Full Breakdown
Jennie Garth Reflects on Public Tributes to Shannen Doherty and Luke Perry
4/22/2026, 2:48:51 AM
Divergent Responses to Loss
Jennie Garth, known for her role as Kelly Taylor on "Beverly Hills, 90210," has recently shared her contrasting public responses to the deaths of her co-stars Shannen Doherty and Luke Perry. Garth discussed these decisions during an appearance on the “Not Skinny But Not Fat” podcast on April 21, 2024. Perry passed away in 2019 at the age of 52 due to a massive stroke, while Doherty succumbed to cancer in 2024 at the age of 53.
Personal Connection and Private Grief
Garth revealed that her relationship with Perry was deeply personal, describing it as "sacred." Following his death, she chose to mourn privately, stating, “I just couldn’t.” Instead of posting a tribute on social media, Garth went directly to the hospital where Perry was being treated, waiting for hours in the lobby. She faced backlash for her silence, with fans questioning her decision not to publicly honor Perry.
Public Tribute to Shannen Doherty
In contrast, Garth publicly honored Doherty after her passing, stating that she felt it was important to recognize her former co-star. Garth expressed, “I wanted to speak out because Shannen deserved to be honored by me as a woman,” highlighting the respect she had for Doherty despite their complicated history during the show's run. Garth noted that they had reached a place of mutual respect in later years, saying, “Things were nice.”
Criticism and Backlash
Despite her efforts to honor Doherty, Garth faced criticism for her public tribute as well. She remarked on the backlash she received for both decisions, stating, “I didn’t post for Luke’s death and I got, you know, annihilated, and then I did post for Shannen’s death and I got annihilated. So what are you going to do?” This reflects the challenges public figures face in navigating personal grief while under the scrutiny of fans and media.
Conclusion
Garth's reflections on her responses to the deaths of Shannen Doherty and Luke Perry reveal the complexities of personal relationships and public expectations. Her experiences highlight the difficulties of mourning in the public eye, where choices can lead to both support and criticism from fans.
