MovieChat Forums > Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990) Discussion > Why was Luke Perry demoted (or promoted;...

Why was Luke Perry demoted (or promoted; I'm confused since he's credited last) to special guest star?

posted 4 years ago by MARRENTHEG (5)
5 replies | jump to latest

I know that he left during the 6th season and came back during the 9th season, but wouldn't it have made more sense to put him back in his original slot in the opening credits: between Ian Ziering (since Gabrielle Carteris had already left the series) and Brian Austin Green? Also, I noticed he wasn't in the group shots with the cast. Were the producers trying to save money by not reshooting with Luke in the group, since they obviously couldn't superimpose him into the cast, as opposed to during the 6th season when they edited him out of the group shots upon his resignation? Or was his absence from the group supposed to emphasize his "special guest star" status? This is the first series I heard of, besides Heather Locklear on "Melrose Place," where that status is permanent, as I've typically seen that in the closing credits of TV shows when a recurring character appears periodically. What's the deal with that position? Did Luke Perry get a salary increase for that? Seems unusually generous for someone who is "crawling back"? No shade to Luke, but I'm basing this on average joes who quit their 9 to 5 and then suddenly realize they need that job.

[–] PaladinNJ (20309) 4 years ago

He didn't come crawling back. They asked him to return.

Only guessing but they probably figured that would be the last season and that's why they considered him a "Special Guest Star" rather than shoot the opening credits again.
It actually last two more seasons

[–] MARRENTHEG (5) 4 years ago

I know. It's just a figure of speech, as I'm well-aware that Luke was a vital contribution to the cast, as well as the cash cow back when the series was in its prime (Mattel 90210 dolls and so forth). Although, I don't recall him being asked to return. From what I understand, he asked to return because he needed more money. That makes sense, since television is steady work, as opposed to movies where you're employed and unemployed back and forth.

[–] PaladinNJ (20309) 4 years ago

That show was bleeding money in the last seasons. They would have done anything to shore up the ratings. That was the purpose he served.

[–] MARRENTHEG (5) 4 years ago

Wow! I never realized that. Makes sense when you look at Luke Perry in the opening credits of the final two seasons. Not only has he aged by that point, but his signature hairstyle was gone, and his hands were in his pockets. In his defense, Brian Austin Green had his hands in his pockets, too, but was also smiling. It was as if Luke didn't seem to care anymore and was just there to feed his family, which I can understand, since the series had already worn out its welcome at that point. It's kind of sad when you think about it, because not only does nothing last forever, but it will soon be on its last legs before the unfortunate.

[–] pioneergrrrl (2389) 4 years ago

that's not a demotion...... getting listed as a special guest star means he got extra money/special contract which others in the cast did not.

The show was close to being cancelled and management was now trying everything to save it....somebody (Spelling?) had this idea hey let's get Luke back

Yeah it worked somewhat, but they obviously had to pay him extra money etc now above and beyond what the other cast members (who could not pull in the ratings) were now making. It probably was 'mutual benefit' for both parties.