Who did AnnaLynne McCord play in 90210 reboot? Actress recalls meeting Shannen Doherty, says the late alum was "authentic, through and through"

Actress AnnaLynne McCord, who starred in the 90210 reboot series, recently recalled her meeting with the late Shannen Doherty. In a written statement shared with US Weekly published on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, McCord fondly recalled the time Doherty was set to appear on the show, writing:

"Everyone had something to say about Shannen when it was announced that she was coming back to do our version of her Beverly Hills 90210. But the woman everyone depicted and the woman I got to spend time with on set were two very different people. So, of course, I loved her right away!"

Beverly Hills 90210 is a 1990s teen drama series about a group of friends living in Beverly Hills as they transition from high school to college to having adult lives. Shannen Doherty appeared on the first four seasons as Brenda Walsh before her departure from the show.

90210 is the fourth series in the franchise and a revival by CW of the original show set 18 years later. It aired from 2008 to 2013. Some cast members from the original show, including Shannen Doherty, Jennie Garth, and Tori Spelling, made appearances during the first two seasons. McCord, who played Naomi Clark on 90210, praised Doherty, writing:

"She was who she was in all arenas. Authentic through and through."

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"(She was) threatening to those who bend to trends"- AnnaLynne McCord about Shannen Doherty

AnnaLynne McCord portrayed the main character in 90210. Her role is compared to that of Kelly Taylor (played by Jennie Garth), the protagonist from the original show. Both characters are initially seen as shallow, but eventually become more layered.

During the first season, Shannen Doherty reprised her role as Brenda Walsh on the show. Brenda, now an actress, is directing a musical for the high school the characters attend.

Recalling their meeting on the sets, McCord explained that Doherty was "a rebel" and a "non-conformist" who lived life on her terms. Stating that the actress was a fighter "to the very end," she added:

"This is threatening to those who bend to trends, something I couldn’t see her ever doing. I didn’t spend a great deal of time with her, but I didn’t have to."

AnnaLynne's co-star Shenae Grimes, who played Annie Wilson, a character inspired by Brenda, remembered her meeting Doherty in an Instagram tribute. Calling her an "icon, legend, and a take-no-sh*t WARRIOR of a woman," she wrote:

"Thank you for inspiring me in more ways than I can bring myself to put into words right now. You paved the way and it was an absolute privilege and honor to follow in your footsteps."

Shannen Doherty passed away on Saturday, July 13, following a long battle with breast cancer. She was 53. The Charmed star's longtime publicist announced her death, adding that she died surrounded by her loved ones, including her dog Bowie.