As Brenda in ‘90210,’ Shannen Doherty played a complex adolescent not unlike herself

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As a devoted fan and admirer of Shannen Doherty, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of loss at the news of her passing. She was an extraordinary talent who brought to life some of the most iconic teenage characters on television, especially Brenda Walsh in “Beverly Hills, 90210.”

Among all teen characters, Shannen Doherty, who passed away at the age of 53 on Saturday, was perfectly cast to add an edge to the experience of girlhood. During this time, we’re eager to belong and mature. Shannen began playing Brenda Walsh in “Beverly Hills, 90210” when she was still in her late teens, making her portrayal resonate with the character for which she is most recognized.

Growing up in Minnesota, I was the baby-faced good girl with an adorable twin brother. When we relocated to Los Angeles during my teenage years and settled in its most prestigious ZIP Code, I found myself in an entirely new environment. As for Doherty, he hailed from Memphis, Tennessee, where as a kid, he was unexpectedly discovered while acting in a church play.

Doherty, portraying the character of Brenda, dedicated endless hours to our TV screens with a memorable and identifiable representation of a teenage girl grappling with complex emotions such as self-doubt, frustration, and defiance. Her on-screen persona was driven and determined to make her mark among L.A.’s high society. In the premiere episode of “90210,” Brenda declares, “I won’t miss Minneapolis. Here, I can be whoever I want; I can be someone important.”

Shannen Doherty is flanked by her “Beverly Hills, 90210” co-stars Brian Austin Green and Ian Ziering in 2019.
(Chris Pizzello / Invision/AP)

Brenda started off appearing shy when she first attended West Beverly High, but her eagerness to belong took over once she stepped foot in the school. Swiftly forming friendships with popular girls Kelly (Jennie Garth) and Donna (Tori Spelling), she was also inspired by their self-assuredness and fashion sense. In an attempt to blend in, she even considered changing her dark hair to fit in with the predominantly blond student body. However, this backfired when she accidentally damaged her hair during the process. Eventually, the newcomer rose to popularity after dating the most desirable boy at school, Dylan McKay (Luke Perry). Ignoring her parents’ guidance and encouraging our engagement, she also discovered a passion for acting.

Over the course of the show, Brenda stood out as a multidimensional character both on and off the screen. In an unusual turn for teenage girls on television during that period, she portrayed complexity and depth. The intense dislike toward Doherty and her character led to the creation of a newsletter titled “I Hate Brenda,” which spread rumors and anger about the actress. This publication became a symbol of how society viewed strong, misunderstood women.

As a devoted film enthusiast, I’ve come across characters who are as complex and multifaceted as Brenda Walsh from “Beverly Hills, 90210.” At times, I found myself disliking her intensely – remember when she slapped Andrea (Gabrielle Carteris) out of jealousy for her teacher’s affection? That moment left me feeling frustrated and disappointed.

Revisiting her past actions, it’s clear now that Brenda was still learning and growing as a person. She made mistakes, acted impulsively, and reacted immaturely at times. Yet, who among us hasn’t done the same in our youth? Her betrayal by her best friend and boyfriend while in Paris left her heartbroken and angry. “How could you do this to me?” she cries. “I thought we were friends. I trusted you both.” It’s easy to judge Brenda harshly, but let us remember that she too deserved compassion and grace during a difficult time. The same applies to Doherty as she grappled with fame. Her imperfections do not erase the humanity within her.

I had the pleasure of watching “Beverly Hills, 90210,” a groundbreaking TV series created by Darren Star and produced by Aaron Spelling. This show was a must-see, paving the way for teen dramas as we know them today. It boldly tackled topics like sex and social hierarchies in high school. The unknown actors on the show quickly gained massive popularity, causing a stir even at the mall. As they rose to fame, Doherty found herself in the spotlight for various reasons – tabloids were filled with stories about her cast feuds, her wild parties, and her tumultuous relationships.

The Fox Network’s rising star, “Beverly Hills, 90210,” was captivated audiences in the ’90s with its exceptional storyline. And a significant contributor to this success was none other than Doherty, portraying the iconic character of Brenda Walsh. It’s hard to imagine the show without her. However, as time passed, Doherty and the edgy persona of Brenda began to merge, ultimately leading to her departure from the series following a tumultuous stint. In retrospect, one can’t help but ponder if we underestimated Doherty’s talents.

Shannen Doherty in 2010. Love her or hate her, the actor and her character deserved more.
(Evan Agostini / Associated Press)

In 1994, following the fourth season of the show, she was written off. The ending was filled with twists and turns, such as her character coming back from the University of Minnesota after a short stay and allegations of a casting couch incident when she got the lead role in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” at a fictional California university. When the show resumed for its fifth season, Brenda’s departure was explained by claiming she had gone to London to study acting. However, Doherty found this ending unsatisfying, and given the significant impact her character had on portraying adolescence for millions – whether loved or hated – she deserved a better farewell.

Reflecting on Doherty and Perry’s untimely deaths at around the same age as numerous “90210” fans, serves as a poignant reminder of the relentless march of time for a demographic who perceive themselves as being past youth but not yet elderly. However, solace can be found in the fact that their characters, Brenda and Dylan, continue to thrive on screen and within our collective consciousness. This is evident as they defy parental restrictions by jetting off to Baja and enjoying lively nights filled with dance. Their captivating performances left an indelible mark on us.

As a huge fan, I can’t help but marvel at the unique actors who manage to etch their mark on popular culture with more than one iconic character. Doherty is one such remarkable talent. She didn’t just leave her imprint through Brenda, but also as Heather Duke in “Heathers” and Prue Halliwell in “Charmed.” These roles continue to resonate and define eras.

Bad girl or not, there’s no denying the goodness of that.

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2024-07-18 19:18