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Jennie Garth

Early Life and Aspirations

Jennifer Eve Garth, professionally known as Jennie Garth, is an American actress best known for her role as Kelly Taylor in the television series Beverly Hills, 90210. She was born on April 3, 1972, and spent her early years on a ranch in Illinois, where she lived for 13 years. From a young age, Garth harbored aspirations of becoming an actress.

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Following her family's relocation to Arizona, Garth began taking dance lessons and eventually left Apollo High School to pursue acting classes. Her talent was discovered by Randy James during a local talent competition, which led her to begin auditioning for television roles.

Breakthrough with Beverly Hills, 90210

Garth earned her first significant television role playing Erica McCray in the NBC sitcom A Brand New Life during the 1989–1990 television season. Shortly after, she was cast in the defining role of her career—Kelly Taylor on Beverly Hills, 90210. Her portrayal of Taylor resonated strongly with audiences and earned her a nomination at the Teen Choice Awards.

Garth continued playing Kelly Taylor in subsequent franchise entries, including 90210, and also directed select episodes of the reboot. Her work on the show positioned her as a prominent figure in 1990s television and earned her lasting recognition in the entertainment industry.

Personal Life and Marriages

In 1994, Garth married musician Daniel B. Clark. The couple divorced in 1996 and did not have any children. During this time, she met actor and producer Peter Facinelli on the set of the 1996 television film An Unfinished Affair. The two began dating while Garth was still finalizing her previous marriage. After dating for five years, Garth and Facinelli married on January 20, 2001.

The couple had three daughters: Luca, Lola, and Fiona. However, after eleven years of marriage, they filed for divorce in 2012, finalizing it in 2013. The reasons cited were largely personal, stemming from growing differences and lifestyle changes rather than infidelity or financial conflicts.

Family Focus and Separation

Following their split, Garth and Facinelli committed to co-parenting their daughters with mutual respect and shared financial responsibility. Their separation is often noted for being amicable—a rarity in Hollywood. Both parents prioritized their children's well-being, striving for a collaborative parenting approach.

Garth’s preference to stay in Arizona and raise their daughters while Facinelli’s career drew him to various filming locations led to an emotional and physical distance between them. Garth experienced anxiety and loneliness during this time, which strained their relationship further. Despite these challenges, the two maintained a supportive relationship post-divorce, focusing on their daughters more than their personal differences.

Legacy and Impact

Jennie Garth's career, particularly her role as Kelly Taylor, cemented her status as a cultural icon of the 1990s. Beyond acting, she took on directing roles and balanced motherhood with her professional life. Her efforts to support her family while navigating the challenges of fame illustrate her resilience and dedication, both personally and professionally.


Quick Facts
Birth Date: 3 Apr, 1972
Age: 48 yrs
Occupations: Actor
Television actor
Director
Film actor
Citizenship: United States of America
Birth Place: Urbana
Gender: Female
Description: Actress
Twitter Id: Jenniegarth
Net Worth 2021: 8 million
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Last Modified: Nov 9 2025
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