The new 90210 might focus on the kids, but the adults get to have some fun too. During BuddyTV’s visit to the set of 90210, we talked to Rob Estes, who plays patriarch and principal Harry Wilson. Though he wasn’t an original Beverly Hills 90210 cast member like Jennie Garth or Shannen Doherty, Estes’ previous role on Melrose Place certainly gives him some experience in the world of Aaron Spelling-created melodramas.

Estes spoke about how he got involved with 90210, the wholesome, family aspect to the series, and his roles as father, husband and principal. Continue reading for more details and to watch our exclusive video interview.

Though the name alone might be enough to draw some actors to the show, Estes was won over by the new executive producers, Gabe Sachs and Jeff Judah, who convinced him this was a role worth playing.

While some aspects of 90210 may not be so family-friendly (Estes cites the scene from the pilot with Ethan in his car), the Wilson family is the calm, reliable group in the sea of madness that comes with the massive incomes of the residents of Beverly Hills.

Estes acknowledges that the relationship between the Wilson parents is rare because it’s so open and honest, particularly regarding Harry’s illegitimate son, but that’s what sets the show apart from others, because it’s an adult relationship where a husband and wife talk about their problems rather than hide them.

Aside from being good actresses, Estes believes Garth and Doherty add something unique to 90210 because fans of the original get to check back and see where their characters are now, which is a rare thing for TV fans to see.

While running the school as principal is fun, Estes really enjoys the dad role. As a father himself, he loves the chance to read scenes between Harry and his teenage kids that Estes hopes to one day have with his own children.




90210 airs new episodes every Tuesday at 8pm on the CW.


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-John Kubicek, BuddyTV Senior Writer
(Additional video footage courtesy of the CW)