Tori Spelling Picture 6

Biography

Scion of one of the most powerful television families in Hollywood and repeatedly maligned starlet, Tori Spelling spent years in television purgatory before finally getting respect for her acting in films such as The House of Yes and Trick. Weathering assorted rumors and attacks on her acting and appearance, Spelling has proved that, while nepotism may provide a convenient entrance into Hollywood, endurance and a sense of humor are necessities for long-term survival.

Born Victoria Davey Spelling on May 16, 1973, Spelling made her Hollywood debut in 1989, first with a small role in (appropriately enough) Troop Beverly Hills and then on the TV sitcom Saved By the Bell. In 1990 Spelling was cast in the role that would make her famous, that of Donna on Beverly Hills 90210. With fame came the widespread speculation the Spelling was hired because of her father's position as producer of the show, although Aaron Spelling claimed this was not the case. Whether truth or fiction, the allegations kicked off a series of unfavorable comments made about Spelling over the next few years, comments that were hardly made better by the dubious television programs in which she was repeatedly cast.

1997 marked a change in direction for Spelling's career. With 90210 in decline, she started acting, appearing in the small but well-respected The House of Yes and in Scream 2, where she poked fun at her image with her appearance as herself. A further sign that she was gaining positive attention was her casting in Trick (1999), a critically acclaimed film which took a lighthearted and unconventional look at gay love and lust in the 1990s. With Sundance credibility firmly in hand, Spelling finally appeared ready to move forward and leave her image as a 90210 casualty behind her.

~ Rebecca Flint, All Movie Guide

Filmography

Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story! (2005) (V) (voice)
The Family Plan (2005) (TV) .... Charlie
Hush (2005) (TV) .... Nina Hamilton
50 Ways to Leave Your Lover (2004) .... Stephanie
A Carol Christmas (2003) (TV) .... Carol Cartman
"So Downtown" (2003) TV Series .... Liz
Evil Alien Conquerors (2002) (uncredited) .... Jan
Scary Movie 2 (2001) .... Alex Monday
Sol Goode (2001) .... Tammie
Trick (1999) .... Katherine
Perpetrators of the Crime (1998) .... Lucy
Scream 2 (1997) .... 'Stab' Sidney/Herself
The Alibi (1997) (TV) .... Marti Gerrard
The House of Yes (1997) .... Lesly
Mother, May I Sleep with Danger? (1996) (TV) .... Laurel Lewisohn
Co-ed Call Girl (1996) (TV) .... Joanna
Deadly Pursuits (1996) (TV) .... Meredith
Awake to Danger (1995) (TV) .... Aimee McAdams
A Friend to Die For (1994) (TV) .... Stacy Lockwood
"Beverly Hills, 90210" (1990) TV Series .... Donna Martin Silver
Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990) (TV) .... Donna Martin Silver
Troop Beverly Hills (1989) .... Jamie, Red Feather
The Three Kings (1987) (TV)
Shooting Stars (1983) (TV) .... Jenny O'Keefe