And to gay men everywhere, I’d be nowhere without your support.
This book is dedicated to Dean, who showed me what true love is, and Liam, my angel, who made us a family. I love you both to no end. You are my world.
Love,
Tori
Photographic Insert
Marv Newton Photography
Dad (with his ubiquitous pipe) eyeing his latest production (May 16, 1973)
Even at four months I had a thing for pink.
With my mother back when I was naturally blond (July 1974)
All dressed up for another day in my playroom
I didn’t have to dream of a white Christmas—Daddy bought it for me.
At my father’s office: pitching 90210: The Kindergarten Years
I loved gardening with Dad . . . but I asked for a baby brother.
Posing on The Love Boat’s Lido Deck: “Tell Isaac to fetch my Shirley Temple!”
First mink coat, circa 1976
At our Malibu beach house, the scene of the great seashell illusion
Nolan Miller personal collection
A perfectly average childhood; a typical Halloween costume
With Mom, Dad, and Randy, breaking ground at the site of the future Manor
Dressed up for a New Year’s Eve party my mother threw
I’ll always love you, Nanny!
Jonathan Farrer Photography
Kay Zar Crow
Prom lineup at the Manor. I’m far left with my first boyfriend, Ryan.
Donna Martin graduates, for real.
In Hawaii with Shannen and our boyfriends, before the crystal dolphin smashing!
With my costar Ian, filming a scene for 90210. . . . Belly shirts should be banned.
The Manor’s doll museum, where my birthday presents are on display
My mother’s infamous gift-wrapping room
Shooting my pimp: another day on the set of TV movie Coed Call Girl
With my brother, Randy
Simone & Martin Photography
With Charlie at our engagement party
Simone & Martin Photography
Me at my first wedding, taken using a special camera lens that actually shows the thoughts hanging over my head
Simone & Martin Photography
Dancing with my father to “Daddy’s Little Girl” at my first wedding
My fur babies: Mimi La Rue, Ferris, and Chiquita
On the set of So NoTORIous with Zach Quinto, the TV Mehran
In Fiji, the morning after Dean and I got married
At our wedding party in L.A., truly, madly, deeply
Dean on our honeymoon: What a catch!
Donna and Kelly, ten years later
Mehran, Jenny, Dean, and my doctor, Jason Rothbart, awaiting baby Liam’s arrival (March 13, 2007)
Babies are true blessings. Mom and I reconcile in the hospital.
At the petting zoo with Liam, age seven months
elizabethmessina.com
My happily ever after
Our little monkey’s first Halloween