Canadian actor Jason Priestley became a household name in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, thanks to his breakout role as the wholesome Brandon Walsh on the hit teen drama Beverly Hills, 90210 (Fox, 1990–2000). But while many teen idols struggle to evolve beyond their early fame, Jason Priestley managed to carve out a diverse and enduring career—both in front of and behind the camera. Born Jason Bradford Priestley on August 28, 1969, in North Vancouver, British Columbia, he actually began acting at a young age, appearing in Canadian TV commercials during grade school before making his official debut in the CBC television movie Stacey back in 1978.
Though he was more focused on sports during high school, Jason Priestley returned to acting in the late ‘80s with guest appearances on various American and Canadian shows. One notable early credit includes two episodes of 21 Jump Street in 1987. Then, in 1989, he joined the cast of the short-lived NBC sitcom Sister Kate. While the show only lasted 18 episodes, it turned out to be a major turning point—actress Tori Spelling caught an episode and recommended Jason Priestley to her father, producer Aaron Spelling, who was casting for a new teen-focused series. That series, of course, would become Beverly Hills, 90210, where Jason Priestley landed the role of Brandon Walsh, a morally upright Midwestern teen adjusting to life in one of the world’s most affluent communities.
The show became a global phenomenon, and Jason Priestley quickly found himself at the center of intense fame and media scrutiny. While the spotlight didn’t always sit comfortably with him, he remained committed to growing as an artist. During the run of 90210, he took on select film roles—like playing an ambitious teen chasing a dream to meet Marilyn Monroe in Calendar Girl (1993), or delivering solid performances in Tombstone (1993) and Love and Death on Long Island (1997). But more importantly, Jason Priestley began expanding his influence behind the scenes. By 1995, he had stepped into an executive producer role on 90210, a position he held until the series ended in 2000.
He also made his directorial debut in 1997 with an episode of the revived Outer Limits, and over time, directed 15 episodes of 90210 itself, along with a music video and a full-length documentary about the Canadian alt-rock band Barenaked Ladies. After 90210 wrapped, Jason Priestley continued directing on popular series like 7th Heaven and The Secret Life of the American Teenager, while also taking on recurring and guest acting roles in shows such as Tru Calling, Love Monkey, and Side Order of Life. None of these projects achieved major success, but Jason Priestley seemed unfazed—instead, he leaned further into directing, even working on webisodes for TheWB.com’s The Lake in 2009.
Outside of entertainment, Jason Priestley pursued another passion: auto racing. He competed in several events before a serious crash during a 2002 practice session at Kentucky Speedway sidelined him temporarily. Still, his love for the sport endured—he eventually transitioned into team ownership, including a stake in FAZZT Race Team, which played a part in winning the 2011 Indianapolis 500.
Professionally, Jason Priestley found his first major post-90210 success with the dark comedy series Call Me Fitz (HBO Canada/Movie Central/Movie Network, 2010–13). It was a bold departure from his clean-cut image, and he clearly enjoyed the chance to play a morally ambiguous character. On top of starring, Jason Priestley served as executive producer and frequently directed episodes, showcasing his well-rounded talents.
When Call Me Fitz concluded in 2013, Jason Priestley returned to directing, working on Canadian series and the feature film Cas & Dylan (2013), starring Richard Dreyfuss and Tatiana Maslany. That same year, he stepped back into regular series work, joining Private Eyes (Global, 2016– ), a Canadian detective drama where he played an ex-hockey player turned private investigator. Once again, Jason Priestley took on multiple roles—actor, producer, and director—proving his versatility across all aspects of production.
In 2019, after the passing of his longtime co-star Luke Perry, Jason Priestley spoke movingly about their friendship in the press. Soon after, he reunited with several original 90210 cast members for a meta-style revival that poked fun at their legacies. In this self-referential series, Jason Priestley played a fictionalized version of himself—an aspiring filmmaker stuck directing teen dramas—while also serving as executive producer and occasional director. Though the series only lasted one season, it highlighted Jason Priestley’s ability to laugh at his past while still commanding respect in the industry.
Most recently, Jason Priestley has taken on a triple threat role—producer, occasional director, and co-star—in a trio of Lifetime movies based on V.C. Andrews’ Casteel novels: Dark Angel, Fallen Hearts, and Gates of Paradise, all released in 2019. With heavy makeup transforming him into a scheming step-grandfather, Jason Priestley was nearly unrecognizable, a testament to his commitment to evolving beyond typecasting. Through decades of change, reinvention, and quiet perseverance, Jason Priestley has remained a steady presence in Hollywood—not just as a performer, but as a creative force shaping stories from every angle.
When it comes to Jason Priestley’s filmography, fans and critics often point to Love and Death on Long Island (1997) as his standout performance—this movie tends to be regarded as Jason Priestley’s highest rated movie. It’s a thoughtful drama that really showcased his range as an actor, earning solid reviews over the years. On the other end of the spectrum, Jason Priestley’s lowest rated movie is generally considered to be Going the Distance (2004), a romantic comedy that didn’t quite resonate with audiences or critics alike. While Jason Priestley has had a varied career across TV and film, these two titles mark the high and low points in terms of critical reception. Still, it’s interesting to see how Jason Priestley continues to take on diverse roles despite the ups and downs.