AnnaLynne McCord Responds to 90210 Original Cast: Ian Ziering, Jennie Garth Remarks & Her Transformative Journey with ‘The Medicine’

In a candid and compelling interview, AnnaLynne McCord, the charismatic 32-year-old actress renowned for her role as Naomi Clark in The CW’s 90210 revival, has finally broken her silence on the pointed remarks made by Ian Ziering. Ziering, a veteran of the original Beverly Hills, 90210 cast and instantly recognizable as Steve Sanders, had previously voiced his strong disapproval of the younger iteration of the iconic teen drama. The CW series, which ran successfully for five seasons from 2008 to 2013, has long been a subject of debate among fans and original cast members alike, concerning its connection to the beloved 90s classic. Ian Ziering, 55, made his feelings clear at the Television Critics Association on August 7, expressing a sentiment of disconnection from the new show. According to our sister site, TVLine, he stated, “They were using [the] Beverly Hills, 90210 [brand] to lure people in. But once I saw that pilot episode, I realized it had nothing to do with what we created.” He further asserted his belief in the original’s untouchable status, adding, “No one’s going to [do] a remake of that show. With all due respect. Often imitated, but never [replicated].” These comments sparked significant discussion, leaving many wondering how the stars of The CW’s revival would respond to such a direct dismissal.

AnnaLynne McCord, however, met these criticisms with a blend of humor and genuine gratitude during an EXCLUSIVE interview with HollywoodLife. Her response came as she was promoting her upcoming Amazon documentary, The Medicine, offering a unique platform to address the 90210 legacy. McCord revealed a surprising detail that shed light on her perspective: “It’s funny because I never saw the original 90210. So, for me, my show wasn’t a replication. I was just doing something new altogether.” This revelation underscores her point that her work on The CW series was an original endeavor for her, not an attempt to mimic what came before. With a touch of playful sarcasm, she added, “So, you’re right, Ian. We weren’t trying to copy you. We just stole your name and it did really well, so thank you for doing it originally.” This witty retort not only deflects the criticism but also acknowledges the undeniable impact and enduring power of the Beverly Hills, 90210 brand, which undoubtedly contributed to the success and visibility of its successor.

But AnnaLynne’s commentary didn’t stop at mere quips. The actress, who has yet to delve into the recently aired BH90210 reboot, expressed a profound sense of indebtedness to the original cast and the opportunities their iconic show inadvertently provided. Her gratitude extends far beyond professional success, connecting directly to her philanthropic passions. “More so, I’d like him to know that he has helped me to purchase five houses, saved lots of children in Cambodia,” she shared, referring to her dedicated work with the Together1Heart anti-human trafficking charity. This powerful statement highlights how the platform and financial stability gained from her role in the 90210 revival enabled her to pursue deeply meaningful humanitarian efforts. She emphasized, “Without Ian and the whole group, I would not have been able to fund the last decade of my life. So, go free. Say whatever you like. I’m grateful for all of this.” Her words painted a picture of an artist who views her career as a means to a greater end, transforming initial criticism into a poignant expression of thanks for a foundation that allowed her to make a significant difference in the world.

AnnaLynne also had a thoughtful response for Jennie Garth, another pivotal figure in the 90210 universe, who has the unique distinction of having appeared in all three iterations of the franchise. Garth’s iconic portrayal of Kelly Taylor spans the original series (1990-2000), The CW revival, and the recent BH90210, which premiered on August 6. Jennie, speaking exclusively to HollywoodLife earlier, had made a distinct separation between her current project and The CW’s version, stating that the new BH90210 reboot would simply “pretend like that [90210] never happened.” This suggested a deliberate narrative choice to overlook the events and characters of AnnaLynne’s series, reinforcing a sense of discontinuity within the franchise’s expanding legacy.

Understanding the nuances of the entertainment industry, AnnaLynne offered a pragmatic perspective on Jennie’s comments. “I mean, I get politically what she’s saying, but she didn’t seem too upset about being on the show at the time,” AnnaLynne observed, hinting at the practicalities and strategic positioning involved in promoting a new series. She later elaborated, “When you’re doing something like90210 for the 18th time, you want people to focus on the one you’re doing.” Her remarks acknowledge the competitive landscape of television reboots and revivals, where each new iteration strives to capture audience attention and establish its own identity, often by drawing clear distinctions from previous versions. McCord’s diplomatic yet firm response underscores her acceptance of the industry’s dynamics while also subtly affirming her own contribution to the 90210 legacy.

The Medicine: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Global Awareness

Beyond the world of Hollywood dramas and reboots, AnnaLynne McCord is currently thriving, embracing a life of profound personal growth and advocacy. A significant catalyst for this transformation has been her journey with Ayahuasca [pronounced aye-ah-wasca], a sacred tea and meditative process deeply rooted in the traditions of indigenous people in the Amazon basin for thousands of years. This powerful plant medicine, known for its profound spiritual and psychological effects, forms the core subject of the new documentary The Medicine, in which AnnaLynne is prominently featured. The film intimately charts her personal voyage from initial skepticism to a deep devotion, detailing her transformative experience in Costa Rica where she engaged with a shaman, a spiritual healer guiding participants through the Ayahuasca ceremony. AnnaLynne openly attributes a myriad of positive changes in her life to this profound encounter. She credits the experience with remarkable improvements, ranging from helping to clear up persistent acne – a common struggle for many – to fundamentally enhancing her relationships with men and, most importantly, improving her ability to connect authentically and “have intimacy” on a deeper level. This holistic healing, she explains, has not only addressed physical ailments but has also fostered emotional and spiritual well-being, paving the way for a more fulfilling and connected existence.

AnnaLynne views The Medicine as more than just a personal narrative; she sees it as a crucial and timely piece of cinema, especially given current global events. “I think this documentary’s really timely with everything that’s happening because – not only does it follow the journey of Ayahuasca – but we really showcased the Amazon and these beautiful people who have these incredible traditions,” she stated. Her comments subtly but powerfully allude to the devastating rainforest fires that have gripped the Amazon, an ecological crisis that has horrified environmentalists worldwide, including prominent figures like Leonardo DiCaprio. The documentary, therefore, serves a dual purpose: it explores the spiritual healing potential of traditional plant medicine while simultaneously drawing urgent attention to the precarious state of the Amazon rainforest and the indigenous cultures that safeguard its ancient wisdom. McCord expressed her hope that the film will offer an educational experience for viewers, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation for both personal transformation and environmental preservation. She concluded with a compelling testament to the experience’s profound impact on her life: “I am a different human being after this experience.” The Medicine is set to become available for audiences on Amazon and iTunes in October, promising an insightful and transformative viewing experience.

AnnaLynne McCord’s journey, as illuminated by her responses to the 90210 controversy and her deep dive into the world of Ayahuasca for The Medicine, paints a picture of an artist evolving beyond conventional celebrity narratives. Her candidness about her personal growth, her unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes through Together1Heart, and her advocacy for environmental awareness showcase a depth that transcends her acting roles. She embraces her past, including the 90210 chapter, not as a point of contention but as a foundation that enabled her current impactful endeavors. Through her work in The Medicine, she invites viewers to explore ancient healing traditions and connect with vital ecological messages, demonstrating a powerful blend of personal transformation and global responsibility. This holistic approach to her career and life sets AnnaLynne McCord apart, marking her as a voice of authenticity and an advocate for positive change in a world that often grapples with its own identity and future.