Key Facts
In 1994, actor Jamie Walters joined the cast of Beverly Hills, 90210 as Ray Pruit, a love interest for Tori Spelling's character Donna Martin. The role came with a $1 million contract spanning multiple seasons. However, after Ray physically assaulted Donna in the Season 5 finale, fan outrage turned against the character—and the show's producers decided to cut ties.
Fan Reaction Sealed His Fate
According to writer and executive producer Larry Mollin, the backlash was immediate and intense. Viewers flooded the network with letters criticizing Donna for staying with an abusive partner. Mollin recalled, "That episode happened and there was a lot of mail to the old man — 'How can Donna be so stupid and be with this guy?'" The 'old man' referred to executive producer Aaron Spelling, who was also Tori Spelling's father.
Aaron Spelling's Decision
When the show returned for Season 6, Spelling had made up his mind. Mollin said, "He goes, 'You have to get rid of him.' And we go, 'What are you talking about?' He said, 'You have to get rid of him. Everyone thinks Tori's stupid.' There was no arguing with him." The decision was driven by Spelling's concern for his daughter's on-screen reputation.
Impact on the Actor and Storyline
Mollin had the difficult task of informing Walters of his firing. "It was just devastating that I had to tell him that," he said. "He got to walk away with his money. But it was still devastating for him." The creative team had planned a redemption arc where Ray would seek rehab for childhood abuse, but those plans were scrapped. "We were going to redeem him because we liked him. He was a wonderful kid. Jamie was a dear guy," Mollin added.
Instead, Ray was written out in the 13th episode of Season 6, making only two brief guest appearances afterward. Mollin lamented, "We left him as being a beater, which stayed with him, unfortunately. It was just terrible. I just always felt really bad about that."
What Readers Should Know
- Fan backlash directly influenced the show's creative direction, overriding planned storylines.
- Aaron Spelling prioritized protecting his daughter's character over the actor's contract.
- Jamie Walters received his full $1 million payout despite being fired.
- The character of Ray Pruit remains one of the show's most controversial figures.
FAQ
Why was Ray Pruit written out of Beverly Hills, 90210?
Ray Pruit was written out due to intense fan backlash after his character physically abused Donna Martin. Executive producer Aaron Spelling ordered the character removed because viewers thought Donna was stupid for staying with him.
Did Jamie Walters get paid after being fired?
Yes, Jamie Walters walked away with his $1 million contract payout despite being fired mid-season.
What was the original plan for Ray Pruit's character?
The writers planned a redemption arc where Ray would go to rehab for childhood abuse, but the fan reaction forced them to abandon it.
How did the show write out Ray Pruit?
Ray was hastily written out in the 13th episode of Season 6, with only two brief guest appearances afterward to tie up loose ends.