Tori Spelling, born Victoria Davey Spelling, is widely recognized as the daughter of the renowned producer Aaron Spelling. She gained fame through her role in the hit TV series ‘Beverly Hills,’ which was initially promoted by her father.
However, she has since forged her own path and achieved success in the entertainment industry without any assistance from her father. In addition to her thriving acting career, she is also a successful author with several bestselling books under her name.
Childhood & Education
Tori Spelling, daughter of Aaron and Candy Spelling, was born in Los Angeles, California, USA on May 16, 1973. Her father, a renowned Hollywood producer, was responsible for producing hit films and TV shows including ‘Charlie’s Angels,’ ‘Dynasty,’ and ‘Fantasy Island.’
At the age of six, Tori began taking acting classes, which led to her being cast in various guest roles in popular productions such as ‘The Love Boat,’ ‘T. J. Hooker,’ ‘Hotel,’ ‘Fantasy Island,’ ‘Vega$,’ and ‘Saved by the Bell.’
She attended Beverly Hills High School in Beverly Hills, California, but eventually transferred to Harvard-Westlake School where she earned her diploma in 1991.
Tori Spelling’s Career
Tori Spelling was cast as ‘Donna Martin’ in the TV show ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ in 1990, which was co-produced by her father. This show’s success led to further acting opportunities, including roles in multiple made-for-television movies.
She also landed a part in the 1997 film ‘The House of Yes.’After the completion of ‘Beverly Hills,’ she made her stage debut with the play ‘Maybe Baby, It’s You’ in 2002.
In 2006, Tori Spelling starred as herself in the VH1 sitcom ‘So NoTORIous,’ which was her next major project. She collaborated with her husband Dean McDermott to create the reality show ‘Tori & Dean: Inn Love,’ which premiered on Oxygen network on March 20, 2007.
She also dedicated a lot of effort to promoting her autobiography, ‘sTori TELLING,’ which was released on March 11, 2008.
In 2009, it was revealed that she would return to her role as ‘Donna Martin’ in the new series ‘90210.’ However, she only appeared as a guest in the first two seasons.
On April 14, 2009, her second book titled ‘Mommywood’ was published, detailing her journey as a mother.
The following year, in 2010, her third book ‘uncharted terriTORI’ was released, offering a glimpse into the actress’s personal life.
On April 6, 2011, ‘Tori & Dean: sTORIbook Weddings’ debuted as a follow-up to ‘Tori & Dean: Inn Love.’ In that same year, she lent her voice to the character ‘Pirate Princess’ in the animated show ‘Jake and the Never Land Pirates’ and also appeared in the comedic short film ‘Hoarders: Untold sTori.’ On April 21, 2012, she served as the host for the animated series ‘My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic.’
‘On December 18, 2012, the popular American kids’ show “Yo Gabba Gabba!” featured her as a special guest, showing her making cookies.
In June 2014, CMT debuted a documentary series called “Tori & Dean: Cabin Fever” which follows the couple and their kids as they renovate their lakeside cabin home in Ontario, Canada.
That year, Tori Spelling also had a role in the short-lived show ‘Mystery Girls’ on ABC Family, reuniting with her ‘Beverly Hills’ co-star Jennie Garth. Additionally, in 2016, she was selected to star with James Franco in the made-for-TV film ‘Mother, May I Sleep with Danger?’ Furthermore, she lent her voice to the character ‘April’ in the animated film ‘Izzie’s Way Home.’
Afterward, she took on the role of host for the television show ‘The Look All Stars’ and also appeared in the popular TV film ‘The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time.’ She portrayed the character of ‘Raye Martin’ in the 2018 release of the film.
Tori Spelling revisited her character ‘Donna Martin’ in the 2019 revival of the classic show ‘Beverly Hills 90210’ titled ‘BH90210.’ Despite bringing back the original cast, the series was discontinued after only one season due to low viewership. Tori has also authored ‘Presenting Tallulah’ (2010), ‘CelebraTORI’ (2012), and ‘Spelling It Like It Is’ (2013).
Personal Life
Tori Spelling tied the knot with actor and playwright Charlie Shanian on July 3, 2004, but their marriage dissolved in divorce on April 20, 2006.
On May 7, 2006, she wed actor Dean McDermott shortly after his divorce from Mary Jo Eustace, whom he had been married to for 12 years.
Spelling and McDermott reaffirmed their love with a vow renewal ceremony on May 8, 2010. The couple has five children. However, after 18 years of their marriage, Spelling has filed for divorce from her husband.
Net Worth
Tori Spelling, a well-known American actress and writer, has a net worth of $150 thousand. In 2013, it was revealed that despite being the daughter of the late Aaron Spelling, a millionaire at the time of his passing, Tori was facing financial difficulties.
In her book Spelling It Like It Is, she confesses,
“It’s no mystery why I have money problems. I grew up rich beyond anyone’s dreams. Even when I try to embrace a simpler lifestyle, I can’t seem to let go of my expensive tastes.”
