Ian Ziering Remembers Luke Perry, Plus: He Talks Jessica Alba’s ‘90210’ Comments and ‘Swamp Thing’

Ian Ziering is missing his “Beverly Hills, 90210” co-star Luke Perry, who passed away in May 2019.

Ian posted a message to his late friend on Sunday on what would have been Perry's 54th birthday.

“Extra's” Jenn Lahmers spoke with Ziering today, who said, “I knew Luke since I was 17 years old… When you lose anybody, especially a loved one like that… His phone number is still in my contact list. When I am scrolling, sometimes I will see it… Moments when he comes to mind, I like to believe those are moments when people who have passed are thinking of you. This was just a day I was consciously thinking of him… He is still very much a big part of my life. I miss his phone calls… I lost a brother. It's the worst.”

“Beverly Hills, 90210” just celebrated 30 years since its first air date. Ian commented, “It's nice we are remembered for something so poignant in its day. So typical for what it was, it still resonates.”

So, could the cast get back together for another reboot? “This year has taught me that anything is possible,” Ian said.

The actor also weighed in on Jessica Alba telling “Hot Ones” that she was told not to make eye contact with the “90210” cast when she was a guest star.

Ian responded, “I think that's really unfortunate… This is the first time I ever heard anything about it was her experience. I know it wasn't any of the cast, my castmates, and friends. No one is like that. Everyone is very giving, nurturing, especially on set… I don't know why something like that would have happened… I'm sure it did happen, [but] it wasn't a directive from any of the cast.”

Ziering also gave a health update on Shannen Doherty, who is battling stage 4 breast cancer, saying, “She is an amazing woman… She's not sleeping on this… Shannen has proved she is a fighter. We are all pulling for her and I'm sure she will be fine.”

Now, he is taking on a new project, “Swamp Thing.” Ziering plays Daniel Cassidy, a man trapped in Marais, Louisiana, turning into the blue devil. “It's no makeup, it's no mask over his head, literally his physiology changes where he morphs into this… The blue devil is a demon.” Taking three hours to get in costume for the role, he said, “It's the highest production value to date that you will ever see on television.”

Ziering is the father of two girls, 7 and 9, and is enjoying his time with them during the pandemic. “My girls that are my reason why for everything, I get to be home with them. It's literally the silver lining in all this mess… I get to be very present in all aspects of their life right now.”