90210 executive producer Rebecca Rand Kirshner has decided to kill off one of the original Beverly Hills, 90210 players. On the November 17 episode of the CW drama, Kelly and Silver’s alcoholic mother, Jackie Taylor (Ann Gillespie) will succumb to breast cancer. Jessica Stroup spilled all on the storyline shocker that will unravel over the coming weeks.

So, brave move here killing off an original 90210-er, eh?
I know. I know. We shot it about a month ago and it was really kind of sad having to say goodbye to Ann for the last time. She was like my second mother. You know she’s an ordained minister in Virginia. It was a pleasure to work with her. The reason my character was created on the original series was because Ann got pregnant and they wrote in her pregnancy. So I’m grateful to her and I think we’ll keep in touch.

So how did Ann feel about killing off the character she first started playing back in 1990?
It’s never nice to learn that you’re character’s dead, but I think she was actually kind of happy to find some resolution. And she pushed for the storyline to be treated with respect and dignity so those who are going through breast cancer can relate.

You also get the word out about breast cancer awareness, don’t you?
There’s a lot of mentions of Ford Warriors in Pink which is a charity with proceeds going to Susan G. Komen For the Cure. I did a public service announcement. This is a beautiful project, with T-shirts designed especially for teens.

Has cancer touched your family?
I have lost a couple people from it. People starting in their teens should be aware. I used to go to tanning beds, and now I realize how easily we can get cancer. You need to know your body and take care of yourself. I get checked for breast cancer twice a year and do self-exams.

Jackie was painted last season as a horrible lush. How is she redeemed before she says goodbye to her daughters?
At this point, Silver wants to not trust her, but when she realizes it’s coming to the end, Silver tries to build a relationship. She moves in with her. Her mom actually recreates all the birthdays and special moments that she missed because of her alcoholism. It’s really sweet, with Silver being the parent.

And how does Jennie Garth’s Kelly figure in?
Kelly’s had more time being let down by Jackie and has built up more resentment and hatred. She has given up on reconciliation and doesn’t want to deal with her mom’s condition. But in the hospital, Kelly walks into an empty hospital room and thinks she’s lot her chance to say goodbye. This wakes her up and makes her realize she has to say goodbye.

How did Jennie feel about killing off this original character who has so much history?
(Laughs) I think it was kind of strange for her because it was ten years of their lives they spent together (on the original series). But it’s been taken with such caution, that I think Jennie in the end was happy with it.

What was it like shooting Jackie’s death scene?
For me it was kind of hard because I never get to see my own mom, because she lives on the east coast. I realized how short life is and how quickly you can go, so I shed a lot of real tears. When Jackie actually passes away in the hospital, Jennie and I are on either side of her. Jennie leaned over at one point and grabbed my hand, and that was it for me. Jennie was definitely crying too. It was very emotional for us all.

Is there any mention of Silver and David’s father, Mel, who is divorced from Jackie?
No there’s not, and I’d like to know where he is as well. He’s a bad man who we’ve given up on.

Is there a big funeral with all the other original 90210 kids and parents?
We come from a funeral, but we didn’t actually shoot at the gravesite. We kept it simple and honest.

How will this loss impact Silver?
I think it makes her stronger. She’s been through so much with her mother that’s already made her independent and strong-willed, but this will show new sides of her character. She’s becoming more of a whole person with this closure. It’s a huge growing point for her. And she and Kelly have bonded through this loss.

Anything more chipper we can look forward to in Silver’s life?
Teddy will be able to relate to her because we’ll find out that he’s gone through something similar in his own life. He’ll be there for her, and a little spark happens between them that’s sort of out of the blue. And we learn Dixon goes to the funeral. This will bring them back together when he comes to her. He’ll realize that maybe he misses her as more than just a friend. So ‘Sixon’ may not be done!