Donna Martin
From 90210pedia
Donna Martin, played by Tori Spelling, is a character introduced in the first series of the Beverly Hills, 90210 continuity. Donna also made brief guest appearances in early episodes of Melrose Place, the franchise's second series, accompanying her friend Kelly Taylor to Los Angeles (while joined by David Silver and Steve Sanders).
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[edit] Beverly Hills, 90210
[edit] Introduction
Donna, introduced as a student of West Beverly High, was born to John and Felice Martin. Throughout high school, she forged bonds with seven friends who she would know well into her adult life, including her eventual love interest David Silver. Of the girls Donna knew during high school, she was closest to Kelly Taylor, Brenda Walsh, and Andrea Zuckerman. It was during this period that Donna declared her intentions to remain a virgin for the foreseeable future. This decision would occasionally draw her and David apart from one another in the times to come.
[edit] Paris and the future
During the show's second summer season, Donna spent a vacation in Paris with Brenda. Also around this time, David's father and Kelly's mom married. This union produced Kelly and David's mutual sibling Erin Silver, who Donna would later become close to. Upon her return to high school, Donna's ability to draw was noticed in an art class, and a teacher suggested that she take additional courses in art after graduating. This would eventually lead to her successful future as a fashion designer.
[edit] "Donna Martin graduates"
Toward the end of her senior year in high school, Donna became drunk during a night out with her friends, and was subsequently ruled unable to graduate on time due to a new penalty in effect. However, several students, led by Brandon Walsh, showed their support for Donna by conducting a walkout and addressing a panel of administrators. The decision was ultimately overturned on that day, and Donna was allowed to graduate with the others.
[edit] Close bonds
During the fourth season, Donna moved into a beach house apartment with Kelly and David as they began college. In Season 5, David moved out and Clare Arnold moved in, creating a close-knit trio with the other girls.
While not seeing David, Donna dated singer Ray Pruit and football player Joe Bradley. Her relationship with Ray ultimately ended on poor terms after he became unfaithful and abusive, though he was later remorseful before leaving town. Joe would eventually move away as well.
After the two had reunited, Donna later lost her virginity to David. Later, the couple would eventually break up again. Donna went on to date Noah Hunter, who she also had a serious relationship with. At various points, however, the two became unfaithful to each other—with Noah getting drunk one night, and Donna taking interest in another man. In time, they were able to become friends again.
[edit] Family
As the show reached its conclusion, Donna began running a fashion business with her best friend Kelly Taylor. In addition, fitness instructor Gina Kincaid, a woman long believed to be Donna's cousin, arrived in Beverly Hills. It was later discovered that Gina was actually John's other daughter. While Gina and John were exercising together, John suffered a fatal stroke. In the aftermath, a highly shaken Donna became depressed, and felt that Gina was to blame. Eventually, the women made amends when Donna became too shaken to complete a eulogy at the funeral, prompting Gina to do it. The two said their farewells when Gina left Beverly Hills.
[edit] Wedding
Beverly Hills, 90210 ended with the arrival of Donna and David's wedding day. Nat Bussichio, owner of the Peach Pit and longtime friend to Donna and the others, walked the bride down the aisle per her request. The series concluded with Donna and David marrying in the presences of family and friends.
[edit] Interval
In the years following the wedding, Donna became a successful fashion designer, traveling across the world on business. She also became mother to a baby girl named Ruby.
[edit] 90210
[edit] The return
Donna returned to Beverly Hills in the spin-off 90210, bringing Ruby along while visiting Kelly—who'd become a successful guidance counselor at West Beverly—and her sister-in-law Erin. She later met writer Diablo Cody (guest starring as herself) and provided her with a Donna Martin original. Cody wore the dress to a red-carpet premiere, which Donna accompanied her to as Kelly and Silver proudly watched on television. Afterwards, Donna introduced Cody to Kelly and Silver, who happened to be a fan of hers. Later, Donna revealed to Kelly that she and David were separated.
[edit] New beginnings
While planning a new store, Donna began looking for a building to lease in town. She also explained that while David had grown content with living in Japan, she'd come to miss Beverly Hills. This brought her a great degree of anxiety and sorrow with regards to the relationship, though Kelly provided her with comfort. Eventually, the two decided to spend an evening out together. Following a session of drinking and dancing, Donna found a building to lease as her new store. She also received a message from David, who stated that he was thinking of her.
