Tori Spelling (Victoria Davey Spelling) is an American actress, author, and television personality, born May 16, 1973 in Los Angeles. She is best known for playing Donna Martin in Beverly Hills, 90210.
Tori Spelling Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Victoria Davey Spelling |
| Date of Birth | May 16, 1973 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Parents | Aaron Spelling (TV producer), Candy Spelling (philanthropist) |
| Siblings | Randy Spelling |
| Education | Westlake School for Girls (Los Angeles) |
| Profession | Actress, Author, Television Personality |
| Breakthrough Role | Donna Martin in Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990–2000) |
| Other Notable Works | Mother, May I Sleep with Danger? (1996), Scary Movie 2 (2001), Tori & Dean: Inn Love (2007), sTORI Telling (2008, book) |
| Marriages | Charlie Shanian (2004–2006), Dean McDermott (2006–2025, divorced) |
| Children | 5 (Liam, Stella, Hattie, Finn, Beau) |
| Net Worth (2026) | Estimated between $150,000 and $1.5 million |
| Controversies | Financial struggles, inheritance disputes, marriage issues |
| Cultural Impact | Icon of 1990s teen drama, reality TV pioneer, author of bestselling memoirs |
Early Life and Family Background (1973–1989)
Tori Spelling, born Victoria Davey Spelling on May 16, 1973, in Los Angeles, California, is the daughter of legendary television producer Aaron Spelling and philanthropist Candy Spelling. Growing up in a mansion famously known as one of the largest homes in Los Angeles, she was immersed in Hollywood culture from birth. Her brother, Randy Spelling, also pursued acting. Tori attended private schools, including the prestigious Westlake School for Girls, where she developed an interest in performance arts.
Education and Early Acting Roles (1980s)
- Received acting lessons from a young age, encouraged by her father.
- Guest appearances in Aaron Spelling’s productions such as Fantasy Island, The Love Boat, and Vega$.
- These early roles gave her practical experience and exposure to the entertainment industry.
Career Chronology
1990–2000: Breakthrough with Beverly Hills, 90210
- Cast as Donna Martin, a role she played for ten seasons.
- Storylines included Donna’s struggles with academics, relationships, and her famous graduation scandal (“Donna Martin graduates”).
- Became a cultural icon of the 1990s teen drama era.
- Analysis: Her character embodied innocence and resilience, resonating with young audiences worldwide.
2000–2010: Transition to Film and Reality TV
- Roles in films such as Scary Movie 2 (2001), Scream 2 (1997), and The House of Yes (1997).
- Starred in TV movies including Mother, May I Sleep with Danger? (1996).
- Launched reality shows like Tori & Dean: Inn Love (2007), showcasing her personal life and entrepreneurial ventures.
- Authored books including sTORI Telling (2008), which became a New York Times bestseller.
2010–2020: Continued Media Presence
- Appeared in The Mistle-Tones (2012) and Lifetime movies.
- Participated in reality series and talk shows, maintaining relevance.
- Expanded her brand through lifestyle ventures and social media presence.
2020–Present: Resilience and Reinvention
- Continued appearances in reality TV and guest roles.
- Publicly addressed financial challenges and personal struggles.
- Maintains a strong following on social media, connecting directly with fans.
Personal Life
- Married playwright Charlie Shanian in 2004; divorced in 2006.
- Married actor Dean McDermott in 2006; together they have five children.
- Their marriage faced public scrutiny, with reports of financial difficulties and eventual divorce in 2025.
- Tori has often spoken about balancing motherhood with her career.
Tori Spelling’s personal life has been highly publicized, marked by two marriages, five children, financial struggles, and a recent divorce from Dean McDermott in 2025.
Family Background
- Daughter of Aaron Spelling, one of Hollywood’s most successful TV producers, and Candy Spelling, philanthropist.
- Grew up in immense wealth, living in the famous Spelling mansion in Los Angeles.
Marriages and Relationships
- Charlie Shanian (2004–2006): Married the playwright, but the union ended quickly.
- Dean McDermott (2006–2025): Married actor Dean McDermott after a whirlwind romance. Their relationship was often scrutinized for infidelity rumors and financial issues.
- Together, they had five children: Liam, Stella, Hattie, Finn, and Beau.
- In 2025, the couple divorced after years of speculation, with Tori admitting she felt “relief” when Dean asked for separation.
Children and Motherhood
- Tori frequently shares moments with her children on social media, highlighting her role as a devoted mother.
- She has spoken openly about the challenges of raising five kids while balancing career and financial instability.
Financial Struggles
- Despite her father’s fortune, Tori inherited relatively little after his death.
- Known for lavish spending, she has faced lawsuits and debts, often discussed in tabloids.
- Her reality shows (Tori & Dean: Inn Love, True Tori) often depicted her financial and marital challenges.
Health and Personal Challenges
- Hospitalized multiple times in recent years, including in 2023 for unexplained health issues.
- Admitted to using medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro to lose baby weight.
- Publicly shared struggles with insecurity during her 90210 years.
Recent Developments
- After her divorce, she has been spotted with a new partner, signaling a fresh chapter in her personal life.
- She continues to navigate life as a single mother, openly discussing the emotional challenges of her first Christmas without Dean.
