Jennie Garth talks '90210'

Actress Jennie Garth was online Friday, Aug. 8 at 2 p.m. ET to take your questions about her life, career, her return to the "90210" zip code and more.

A transcript follows.

____________________

Takoma Park, 20912: Have you kept dancing at all since "Dancing With the Stars"?

(By the way, I also just wanted to say that I'm so excited that you are going to be on the new "90210" -- it wouldn't be "90210" without Kelly Taylor!)

Jennie Garth: I am so excited for the new "90210" season too!

I tried to keep up the dancing- but chasing my three kids around is a very popular step for me! =)

_______________________

Orlando: Are you still active with the American Heart Association?

Jennie Garth: Yes, I am active.

I recently donated $100,000 in charity winnings to the organization.

_______________________

Thessaloniki, Greece: Looking back at the original "90210," what do you think now about the changes made to the premise of the show throughout the 10 years of it's run and especially to the character of Kelly?

Jennie Garth: Hello in Greece!

The great thing about the new season is that Kelly is still Kelly. She grew up a lot over the years but I think she was always a character who had to take care of things head on.

She confronted a lot of obstacles at a young age and was able to stand tall and now help others.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: I LOVE "90210"!!! I really liked the early seasons where the characters had real problems (Brenda's lump in her breast, Donna's abusive boyfriend). Can we expect real problems in the new series or are we looking at fluff (which I love too!!!)

Thanks for taking my question and you are great!

Jennie Garth: We were able to deal with a lot of groundbreaking issues on the original show. We will continue to do that. The times and issues have changed greatly. Kids are exposed to a lot more than they used to be!

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Loved you on "90210." Do you feel the "2.0" version will be as successful as the original?

Jennie Garth: I hope it is!

I do think it will be neat to see two generations of fans watching the show!

_______________________

Fairfax, Va.: How do you work things out with childcare? Do you have nannies and whatnot, or do studios provide childcare facilities?

Jennie Garth: I take my kids with me! I am able to bring them or not be away from them for too long.

I love being with them and try not to leave them often.

_______________________

Charlotte, N.C.: Were you eager or apprehensive about reprising your role on the show?

Jennie Garth: Yes I was.

One question I asked was, is this what Aaron Spelling would want. He loved this show so much.

I think they have done a great job with bringing it back and I am excited to be involved!

_______________________

Bethesda, Md.: So how often are you going to be on the show?

Jennie Garth: Pretty much every episode.

_______________________

Baltimore: Can you give us any details on where Kelly is in life? Is she married? Does she have children?

Jennie Garth: Oh I can't give away any secrets! Yes...she has some changes in her life!

You got to watch! =)

_______________________

Philadelphia, Pa.: How difficult is it to go out in public? Are fans mostly respectful, or do you find yourself having to avoid them at times?

Jennie Garth: Most people don't even recognize me! =)

I live a very normal life and am treated with a lot of respect from the fans!

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: I am a huge fan of the original 90210 and am very excited that you will be on the new one. I am interested in finding out what your favorite 90210 episode was. My favorite was the mother-daughter fashion show.

Jennie Garth: I had a couple episodes -- our camping trip one was great and later in the years living in the beach house with Donna was also a great time!

_______________________

Beverly Hills, Calif.: Which guy did you personally prefer Kelly with on the old show: Dylan or Brandon? And why?

Jennie Garth: They both are wonderful guys!

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Hi Jennie! According to Wikipedia, your character on 90210, Kelly Taylor, faced many difficult issues and obstacles, "including her difficult home life, being date-raped, using diet pills, being tricked into joining a cult, being caught in a fire, and temporarily becoming addicted to cocaine. In addition, she endured being shot, getting amnesia, shooting her rapist, going to rehab, being stalked and almost killed by a patient from rehab, becoming unexpectantly pregnant and having a miscarriage, and learning that she might not be able to have children because of a condition in her body." Jennie, you must be exhausted!!!

Jennie Garth: Wow! When you look at it that way it does seem like quite a lot!

I cannot wait to see what is in store!

_______________________

Charlotte Hall, Md. 20659: Is there any info you can share on what's happened to Kelly between the original and new "90210's"?

Jennie Garth: More will be revealed as the show goes!

Stay tuned!

_______________________

The clothes!: Thank you for taking my question!

Do you ever see footage of yourself from old "90210" episodes and cringe at the clothes they had you wear? I remember the college episodes they kept putting you in all these baggy schoolmarm dresses, and, oh, poor Tori was always showing more skin than the rest of the cast put together.

Jennie Garth: Sometimes I look back and wonder yes!

It was hip for its time! =)

_______________________

Tarzana, Calif.: Are you happy the way the old show ended for your character?

Jennie Garth: It was pretty open ended.

With only Donna and David having the wedding...I was never quite sure just whom Kelly would fall in love with.

Stay with Dylan? Or Brandon! =)

_______________________

New Brunswick, Canada: My friends and I were the same age as the "90210" characters during high school (Dylan+Kelly 4eva! LOL) and we still love watching the reruns on SoapNet now that we're all adults. Do you think the new 90210 v2.0 will attract today's high school kids and younger as viewers the way the original show did? Or mainly us older fans who love the nostalgia?

Jennie Garth: It is going to take care of both the old and new fans!

The faithful fans as well as the new high school kids watching will both enjoy it!

_______________________

Beverly Hills, Calif.: In all these years of being an actress, have you ever really lived in Beverly Hills?

Jennie Garth: Close to it but no, never in the zip!

_______________________

Baltimore: Jennie -- America needs to know -- who was the best kisser on "90210" (besides you, of course):

Dylan

Brandon

Steve

Brenda

Donna

Nat?

Jennie Garth: Well I would only know about my leading men...

And I cannot decide! =)

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: Hi Jennie,

Can't wait to see you on the new show! What was your favorite Kelly Taylor storyline? Spring Dance (my fav)? Being trapped in a burning building which resulted in a lesbian stalker? Addicted to coke?

Personally I will never forget when Brenda and Kelly baked cookies with their names on them and made Dylan choose. Good times. Sigh.

Jennie Garth: Such a fun character huh!

Kelly Taylor never missed a beat! =)

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Kelly and Brandon or Kelly and Dylan?

Jennie Garth: The eternal question!

Too tough to answer!

_______________________

Des Moines, Iowa: Jennie, I am a 46-year-old happily married man, but I have to admit I watched every single episode of "90210," "What I Like About You," and "Dancing With the Stars" just because of you. My question is, do you stay in touch with any of your co-stars from any of those shows?

Jennie Garth: Thank you for watching!

You try and keep in contact with your co-stars but it is hard. People move around and go to different locations.

It is really during the show when you are seeing eachother everyday that you start to develop the relationship.

_______________________

Jupiter, Fla.: Tori Spelling's said a lot in her new book. Any plans to pen your own?

Jennie Garth: Anything's possible!

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: Jennie,

I met you at a local suburban Virginia mall event about 15 years ago where I took my younger sister. You and your boyfriend at the time were very gracious to all the kids who sometimes asked the same questions over and over again. In case all those publicity tours blend together and you've forgotten them over time, I just wanted to say that your politeness and perseverance in the face of all those young fans was really special and much appreciated.

Jennie Garth: I really appreciate your kind compliment.

_______________________

Jefferson City, Mo.: I think you were the best dancer on "Dancing With the Stars"! Have you done any dancing after being on the show?

Jennie Garth: I loved being on the show! It was tough to keep up a 6-7 hour rehearsal when I have three daughters at home!

_______________________

Jennie Garth: GOOD BYE!

THANK YOU!!!!

_______________________

Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.