Beverly Hills 90210/JESSICA ALBA

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Expert: - 1/15/2008


Question
WHY WAS JESSICA ALBA NOT ALLOWED TO MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH THE STARS OF 90210?

Answer
Hi Christy,

For me to know specifically why Jessica was not permitted to make eye contact with the cast, I'd have to see the contract.  That kind of information simply isn't made available to the public, but her statement to the above effect has been well-quoted.  Luke and Tori are cited as being among those whom she would only be allowed to speak to if they spoke to her first.  I can't verify if any of this is true, just that Alba came out with a statement about it. If you do an internet search of her name, 'eye contact', and '90210', over 4,000 articles/results display, all citing the following statement of hers:

"I don't really know why. Maybe because the leading characters were so popular they didn't want other actors looking at them. [...] You wouldn't be allowed to talk to them unless they spoke to you first. It was bizarre. But I guess that's what happens when you become a big star. [...] A lot of actors get away with murder on set, but I always like to be part of the crew."

Most are from 2007, but I remember hearing about it at the time in which she guest-starred.  Back then, I thought it was a just a rumor.  

Thanks for the question!

All the best,

Mel  

Beverly Hills 90210

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Mel

Expertise

Can Dylan solve quadratic equations? What makes up a "mega-burger"? If an answer exists, I probably know it. Whether your question is general, begging the context of all 10 seasons, or completely inane, feel free to drop me a line either way. I will provide episode reference numbers for each response and plan to have some fun with this. Trivia quizzes often need correction, and publications will get their plotlines/characters/relationships mixed up too. I accept dialogue/scene requests, but please limit your inquiry to 1-2 per question. I only know music from the original broadcasts/reruns, not the DVDs. Been a fan since 1990 and didn't miss a beat.

Experience

Well, I began watching "Beverly Hills, 90210" at the tender age of 9 and a half, during its original run. By 11, I was a huge fan; 13, obsessed; 14, growing bitter. I don't like S6 - S10 as much as Seasons 1 - 5. But, technically, I still watch all of them in some way. Do this for 20 years and you'll remember the darndest things.
Well, I began watching "Beverly Hills, 90210" at the tender age of 9 and a half, during its original run. By 11, I was a huge fan; 13, obsessed; 14, growing bitter. I don't like S6 - S10 as much as Seasons 1 - 5. But, technically, I still watch all of them in some way. Do this for 20 years and you'll remember the darndest things.

Education/Credentials
I'd like to say I've earned a "degree" on the life and times of the original eight, with specific concentration on Seasons 1 thru 5, any Jack McKay drama, Dylan/Kelly together or apart, and the guest stars of 1992-1994. Season 4, I think, was the best and strikingly different from any other. My only weakness might be later-season 'stand-in' characters like Matt and Noah, and the ever-changing ownerships of The AfterDark.

Education/Credentials
I'd like to say I've earned a "degree" on the life and times of the original eight, with specific concentration on Seasons 1 thru 5, any Jack McKay drama, Dylan/Kelly together or apart, and the guest stars of 1992-1994. Season 4, I think, was the best and strikingly different from any other. My only weakness might be later-season 'stand-in' characters like Matt and Noah, and the ever-changing ownerships of The AfterDark.

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