Quick Recap Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Parents | Aaron & Candy Spelling |
| Marriages | Charlie Shanian (2004–2006), Dean McDermott (2006–2025) |
| Children | 5 (Liam, Stella, Hattie, Finn, Beau) |
| Divorce | 2025, after 19 years with McDermott |
| Financial Issues | Debt, lawsuits, limited inheritance |
| Health | Hospitalizations, weight struggles |
| Current Status | Single mother, new relationship |
Net Worth
- Despite her famous lineage, her net worth has fluctuated significantly.
- Estimates range from $150,000 to $500,000 as of 2025.
- Sources of income: acting, reality TV, book sales, endorsements.
- Analysis: Her financial struggles highlight the challenges of sustaining wealth in Hollywood despite fame.
Net Worth Overview
- As of 2026, Tori Spelling’s net worth is estimated between $150,000 and $1.5 million, depending on the source.
- This is considered surprisingly low given her father Aaron Spelling’s empire, once valued at over $600 million.
Breakdown of Estimates
| Source | Net Worth Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Finance Monthly (Dec 2025) | ~$150,000 | Highlights her limited inheritance |
| Taddlr (2026) | ~$1.5 million | Lists Beverly Hills 90210 as main income |
| Scintillating Stars (2026) | ~$1.5 million | Confirms acting and reality TV as sources |
Analysis
- Inheritance: After Aaron Spelling’s death in 2006, Tori reportedly received only a fraction of his fortune.
- Career earnings: Her income came from Beverly Hills, 90210, TV movies, reality shows (Tori & Dean), and book sales.
- Financial struggles: Lavish spending, debts, and lawsuits have been widely reported, contributing to her modest net worth.
- Resilience: Despite challenges, she continues to earn through appearances, social media, and lifestyle ventures.
Career Highlights Table
| Year | Project | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Beverly Hills, 90210 | Donna Martin | Breakthrough role |
| 1996 | Mother, May I Sleep with Danger? | Lead | Cult TV movie |
| 1997 | Scream 2 | Cameo | Popular horror sequel |
| 2001 | Scary Movie 2 | Role | Comedy parody |
| 2007 | Tori & Dean: Inn Love | Herself | Reality TV success |
| 2008 | sTORI Telling | Author | Bestseller |
| 2012 | The Mistle-Tones | Lead | Holiday film |
| 2018 | The Last Sharknado | Role | Pop culture cameo |
Controversies and Challenges
- Financial struggles: Reports of debt and lawsuits related to unpaid bills.
- Marriage issues: Highly publicized relationship with Dean McDermott, including infidelity rumors.
- Public image: Criticized for reliance on reality TV to sustain fame.
Cultural Analysis
Tori Spelling’s career reflects the evolution of celebrity culture:
- 1990s: Traditional scripted television stardom through 90210.
- 2000s: Reinvention via reality TV and personal branding.
- 2010s–2020s: Navigating fame in the digital age, using social media to maintain relevance.
Her trajectory illustrates the challenges of sustaining fame in Hollywood, especially for those born into celebrity families. Despite setbacks, she remains a recognizable figure in American pop culture.
Conclusion
Tori Spelling’s biography is a testament to resilience and reinvention. From her iconic role in Beverly Hills, 90210 to her ventures in reality TV and writing, she has navigated the complexities of fame with determination. Despite financial and personal challenges, she remains a significant figure in American entertainment, embodying both the glamour and the struggles of Hollywood life.
FAQ on Tori Spelling
Who is Tori Spelling?
Tori Spelling (Victoria Davey Spelling) is an American actress, author, and television personality, born May 16, 1973 in Los Angeles. She is best known for playing Donna Martin in Beverly Hills, 90210.
What is Tori Spelling’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated between $150,000 and $1.5 million as of 2026, reflecting both her acting career and financial struggles.
Who are her parents?
She is the daughter of Aaron Spelling, legendary TV producer, and Candy Spelling, philanthropist.
How many children does she have?
Tori Spelling has five children with her ex‑husband Dean McDermott: Liam, Stella, Hattie, Finn, and Beau.
Who has she been married to?
- Charlie Shanian (2004–2006)
- Dean McDermott (2006–2025, divorced)
What books has she written?
- sTORI Telling (2008, bestseller)
- Mommywood (2009)
- Uncharted TerriTORI (2010)
- Spelling It Like It Is (2013)
What controversies has she faced?
- Financial struggles: Lawsuits and debts due to lavish spending.
- Marriage issues: Public scrutiny of her relationship with Dean McDermott, including infidelity rumors.
- Inheritance disputes: Received only a small portion of her father’s fortune.
What are her most famous roles?
- Donna Martin in Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990–2000).
- Appearances in Scary Movie 2, Scream 2, and The House of Yes.
- Reality TV star in Tori & Dean: Inn Love and True Tori.
Quick Recap Table
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Birthdate | May 16, 1973 |
| Parents | Aaron & Candy Spelling |
| Net Worth | $150K–$1.5M (2026) |
| Children | 5 (Liam, Stella, Hattie, Finn, Beau) |
| Marriages | Charlie Shanian, Dean McDermott |
| Famous Role | Donna Martin (90210) |
| Books | sTORI Telling, Mommywood, Uncharted TerriTORI, Spelling It Like It Is |
| Controversies | Debt, inheritance, marriage issues |