Kelly Taylor (90210)

Kelly Taylor
Kelly, portrayed by Jennie Garth, matures from adolescence to adulthood.
Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise character
Portrayed by	Jennie Garth
First appearance	October 4, 1990 (Beverly Hills, 90210, "Class of Beverly Hills")
Last appearance	As Star: May 17, 2000 (Beverly Hills, 90210, "Ode to Joy") As Special Guest: March 9, 2010 (90210, "Rats and Heroes")
Created by	Darren Star
Profile
Occupation	Owned "Kelly Taylor Public Relations" Partner in a clothing store Volunteer at an AIDS hospice Manager of a free clinic Guidance Counselor (spin-off)
Parents Jackie Taylor (deceased on spin-off) Bill Taylor Mel Silver (step-father) Siblings Joy Taylor (paternal half-sister) Erin Silver (maternal half-sister) David Silver (step-brother) Children Unnamed Child (with Brandon Walsh; miscarried) Sammy (son, with Dylan McKay)

Kelly Marlene Taylor, portrayed by Jennie Garth, is a fictional character who was the female lead of Beverly Hills, 90210 for the majority of the show's duration. Initially presented as a "spoiled teen vixen", the role was gradually expanded by producers. 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 which 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 (313) 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." Actors Jason Priestley,Grant Show, and Sara Foster 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."

Throughout the course of the first series, Kelly became one of the show's most developed characters. When introduced in 1990, she was presented as, on the surface, a stereotypical spoiled type who placed high value on posh appearances and material possessions. However, the character would become increasingly layered as the series progressed.