With reboots and revivals rampant in the entertainment industry, a lot of actors we grew up with are finding themselves back in the spotlight. Take, for example, Saved by the Bell alum Tiffani Thiessen. Life post-Kelly Kapowski could have been very different for the current host of the Cooking Channel show Dinner at Tiffani’s. Tiffani has expanded her cooking empire with a cookbook, Pull Up a Chair, that was released on Tuesday. She cooked a spicy pork tenderloin on Monday’s Today Show that looked pretty darned tasty.
During an interview on comedian Nikki Glaser’s SiriusXM show, Tiffani revealed that she was in the running for another beloved 90s TV sitcom character. She asked Nikki, “Did you know I tested for Friends, for Jennifer Aniston?” She went on to add that, at the time, she was only 20 and “I was just a little too young. I was a little too young to the pairing of the rest of them.” The role, of course, went to a then 25-year-old Jennifer Aniston, who also beat out Jane Krakowski and Friends co-star Courteney Cox for the part. Tiffani went on to play Valerie on 90210, so she did just fine.
Tiffani is currently starring on the Netflix sitcom Alexa and Katie. The show, aimed at tweens and young teenagers, is about two best friends starting high school. Tiffani plays the mother of one of the characters, Alexa, who is diagnosed with cancer as her high school years commence. Believe it or not, the show is a comedy. It debuted in March and a month later, a second season was announced. I’m not a tween, but the show looks cute – it could be a possible “sick day” binge.
Earlier this week, 90210 star Tori Spelling said she might be amenable for a return to the series, but when recently asked about bringing Kelly back to Bayside for a Saved by the Bell reunion, Tiffani was not so positive. She said it would take “A lot. A lot. A lot. I mean a lot” to get the cast back together for a revival. She added,
“I’m all about nostalgia, and I have shows that have the same feeling for me. So I totally, totally get it. And I still talk to some of them [former castmates]. They were a huge part of my life and I do not discredit that whatsoever. I just know about half of us probably would not.”
Well put, Tiffani. I think you’re better off with your cooking show and Alexa and Katie. Not every show needs to be revisited…are you listening, Tori?
Photos: WENN, Getty, Instagram
I could see that. I’ve always liked her a great deal.
Just here to say I think she’s a great combination of pretty and cute. I love how she dresses-very feminine, very appealing, without being full-on sexpot all the time.
I seem to remember that she and Jennie Garth had some sort of falling out, so I like how she’s chosen to respond to the reunion/reboot question.
I haven’t seen anything else she’s done, but she was terrific on White Collar.
I only watched a season or two of that show, but I liked her on it too (even though she seemed a tad too young compare to the actor who played her husband).
I watched Saved by the Bell a lot as a kid, and I never would have guess she’d end up with the best acting resume after that show, but she really has done well!
I think for the most part the cast is doing well. Mark-Paul was on NYPD Blue and some other shows. Mario has his hosting duties on Extra. Elizabeth is married to a Ralph Lauren relative (I don’t really remember but he was connected to someone famous). The only people not doing well is the girl who played Lisa and Screech.
I’m ashamed to know the status of everyone. :p
Wow, she looks great! If she’s tweaked, it’s super subtle. I’d be inclined to say she doesn’t do anything.
Yes, I was going to say she has aged incredibly gracefully and well. Nice to see her doing so well. What a contrast to the chaos that seems to be Tori’s life.
I love her cooking show. It’s a hoot every time Matthew Lillard is on.
Btw, Tiffany is still a babe!
I was going to say the same thing. She’s a good cook. I don’t think she has a regular show on the Food Network. I’d be happy if they swapped her with Valerie Bertinelli. Valerie is her own biggest fan. My rule is if you’re over ten, don’t say yummy. Anyway, it’s hard to imagine anyone else being Rachel, but isn’t that how it always goes.
She looks very happy!! But I think her as Rachel would not have been as endearing as Jennifer Aniston.
Thank goodness the didn’t get the part on Friends. I love me some Valerie Malone! She was so bitchy! And she put stupid Kelly in her place on multiple occasions. Plus she was a stoner and I love that.
She is still one of the hottest woman alive. And the only reason I started watching White Collar and then of course I stayed for Matt Bomer because dear God Matt Bomer!!
She was perfect as Valerie Malone on 90210, but I could actually see her as Rachel Green too. I watched SBTB as a kid/early teen so I’ve been a fan of hers for ages.
I love her cooking show!
Beyond sick of show reboots, movie remakes, and garbage superhero nonsense
I loved 90210, but I hope the reboot isn’t true and won’t happen. It’s just Tori trying for a money grab. And really…do we still want to see Dylan trying to choose between Kelly and Brenda 30 years later?