Jennie Garth, the iconic star from Beverly Hills, 90210, is no longer keeping quiet about her health journey. The 52-year-old actress revealed to Self magazine that she’s undergone not just one, but two hip replacement surgeries — one at age 48 and the other earlier this year.
“I’ve kept it a secret for so long,” Garth admitted, “but I’m no longer at a place where I want to hide things.” In an honest interview, she shared that she was initially nervous about opening up due to the stigma around joint replacements, especially at a younger age. “This is something that doesn’t just affect 80-year-olds.”
#1. Living with Pain for Years
Garth, who grew up dancing and horseback riding, said she had been living with hip pain for years, which was later diagnosed as osteoarthritis — a condition that runs in her family. Her hip issues became impossible to ignore during a family ski trip when she couldn’t participate in any activities due to the intense pain. “It was very upsetting. I felt like my quality of life was diminishing,” she recalled.
At that point, Garth consulted a doctor who explained that her hip joint wasn’t fitting correctly in its socket, and the tissue surrounding it was deteriorating. A hip replacement became the clear solution.
#2. Surgeries and Recovery
Despite the challenges of undergoing an elective surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic, Garth had her first hip replacement, taking advantage of the quieter time to keep the procedure private. “The world was so quiet then. I knew I could get the surgery without anyone knowing,” she shared. Within just two months, she felt like a new woman, back to her usual activities and feeling invincible, with only a small four-inch scar as a reminder.
However, her journey wasn’t over. Earlier this year, her right hip began to hurt even worse than the first. “Every step was excruciating,” she said, and she knew immediately that another replacement was necessary. Though her second surgery was successful, the recovery has been much slower, requiring more careful attention and patience.
#3. Embracing Vulnerability and Aging
The experience has made Garth reflect on her aging process and how she wants to approach it. She credited her podcast, I Choose Me, with helping her feel more comfortable sharing her story and being vulnerable with her audience. “My physical state has nothing to do with my spirit,” she said, noting that while aging brings some scary changes, it’s also a beautiful process.
“There are some scary and disappointing changes, like when you start to see and feel aging, but don’t be afraid of that,” Garth encouraged, emphasizing that it’s all part of the journey forward.
Through her openness, Jennie Garth hopes to inspire others facing similar challenges and to break the stigma around joint replacements for younger individuals.
