Jennie Garth’s Heartache

Jennie Garth is still grappling with the heartbreaking deaths of her Beverly Hills, 90210 co-stars Luke Perry and Shannen Doherty, admitting that their absence still doesn’t feel real.

During a heartfelt conversation on the Two Jersey Js podcast, hosted by Real Housewives of New Jersey stars Jackie Goldschneider and Jennifer Fessler, Jennie Garth opened up about the deep emotional impact of losing her Beverly Hills, 90210 co-stars Luke Perry and Shannen Doherty — two people who shaped both her personal and professional life.

“It doesn’t make sense. It still doesn’t make sense to my brain,” Garth admitted. “I live in a world where they still are alive in my mind, so it’s very hard to understand that they’re not here physically.”

Garth, who portrayed Kelly Taylor for all ten seasons of the iconic ‘90s drama, shared the screen with Perry’s rebellious Dylan McKay and Doherty’s strong-willed Brenda Walsh. While Perry remained part of the series for multiple seasons, Doherty exited after four.

Tragically, Perry passed away in March 2019 at just 52 after suffering a massive stroke. Doherty, who fought a highly publicized battle with breast cancer, lost her fight in July 2024 at 53. Her illness, which first appeared in 2015, returned aggressively in 2019 and later spread to her brain, marking a devastating chapter in the 90210 legacy.

Despite knowing how much Doherty fought, Garth admitted that her passing still came as a shock. She also reflected on how both losses have left her feeling vulnerable.

Their deaths, she said, brought a sense of fear — an unsettling reminder of life’s unpredictability. However, beyond the grief, she also spoke about the strength she gained from growing up alongside them. She credited Doherty with teaching her how to stand up for herself and speak her mind.

“No one will ever really understand unless they were there with us then [and] they went through the experience with us,” Garth shared, emphasizing the unique bond the 90210 cast will always have.

While Perry and Doherty are no longer physically present, their impact remains deeply felt by Garth, both personally and professionally. Through her memories and the lessons they left behind, she continues to honor their legacy.