Jennie Garth really made a name for herself back in the day, and honestly, it’s hard to imagine anyone else stepping into the role quite like she did. As Jennie Garth rose to fame, she became a household name thanks to her iconic portrayal of Kelly Taylor on the hit series Beverly Hills 90210 (Fox, 1990–2000). A native of Urbana, Illinois, Jennie Garth packed up and moved to Los Angeles as a teenager, chasing her dream of becoming a professional actress—and boy, did that dream take off.
Her first real break came with the short-lived Disney Channel sitcom Teen Angel Returns (1989), where she actually shared screen time with future 90210 co-star Jason Priestley. Not long after, she popped up in an episode of the popular ABC sitcom Growing Pains (1985–92). Then came a stint on NBC’s A Brand New Life (1989–90), a show starring Barbara Eden. But let’s be real—while those were solid early roles, it was what came next that truly launched Jennie Garth into the spotlight.
Casting directors must’ve seen something special in her because Jennie Garth landed a pivotal role in Darren Star’s groundbreaking teen drama Beverly Hills 90210, alongside Shannen Doherty, Tori Spelling, Luke Perry, and, of course, Priestley again. At first, Kelly Taylor seemed like just another shallow rich girl from L.A., but over ten seasons, Jennie Garth helped shape her into a much more layered character—someone who battled drug addiction, faced an unplanned pregnancy, and even dealt with amnesia. Talk about dramatic arcs! And Jennie Garth wasn’t just central to the main show; she also made appearances in the first season of the wildly popular spin-off Melrose Place (Fox, 1992–99), helping bridge the two series.
While still deeply involved with 90210, Jennie Garth began expanding her horizons. She dove into television movies—a smart move that kept her in the public eye. Projects like Star (NBC, 1993), Without Consent (ABC, 1995), and An Unfinished Affair (ABC, 1996) showed her range beyond high school hallways. She even stepped into feature films with roles in Power 98 (1996), opposite Eric Roberts, and My Brother’s War (1997) with James Brolin.
After 90210 wrapped, Jennie Garth didn’t slow down. She took on a recurring role in Darren Star’s short-lived drama The Street (Fox, 2000)—another collaboration with the man who started it all. Then came a major career highlight: starring alongside Amanda Bynes in the WB sitcom What I Like About You (2002–06). The two played sisters living together in New York City, and their chemistry was undeniable. Audiences loved it, and Jennie Garth proved she could carry a comedy just as well as a drama.
She continued her streak with TV movies, earning praise for her performance as an HIV-positive teacher in Girl, Positive (Lifetime, 2007). That kind of role takes guts, and Jennie Garth delivered with depth and sensitivity. Around this time, she also tried her hand at reality TV, joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars (ABC, 2005– ). She lasted all the way to the penultimate episode—impressive, especially for someone not known as a dancer!
Of course, the 90210 universe kept calling her back. When the franchise was rebooted as 90210 (The CW, 2008–13), Jennie Garth returned in a recurring role, now playing a guidance counselor at West Beverly High—how fitting, right? She brought maturity and nostalgia to the new generation of viewers.
Holidays were another sweet spot for Jennie Garth. She starred in festive favorites like A Christmas Wedding Tail (Hallmark, 2011) and Holidaze (Freeform, 2013), becoming a go-to lead for feel-good seasonal stories. Then, in 2014, she reunited with Tori Spelling for the detective comedy Mystery Girls (Freeform). They played former TV co-stars solving real crimes—a fun meta twist. It didn’t last long, but fans enjoyed seeing Jennie Garth and Spelling back together.
But perhaps one of the most talked-about moments in Jennie Garth’s later career was the 2019 Fox event series BH90210. Reuniting with Spelling, Doherty, and Priestley, Jennie Garth played a fictionalized version of herself trying to reboot the original show. It was bold, self-aware, and nostalgic—all at once. And honestly, it wouldn’t have worked without her grounded presence.
On a more personal note, Jennie Garth got to share the screen with her daughter, Luca Bella, in the Lifetime movie Your Family or Your Life (2019). That had to be special—not just acting, but doing it side by side with family.
Through every phase, Jennie Garth has remained a constant in the entertainment world. Whether she’s playing a troubled teen, a witty sister, or a version of herself, her journey shows staying power. And let’s face it—when people think of ’90s TV icons, Jennie Garth is definitely on that list.
So, when it comes to Jennie Garth’s career highlights, there’s one project that really stands out—Jennie Garth’s highest rated movie is Telling You from 1998. Interestingly enough, that same film also happens to be her lowest rated work. Yeah, you heard that right—Jennie Garth’s most praised and least praised movie is actually the same one. It’s kind of ironic, isn’t it? For Jennie Garth, Telling You seems to be a bit of a mixed bag in terms of critical reception. Still, it remains a notable entry in her filmography. Jennie Garth definitely gave it her all in that role, and it’s clear why opinions are so divided.