Tori Spelling had a small screen “in,” but it was the big screen that made her career.

Daughter of influential television producer Aaron Spelling, the young Victoria Spelling, who later switched to her nickname for credits, began acting at age 8 with an appearance on the network television series Vega$.  The showbiz tyke’s first line was, “Hi, Uncle Dan.”  She went on to rise (or languish, say some) in primetime with parts in various series and TV movies, and the list reads like a history of ’80s television -- Shooting Stars (1983), Fantasy Island (1983), The Love Boat (1984), TJ Hooker (1984), Death of a Cheerleader (1984), Hotel (1985 and 1987 -- for the second episode Spelling received a Young Artist award), The Three Kings (1987), Monsters (1989), and Saved By The Bell (1990 - for another Young Artist award nomination).

Spelling’s movie debut came with a role in Troop Beverly Hills (1989).  The next year it was back to television and small screen success when she was cast in Beverly Hills 90210 (an Aaron Spelling production).  That role is her most famous to date and the longest running, although the show is rumored to be ending this year.  The decade working for her dad included time off for the actor to continue with television appearances in Parker Lewis Can’t Lose (1992), Melrose Place (1992), Blossom (1993), Burke’s Law (1994), A Friend to Die For (1994), The Other Side of Dark/Awake to Murder (1995), Malibu Shores (1996), Mother May I Sleep With Danger? (1996), Deadly Pursuits (1996), Co-ed Call Girl (1996) and The Alibi (1997).

Perhaps held back by her television success (and the inevitable accusations of nepotism), Spelling’s movie career did not truly begin until 1997, when the 24 year old actor was cast in The House of Yes.  Her performance was both lauded and mocked, for recognition at the Sundance Film Festival brought her further roles but she was “recognized,” too, with a Razzie Worst Actress nomination.

Spelling put the positive recognition to use and went on to roles in the blockbuster Scream 2 (1997) and the Sundance hit Trick (1999 - for a Golden Satellite award nomination). 

With the end of 90210 looming, Spelling is said to be looking at possible future television series and upcoming movies.  Her prospects are excellent.  She has 20 years of experience in the first, and new-found industry respect for the second.