In a recent episode of her podcast, Let's Be Clear With Shannen Doherty, actress Shannen Doherty delved into her departure from the iconic teen series Beverly Hills, 90210. Joining her on the podcast was her former co-star, Jason Priestley, as they discussed the personal struggles that led to Doherty's unprofessional behavior on set and eventual exit from the show after season 4.
Doherty, now 52, candidly spoke about the challenging marriage she was in at the time with Ashley Hamilton, who was battling drug addiction. She revealed that the turmoil in her personal life made it difficult for her to maintain professionalism on set and caused her to frequently arrive late or not show up at all. This behavior not only affected her, but also impacted her co-stars who often had to wait for her or work longer hours to accommodate her delays.
Brenda Walsh, Doherty's character on the show, was written off in 1994 due to the disruptions and disturbances caused by the actress. In the season 5 premiere, fans learned that Walsh's character was moving to England to attend acting school.
Reflecting on the situation, Doherty took responsibility for her actions but expressed a wish that producers had confronted her about her behavior sooner. She acknowledged that her personal struggles shouldn't have bled into her professional life and emphasized that she needed to get her life in order.
While Doherty acknowledged her accountability, she also shared that she wished people had known about the challenges she was facing. Her father's illness and her husband's drug addiction were all-consuming and made it difficult for her to leave the house, fearing what her husband might do in her absence.
Priestley, who was also affected by the events leading to Doherty's departure, confessed that he wished he had managed the situation with more compassion. He admitted that the uncertainty surrounding the impact on the show and the Walsh family dynamic made it incredibly challenging for him and the rest of the cast to navigate the situation.
In retrospect, Doherty acknowledged that she should have been more transparent about her personal struggles. She admitted that she should have taken steps to address her personal life earlier and not have been influenced by the allure and seduction of the nightlife scene. The attention and temptations she faced, combined with her personal issues, created a difficult environment for her to navigate.
Doherty's marriages, including one to Rick Salomon in 2002 and later to Kurt Iswarienko in 2011, also had their own share of challenges, resulting in divorces and emotional turmoil.
Reflecting on her experiences, Doherty expressed a sense of regret for the impact her actions had on the show and her co-stars. She took responsibility for what transpired, admitting that she should have had her personal life more together and made better decisions.
The podcast episode highlighted the complexities of Doherty's life during her time on Beverly Hills, 90210 and shed light on the struggles she faced behind the scenes. It served as an opportunity for both Doherty and Priestley to reflect on their experiences and express their wishes for a more compassionate approach to the situation.
