Once upon a time in the 1990s, television screens were graced with the smoldering intensity of Luke Perry, who played the iconic bad boy Dylan McKay on Beverly Hills, 90210. With his brooding eyes and rebellious charm, Dylan became the poster child for teenage angst and forbidden romance. Following his untimely death in 2019 from a stroke when he was 52-years-old, the world was left with a gaping hole where Perry once stood.
The queen of drama: Shannen Doherty as Brenda Walsh.
On the flip side of Dylan’s rebellious coin was Brenda Walsh, played by the equally unforgettable brunette named Shannen Doherty. Brenda was the fiery new (and somewhat innocent and naive) girl from Minnesota who took Beverly Hills by storm. Whether it was her tumultuous love life or her endless drama with friends, Brenda kept us hooked.
Sadly, the actress who brought Brenda to life is no longer with us either. Doherty passed away on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at the age of 53 after a lengthy and public battle with cancer, leaving fans devastated. Her death, which in a normal news cycle would have been reported ad nauseam, was overshadowed because it happened on the same day as the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.
Nostalgia with a side of heartache.
For those of us who grew up watching 90210, Dylan and Brenda were more than just characters; they were a part of our lives for 10 seasons. Their on-again, off-again romance was the stuff of legend, setting the bar for TV love stories for years to come.
Who could forget Dylan telling Brenda, “ I loved you more than I ever thought I could love anybody. Maybe that was the problem.” Dylan’s bad-boy swagger masked a heart of gold – and teenage girls across America ate it up.
Now, with both Perry and Doherty gone, it feels like a significant piece of our collective teenage years has been ripped away, leaving nothing but bittersweet memories.
Tributes from their friends.
After their passing, their 90210 co-stars (and friends) paid tribute to them. When Perry passed, they said the following…
Jason Priestly (Brandon Walsh) said on Instagram: “It’s taken me a couple of days to figure out how to write this…My dear friend of 29 years, Luke Perry, was one of those truly special people who really cared…Luke was not only a star, he was an incredibly bright light that was extinguished far too soon…and that is why I, and so many others, are in so much pain today…If you had the good fortune to know Luke, or to have ever crossed his path, I know you are sad today as well…the candle that burns twice as bright only burns for half as long…you burned oh, so brightly Luke…Goodnight Sweet Prince.”
Ian Ziering (Steve Sanders) on Twitter: “Dearest Luke, I will forever bask in the loving memories we’ve shared over the last thirty years. May your journey forward be enriched by the magnificent souls who have passed before you, just like you have done here, for those you leave behind.”
Jennie Garth (Kelly Taylor) said to People Magazine: “My heart is broken. He meant so much to so many. Such a very special person. I share my deep sadness with his family and all who loved him. Such a terrible loss.”
Shannen Doherty (Brenda Walsh) said to People Magazine: “”I am in shock. Heartbroken. Devastated by the loss of my friend. I have so many memories with Luke that make me smile and that are forever imprinted on my heart and mind. Luke was a smart, quiet, humble and complex man with a heart of gold and never-ending well of integrity and love. Luke reached out to me during my cancer journey and we picked right back up, albeit older and wiser, but that connection remained intact. There is a special kind of love one has for each other when you are experiencing the journey we did on 90210 and of course life in general. Luke and I were working on show ideas for us. We wanted to work with each other again and create something special and meaningful for our fans at this stage in our lives. I will miss him every day. Every minute. Every second.”
Gabrielle Carteris (Andrea Zuckerman): “I am absolutely heartbroken. Luke was a tremendous force in the lives of so many. He was a very sensitive soul who was kind, generous and he fought for the underdog. He was a strong voice and an advocate who will be so missed by all who knew him. He has left his mark – never to be forgotten. My heart goes out to his family, friends and fans around the globe.”
Tori Spelling (Donna Martin) (after Perry’s passing): “You are missed so much. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about you. You were one of a kind. I remember meeting you as a young insecure teen girl. You were the first boy to ever make me feel worth as a human, a female, and a comedienne. As a friend and big brother. You stood up for me fiercely. Went to brawl literally for me when I was in a verbally abusive relationship and sat and talked me thru the most insecure moments of a teen angst girls life. I’ll forever be “camel”. The name you nicknamed me bc of my long eyelashes. You had a way of making every single human feel confident, heard, and special the minute they met you. Your energy was pure selfless love. A giver in this ungiving life. Your loving nature carried thru decades…Today, and everyday we all miss you and hold you in our hearts. Everyone does. You made quite the impression on this lifetime Lukey.”
And in recent days, after the passing of Doherty, the following tributes came out from her 90210 cast mates.
Jennie Garth (Kelly Taylor) said on Instagram: “I am still processing my tremendous grief over the loss of my long time friend Shannen, the woman I have often described as one of the strongest people I have ever known. Our connection was real and honest. We were so often pitted against each other but none of that reflected the truth of our real relationship which was one built on mutual respect and admiration. She was courageous, passionate, determined and very loving and generous. I will miss her and will always honor her deeply in my heart and in my memories. My heart breaks for her family and Bowie (her dog) and all the people who loved her.”
Jason Priestly (Brandon Walsh) said on Instagram: “Shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of my friend Shannen. She was a force of nature and I will miss her. Sending love and light to her family in this dark time.”
Tori Spelling (Donna Martin) said on Instagram: “Fuck them… is what Shan would say if I told her I felt pressure to have to summarize via social media a 36 year relationship and the grief I feel for a fire who’s flame went out too soon.
I was 15 when Shan and I met. I was the boss’s daughter with no voice and she was the star with a big voice. She took me under her wing. She gave me the belief I had a voice and was worthy. We became fast best friends. We were each others wing women, true confidantes, support systems navigating bad relationships, roomates of sorts at times, travel buddies, and so much more. She always stuck up for me. Always had my back. Always believed in me when I didn’t or couldn’t believe in myself. We were young. We let a lot of outside and inside influences influence our friendship. In a world where we often don’t get to make up with the childhood friendships that formed so much of the adult you become, we got that chance. I’m grateful @theshando and I got to go back in time as adult friends and remember why we truly loved each other to begin with. To reminisce. And, to iconically laugh again like we used to. No one could make me laugh like that. Core laughs!
She was a rebel in an era when most women didn’t feel comfortable being strong. She never tried she just was. She empowered sexiness, strength, 2 fucks given, empathy, and all topped off with wicked humor! Her sardonic humor was one of my faves. And, no one made a frito pie like Shan! Shan… I’ll carry the torch on. Take on my power! And, I’ll stay rebellious for you. Love you with all my heart. Always.”
Gabrielle Carteris (Andrea Zuckerman) said on Instagram: So young – so sad. May you RIP Shannen. I know Luke is there with open arms to love you.”
Brian Austin Green (David Silver) said on Instagram: “Shan. My sister…You loved me through everything. You were a big part of my understanding of love. I’ll miss you more than I know how to process right now. Thank you for the gift of you.”
Carol Potter (Cindy Walsh, Brenda’s mom) said on Instagram: “Shocked and saddened by news of Shannon Doherty’s death. What a journey she has been on! Gone too soon. Throughout, she stayed true to herself and gave us an example of courage and perseverance in facing her own death. May she rest in peace.”
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