He captured many hearts with his role as Brandon Walsh in the renowned TV series Beverly Hills 90210.
With his charming puppy eyes and captivating personality on screen, he won over audiences worldwide.
Today, 32 years later, appearing in the opulent series about the life of Börje Salming, he is almost unrecognizable.
Andrea, Brandon, Brenda, David, Donna, Kelly, and Steve were beloved by millions of TV viewers globally for almost a decade.
The iconic TV show Beverly Hills 90210 debuted in the Netherlands and Belgium in 1991 on RTL4 and VTM, with the final season airing in 2000.
The show garnered global success, attracting millions of daily viewers. The most-watched episode had 23 million viewers, with Season 2 being the most-viewed season, averaging 19 million viewers per episode.
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The cult series initially revolved around twins Brenda and Brandon Walsh and their friends at West Beverly High School in Los Angeles.
Jason Priestley portrayed the handsome Brandon Walsh, solidifying his status as a true 90s icon throughout the show.
Known for his endearing puppy eyes and gentle demeanor, he garnered immense popularity. However, alongside his acting career, Jason pursued a rather risky hobby.
Jason Priestley drove drunk
In his free time, Jason Priestley indulged in race car driving, starting as early as 1991. He competed in the SCCA Pro Rally Series from 1992 to 1995.
In 2011, Jason experienced a severe accident when he crashed into a dike, sustaining injuries to his spine and head. He was promptly airlifted to receive specialized medical treatment.
Notably, this wasn’t his first encounter with car accidents.
Years earlier, he crashed his Porsche in Los Angeles, resulting in a friend breaking an arm while Jason escaped with minor injuries. His involvement in drunk driving led to community service as part of his sentence.
In a boat race off the coast of Miami in April 2011, he crashed again, though with minor injuries compared to a crew member who broke several ribs.
In 1995, he was part of an accident during the Michelin SCCA Pro Rally in Washington but fortunately walked away unharmed, finishing the race.
Jason Priestley wife and children
Currently, the actor resides with his wife Naomi Lowde and their two children.
His transformation is truly remarkable.
Jason Priestley in the series Börje Salming
In recent times, Jason has appeared in various television series and films. Presently, the 90s heartthrob has secured a role in Viaplay’s upcoming series centered on the Swedish hockey legend, Börje Salming.
He portrays the famed talent scout Gerry McNamara, instrumental in convincing Börje Salming and Inge Hammarström to pursue careers in North America.
The role of Börje Salming is brought to life by Valter Skarsgård.
According to Jason, his upbringing was significantly influenced by Börje Salming.
“I grew up in Canada in the 1970s and watched Börje play every Saturday night on Hockey Night in Canada. I knew some of his story and, of course, his greatness on the ice, but his overall impact on hockey was incredible and continues to resonate,” shared the Hollywood star in a press statement.
He continued:
“I’ve always been fascinated by how Gerry McNamara discovered Börje and Inge in Sweden, persuading Ballard (the team owner in Toronto) to sign them in a league with few Europeans at the time, in contrast to the current scenario.”
During filming, Jason met Börje Salming for the first time in Stockholm, leaving him starstruck and deeply impressed.
“That was the feeling. I can’t deny it,” Priestley admitted with a laugh.
The series depicting the life of Börje Salming is currently in production across Sweden and Canada, with the premiere date yet to be announced.
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