Tori Spelling is best known for her role on the original Beverly Hills, 90210. Since the show ended its 10-year run in 2000, she’s been known for her roles in Lifetime Network movies and as mommy to son Liam. But Spelling will once again be known as Donna Martin when she reprises her role in the 90210 spinoff set to air in Fall 2008.
Former Stars Return
Spelling had voiced her enthusiasm for becoming Donna Martin again when news starting coming out about the spinoff in late April. Before a new cast had even been named, Spelling was one of the original cast members that made it clear she wanted to be apart of the new show.
Spelling’s father, the late Aaron Spelling, created the original show that ran from 1990-2000. Spelling recently told People magazine her father always expressed interest in making a more modern 90210 spinoff so, “I know he is proud and would be even more proud if I were a part of it.” A rep for the show said Donna Martin will own one of the hottest shops in Beverly Hills.
Spelling joins fellow ex-cast member Jennie Garth as a returning character. Garth, who portrayed Kelly Taylor, was the first original cast member to sign on for the spinoff. Garth will only guest star in select episodes but her character comes back to her alma mater as a guidance counselor.
Ian Ziering has expressed interest in coming back to the series as his character, Steve Sanders. Ziering joked at the idea of bringing Steve’s evil twin brother into the plot. As any fan would know, Steve Sanders found out at the age of 16 that he’d been adopted. Ziering said the writers could have fun with the background of a twin who was raised by a different, less affluent, family.
Unknown Actors Sign On
The final cast of characters is almost set to go and, for the most part, is full of relative unknowns in Hollywood. One of the main characters, Annie Mills, is going to be played by Shanae Grimes. Her only other notable role was playing Darcy on Canadian show Degrassi: The Next Generation which is a spinoff of the original Degrassi that aired in the early 1980’s.
Other cast members include Dustin Milligan as Ethan, the likeable jock, and AnnaLynne McCord as Naomi. Milligan has played background roles in numerous shows but was most recently on an episode of Super Natural and McCord had a recurring role on FX’s Nip/Tuck.
One of the more recognizable names is Lori Laughlin who played Rebecca, or Aunt Becky, on Full House. She will be playing Annie’s mom and wife to the new West Beverly Hills High principal.
The only spot left to fill is the principal-and-father who moves his family from Kansas back to his old stomping grounds, West Beverly Hills.
Celebrity gossip sites are exploding with anticipation from old and soon-to-be-new-fans that were too young the first time around. Some fans are excited to be brought back to good ‘ol West Beverly but many fans are nervous. They've expressed worry that the show won't be true to the original and are ready to be disappointed.
See Also:
A Return to West Beverly Hills High
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