A charismatic, blue-eyed actor who single-handedly brought side-burns back en vogue throughout the 1990’s, Jason Priestley won the hearts of teenage fans as goodie-two-shoes Brandon Walsh on the pop culture phenomenon, “Beverly Hills, 90210” (FOX, 1990-2000). A role that ranked the Canadian actor as one of TV Guide’s Top 25 Teen Idols, it also earned Priestley two Golden Globe nominations and provided a platform for the actor to pursue producing and directing on his own terms. On film, Priestley has appeared in the critically-acclaimed independent film “Love and Death on Long Island” (1998) and the dark comedy “Die Mommie Die” (2003). The talented actor eventually returned to series television in 2004 as a guest star on the supernatural drama “Tru Calling” (FOX, 2003-05) and was cast as a regular in the CBS series “Love Monkey” in 2006.
Born Jason Bradford Priestley on Aug. 28, 1969 in Vancouver, Canada to parents Sharon Kirk, a real estate agent and former actress, and Lorne Priestley, a representative for a textile manufacturer, Priestley was raised in Vancouver, B.C. Signed by his mother’s former agent by the age of five, Priestley began his career as a young child, modeling and acting in television commercials. Priestley appeared in a number of TV movies as a child and teenager, including the CBS telepic, "Nobody's Child," and made his feature film debut in "The Boy Who Could Fly" (1986). Relocating to Los Angeles in 1987 to further his acting career, Priestley’s charming persona landed him roles on the series “21 Jump Street (FOX, 1987-1991), “MacGyver” (ABC, 1985-1992), and “Quantum Leap” (NBC, 1989-1993).
Landing the role of unruly orphan Todd Mahaffey on the NBC sitcom “Sister Kate” (1989-1990), Priestley found himself cast in his first regular role in series television. Though the show was short-lived, Priestley caught the eye of future “90210” alum Tori Spelling, who recommended Priestley to her father, mega producer Aaron Spelling, for the part of Brandon Walsh on Spelling’s new teen series, “Beverly Hills, 90210.” Landing the part, Priestley and co-star Shannen Doherty portrayed fraternal twins Brandon and Brenda Walsh, rounding out an ensemble cast on a show that quickly became a pop cultural buzz show of the decade. With the overwhelming popularity of the series, Priestley – along with fellow side-burned co-star Luke Perry – quickly became a teen icon, mobbed at malls and gazed at lovingly within the pages of Teen Beat. Though the series was initially considered a frivolous prime-time soap, it later confronted a number of serious cultural issues, including alcoholism and rape, which led to two Golden Globe nominations for Priestley, who served as the conscience of the show. The show also proved to be a successful platform for the actor to expand his career behind the scenes. In the third season, Priestley convinced the show’s producers to put him behind the camera in the director’s chair. Proving to be a talented director, as well, Priestley directed more than 20 episodes from 1993 until his departure from the series in 1998. He also served as a producer and executive producer on “90210” from 1995-98.
During his time on the popular series, Priestley pursued a career in film as well. His first feature film lead came in 1993 with the critically acclaimed but little seen comedy, “Calendar Girl.” Priestley next appeared in the ensemble western drama, “Tombstone” (1993) as Deputy Billy Breckinridge, and the lesser-known dark comedy “Coldblooded” (1995). An avid fan of the Canadian band The Barenaked Ladies, Priestley went behind the camera once again to direct the video for their single, “The Old Apartment,” which later earned him a Best Director nomination at the 1996 Canadian Music Video Awards. Starring opposite John Hurt in the independent film “Love and Death on Long Island” (1998), Priestley finally found a film role which showcased his genuine acting talent. Though Priestley portrayed a heartthrob actor in the film – a role closely suited to his personal experience – the film, as well as Priestley’s performance, received critical acclaim from critics.
After announcing his departure from “90210” in 1998, having outgrown the teen angst series, Priestley went on to appear in the films "Standing on Fishes" (1999), "Eye of the Beholder" (1999), and Cherish (2002). Suffering a personal setback in 1999, Priestley was arrested under suspicion of drunk driving after crashing his Porsche into a pole. After being released on $50,000 bail and pleading no contest to the charges (claiming that he swerved to avoid hitting a deer), Priestley was ordered to complete an alcohol counseling program. That same year however, Priestley embarked on a new directorial project; re-teaming with The Barenaked Ladies once again, directing “Barenaked in America” (1999), a documentary about the band’s experience on the road. Furthering his acting career in 2000, Priestley made his London stage debut in Warren Leight's award-winning play “Side Man.” Taking on a somewhat unconventional role, Priestley went on to appear in the campy independent film, “Die Mommie Die” (2003) opposite theater and drag legend Charles Busch.
Just as he continued his streak of landing consistent work both behind and in front of the camera, tragedy struck Priestley in August of 2002. An avid race car driver, the actor was seriously injured during a practice run at the Kentucky Speedway when his car smashed into a wall at 180 mph coming out of a turn. Suffering a fractured spine, a broken nose, broken bones in both feet and a concussion, Priestley was flown to the University of Kentucky Medical Center. Though he spent three months in the hospital, Priestley made a full recovery, much to the relief of family, fans and friends – particularly his “90210” co-stars who rallied around him during his recovery.
Once back on his feet fully healed, Priestley returned to acting, starring in the ABC Family TV movie, “I Want to Marry Ryan Banks” (2004) and was cast as in a recurring role on the supernatural drama, “Tru Calling” (FOX, 2003-05). In 2006, Priestley returned to series television as a regular on the CBS show, “Love Monkey” (CBS/VH1, 2006- ). Though the show was pulled from the network after only three episodes, it quickly reappeared on the cable music network VH1, which aired the remaining five episodes.