- The unexpected demise of the show's co-actors was a "surprise"
Canadian thespian Jason Priestley (54) has been struck by the demises of his ex-"Beverly Hills, 90210" (1990-2000) castmates Luke Perry (1966-2019) and Shannen Doherty (1971-2024). He divulged this in a conversation with the UK's "Mirror."
Actor Luke Perry passed away on March 4, 2019, at 52, post a stroke. Actress Shannen Doherty breathed her last on July 13, 2024, at 53, following her struggle with cancer.
"It made me ponder over my own demise. I woke up on my 50th birthday and realized I've essentially lived the most substantial part of my life," shared the "Private Eyes" lead actor. Priestley turned 50 on August 28, 2019, a few months after Perry's demise. "Luke's departure was completely unexpected since he appeared so hale and hearty. We were next-door neighbors and pals, frequently spending quality time together. We shared a lot," said the Canadian-American performer.
Although Shannen Doherty, who embodying Priestley's twin sister in the 1990s blockbuster series, publicly spoke about her prolonged cancer battle with her kin and in her podcast "Let's Be Clear with Shannen Doherty", Priestley told the British tabloid that her demise was equally surprising. "I've always been awestruck by her tenacity and toughness, and although I knew she was ill, her demise came as a shock and was heart-wrenching for all of us," he mused about Doherty. "She battled for so long and it seemed like she was going to make it... until she didn't."
Doherty was "a powerhouse", Priestley recalled. "I'm grateful I spent a considerable amount of time with her in the last few years. I've come to terms with her demise since there was no unfinished business between us."
The "Beverly Hills, 90210" WhatsApp Group
Jason Priestley also maintains contact with his other "Beverly Hills, 90210" cast members through a WhatsApp group. They interact and enjoy each other's company at events. "When we reassemble, it's like no time has passed. The same jokes, the same one-liners, except some of us are now fathers, so we crack ill-humored dad jokes," said Priestley, referring to his male colleagues.
After reflecting on Luke Perry's unexpected passing and Shannen Doherty's surprising demise, Jason Priestley grappled with his own mortality. Their departures served as a stark reminder of the inevitability of death, even for seemingly invincible individuals.
Despite Doherty's public discussions about her cancer battle and her resilience, her death was a shocking and heart-wrenching event for everyone involved.
