Jason Priestley is revisiting Shannen Doherty's departure from Beverly Hills, 90210, saying a greater understanding of her personal circumstances might have changed the outcome.
Speaking on Pete Ferriero's The Slice of Life Show, Priestley said Doherty's behaviour became disruptive during the fourth season. She left the series in 1994, ending her original run as Brenda Walsh, the twin sister of Priestley's Brandon.
Priestley nevertheless stressed that his own experience working with Doherty was positive.
"I always loved Shannen. I loved working with her. She was a great actress. She was a great scene partner," he said. He recalled having no personal conflict with her and retaining fond memories of their time together.
Asked whether letting her go was the right decision, Priestley described the question as difficult. He said those involved acted on the information available, while acknowledging that knowing more about her life away from the set could have prompted another approach.
Doherty had discussed those circumstances directly with Priestley during a 2024 episode of her podcast, Let's Be Clear. She explained that problems in her marriage to Ashley Hamilton and her father's serious illness had consumed her attention and affected her punctuality.
She acknowledged that she could have been more transparent, while also saying she wished someone had warned her before she was dismissed.
During that earlier conversation, Priestley expressed regret that he had not understood what she was facing. He said greater awareness might have helped him respond with more compassion and care.
In his latest interview, Priestley also recognised Doherty's importance to the drama's success, explaining that her departure created uncertainty for the remaining cast and the series.
Doherty died on July 13, 2024, aged 53, following a lengthy battle with breast cancer.
