Kelly Taylor

For other uses, see Kelly Taylor (disambiguation).
Kelly Taylor
Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise character
Kelly, portrayed by Jennie Garth, matures from adolescence to adulthood.
Portrayed byJennie Garth
Duration
  • 1990–2000
  • 2008–10
  • 2019
First appearance"Class of Beverly Hills" (1990; Beverly Hills, 90210
Last appearance"Rats and Heroes" (2010; 90210)
Created byDarren Star
In-universe information
OccupationOwned "Kelly Taylor Public Relations"
Partner in a clothing store
Volunteer at an AIDS hospice
Manager of a free clinic
Guidance Counselor (spin-off)
ParentsJackie Taylor (deceased on spin-off)
Bill Taylor
Mel Silver (step-father)
SiblingsJoy Taylor (paternal half-sister)
Erin Silver (maternal half-sister)
David Silver (step-brother)
ChildrenUnnamed Child (with Brandon Walsh; miscarried)
Sammy (son, with Dylan McKay)

Kelly Marlene Taylor, portrayed by Jennie Garth, is the lead female character of Beverly Hills, 90210 for the majority of the show's duration. Initially presented as a "spoiled teen vixen",[1] the role was gradually expanded by producers.[2] Subsequently, Kelly became instrumental in launching the first spin-off, was written with a more compassionate demeanor, overcame several perils and personal challenges, and attracted many romantic suitors and triangles. Appearing for the entirety of the series' run, the character is noted for her development from youth to adulthood.

Kelly appears prominently in a majority of the shows that compose the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise. In addition to her role in launching the spin-off Melrose Place, Garth was the first performer from the original show to be cast in the third spin-off, 90210. Having appeared in the most series premieres, as well as the most episodes of any figure throughout the continuity, she is the de facto central character of the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise.

Garth's portrayal has earned recognition from critics and co-stars. In a 1995 article on the actress, TV Guide's Mary Murphy stated that, "Her signature role—the sensitive, seductive, and tortured Kelly Taylor—tapped into the very essence of teenage angst and brought her a huge cult following."[2] Actors Jason Priestley,[3] Grant Show,[4] and Sara Foster[5] have expressed admiration for Garth's work. In a 2009 article, Nellie Andreeva of The Hollywood Reporter called the character of Kelly "organic to 90210's setting."[6]

  1. ^ "Jennie Garth:Biography". MSN. Archived from the original on May 10, 2009. Retrieved June 23, 2009.
  2. ^ a b Murphy, Mary (April 8, 1995). "Jennie Garth: From the Heart". TV Guide.
  3. ^ Eng, Joyce (October 13, 2008). "Jason Priestley 'Really Looking Forward' to 90210 Return". TV Guide. Retrieved April 1, 2009.
  4. ^ Dinunno, Gina (January 15, 2009). "Is Another 90210 Reunion In Store?". TV Guide. Retrieved March 15, 2009.
  5. ^ Ghosh, Korbi (May 5, 2009). "90210: Sara Foster's Jen Clark is Beverly Hills' new bad girl". Zap2it. Archived from the original on May 8, 2009. Retrieved July 3, 2009.
  6. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (February 27, 2009). "Regime Change at CW's 90210". Media Week. Archived from the original on March 1, 2009. Retrieved April 1, 2009.