A quarter of a century after Jason Priestley last played Brandon Walsh on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” the actor is speaking out about the loss of castmates and treasured friends Luke Perry and Shannen Doherty.
Priestly appeared on castmate Jennie Garth’s “I Choose Me” podcast April 29.
Naturally, the two reminisced about their lost friends.
Perry, who played Dylan on “90210” died in 2019 very unexpectedly of a massive stroke.
Doherty passed away last July after a lengthy battle with breast cancer.
Priestley told Garth that Luke Perry’s death was by far the harder to process.
“I’m in the acceptance part [of grief] with both of them. Obviously, Luke’s passing was far more shocking than Shannen’s,” said Priestley. “While Shannon was sick … I had the chance to spend time with her. I made sure that I said all the things that I wanted to say to her.”
But while Priestley says he had the opportunity to “get some closure” with Shannen, both losses hit hard.
“To have lost two of our castmates already is shocking,” he said.
Jason Priestley Talks About the Shock of Hearing About Luke Perry’s Passing
Priestley was upfront with Garth about how long it took him to cope with Luke Perry’s sudden passing.
“Luke’s passing was so shocking and just came out of the blue, Like it took me a lot longer to reconcile that and what that meant,” Priestley said on the podcast. “Unfortunately for myself, I’ve lost a couple of other really close friends of mine … in my adult years. So, unfortunately, I’m starting to get pretty good at saying goodbye to my friends.”
And it was actually Jennie Garth who had to break the news to Jason Priestly.
“I was in the kitchen in my house, and the phone rang. It was you, and I said, ‘Hey, Jennie, what’s going on?’” Priestley recalled, saying Jennie ask him if he heard about Perry.
“And I was like, ‘No.’ Then you told me what was happening and where he was and what was going on,” he continued. “And you said, ‘I’m gonna call you back when I know more.’ I felt like you were kind of the hub of the information.”
Garth confessed that she didn’t remember being the person who told Priestley.
“I was at the hospital trying to get in to see him, but they wouldn’t let anyone in. And they actually told me he wasn’t even there, but I knew he was,” she told Priestley. “I can’t believe I forgot that I called you, like, that’s blocked for me.”
“You were in shock like the rest of us,” he responded. “That was hard, that was tough… that day, those few days were not fun for anybody.”
Garth Lightens Things Up With Talk of Priestley As ‘Aggressive, Great Kisser’
Jennie Garth and Jason Priestley also turned their attention to happier memories from their time on “Beverly Hills, 90210.”
“Your kisses!” Garth exclaimed. “OK?” Jason responded. Garth continued, “I mean, I know because you were kissing me. But watching them back… you were an aggressive, really good kisser!” she said as Jason chuckled and responded, “Wow, thanks Jen.”
Garth posted a clip from the podcast on her Instagram account, writing, “Happy “I Choose Me” Day!💙
Can you believe it’s our 1 year pod anniversary?! I couldn’t have thought of a better way to celebrate than with my friend – the most requested guest – Jason Priestley! I mean…Brandon was part of why Kelly said “I Choose Me” — we had to make this happen!
Jason and I are chatting about the good ol’ days on this episode, which is so much fun for me. But of course, we get a little deep and I wanted us to talk about some things that we’ve never even spoken about before.
I loved having this convo with my friend. He’s the best! Hope you all enjoy and thank you for 1 year of amazing “I Choose Me” memories 💋”
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Jason Priestley Speaks Out on Loss of 90210 Castmates