencies.
Looking back, Doherty wonders if things would have turned out differently if she had been more open about her personal struggles. She also questions whether the show’s producers had a responsibility to warn her about the consequences of her consistent lateness.
It’s clear that behind the glamour of stardom, actors face personal challenges just like anyone else. Doherty’s story serves as a reminder that open communication and support in the workplace can make a significant difference in a person’s life.
