ONTD Original: Spelling out the drama behind Aaron Spelling productions
-Aaron Spelling was a prolific Hollywood producer helping create hits such as: Charlie's Angels, The Love Boat, Dynasty, Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, 7th Heaven. Charmed, and that's not even half of it.
-Lets rewind to the 1980/1990s and look back at some Spellings notable "drama" with some of his actors from Dynasty, Melrose Place, and Charmed:
Spelling vs. Joan Collins (Dynasty)
-After Season 4 finished filming, Joan Collins wanted a raise as she had effectively saved the show in Season 2. Joan/Spelling prod. couldnt come to an agreement fast enough which resulted in Joan missing the Season 5 premiere of the show.
-She would later seek another raise (120k/episode) towards the end of the series which would result in her episode count for Season 9 being cut in half. Joan claims she was not informed of this until she arrived to work.
Spelling vs. Catherine Oxenberg (Dynasty)
-Catherine joined Dynasty in season 4 and after Season 5 wrapped Catherine asked for a $2000 raise to which she was denied.
-Ultimately Catherine was fired and her role recast. Catherine states that Aaron told her not to go to the press and that they would say that they mutually parted ways.
-She was shocked to see the media report that she was fired from the show with Spelling stating that she demanded a raise and refused to show up to work.
Spelling vs. Gordon Thomson (Dynasty)
-Gordon Thomson joined Dynasty in season 3 of the show and stayed until the very end, season 9 when the show was uncerimously canceled on a cliffhanger.
-Flashfoward 2 years and ABC had agreed to do a Dynasty reunion mini series. Gordon had already moved on to a new show but made it clear that he would move heaven and earth to be part of the reunion series.
-Gordons agents reached out to Spelling prod. to find out when shooting would commence so they could coordinate time off with his new show, Sunset Beach, but they were met with crickets.
-Spelling prod. contacted Sunset Beach producers 5 days before shooting began and Gordon was forced to drop out of the reunion and was ultimately recast with a new actor taking on the role.
-Gordon sued Spelling for $1million in lost revenue. Results of the lawsuit are unknown but they ultimately repaired their relationship.
Spelling vs. Hunter Tylo (Melrose Place)
-Hunter had quit soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful after she was offered an episode 8 episode arc on Melrose Place with an option for more episodes.
-She revealed to producers that she was pregnant and was quickly fired before she could even film an episode.
-Hunter sued Spelling for wrongful termination and ended up being awarded $4.8mill in damages.
-Hunters character was recast with one Lisa Rinna who also ended up pregnant during filming and ultimately was allowed to keep the role (thank you Hunter)
Spelling vs. Shannen Doherty
-Shannen Doherty was cast in Beverly Hills 90210 and was fired after 4 seasons supposedly for her constant tardiness and plunging reputation. Shannen had stated that Spelling never informed her of why she was terminated as he refused to speak to her directly.
-Flashforward to the late 90s and Spelling/Doherty reunited for Charmed. Spelling never spoke to Shannen in regards to what went down on 90210 and wanted a fresh start with her. Shannen would be fired from Charmed at the end of the season 3, receiving a pink slip while filming a movie in Canada. Once again...Spelling never spoke to Shannen about why she was fired though she believes it has to do with (well you know the story)
-Shannen had originally planned to sue Spelling and co. for breaching her contract but was talked out of it by her lawyers who called it career suicide to go to war with Spelling with 2 firings under her belt. The two would agree that she opted to leave the series.
Source: 1 2 3, Lets Be Clear W/Shannen Doherty
What are some of your favorite shows created by Aaron Spelling?