TORONTO - Former "90210" hunk Jason Priestley says he was as stunned as most Barenaked Ladies' fans when his longtime friend Steven Page was convicted on drug charges earlier this year.

The Vancouver-born actor, who forged a relationship with Page and other members of the quirky pop group in the 1990s, says he is among several friends rallying around the singer in the wake of Page's cocaine arrest in upstate New York.

"It was surprising," Priestley said Wednesday of the summer drug scandal in which Page was caught near Syracuse with cocaine.

"(I offered) all the support that he needed and whatever he needed to help him, whatever I could do to help. And I think everybody offered him that same support, how could you not?"

Last month, a New York state judge said Page would be acquitted of drug charges if he stayed clean for six months. Priestley said his friend is doing well, but is "upset" that he got caught up in the situation to begin with.

The former teen heartthrob said he planned to hang out with members of the Barenaked Ladies while he's in Toronto this weekend to host the Gemini Awards, which honour the best in Canadian drama, comedy and variety TV.

Priestley will be handing out trophies along with current "90210" star Shenae Grimes, who will appear as a presenter at Friday's glitzy gala.

Priestley, who shot to stardom portraying the squeaky-clean Brandon Walsh on the original "90210," said he has no plans to appear on the rejuvenated teen series but is looking forward to directing an episode in January.

"Everything old is new again, isn't it? It's kind of funny," said Priestley, dressed for a day of media interviews in a dark suit and white dress shirt.

The star said he's seen a few recent episodes and notes the storylines are much more salacious than they were when his "90210" debuted almost two decades ago.

"The show has to be different, it's a different time. When our show started, you've got to remember it was 18 years ago, it was a different time, it was a different generation," he said.

"It was before the Internet...it was before everybody carried a cellphone!"

The original "90210" was also where Priestley honed his directing skills. Since leaving the show in 1998, he has forged an established career behind the camera.

In 1999, Priestley produced and directed the Barenaked Ladies documentary "Barenaked in America," and more recently helmed episodes of "Scrubs," "7th Heaven," and "The Secret Life of the American Teenager."

In front of the camera, he most recently appeared on "My Name is Earl" as Earl's cousin Blake, and next year he's set to appear in the feature film, "The Last Rites of Ransom Pride." He shot the western last fall in Alberta with Scott Speedman, Kris Kristofferson and Dwight Yoakum.

Priestley said next September could also see a special DVD release of "Barenaked in America" to mark the film's 10-year anniversary. He said it would include extra footage and bonus material.

He's also considering directing another season of CMT's "The Road Hammers," tracking the Alberta country band as they pursue fame.

"They're in the studio right now recording a new album so I may just follow them to see what happens with this new album," he said.

As for the Canadian television industry, Priestley said he's impressed by how much it has grown but was bothered when Prime Minister Stephen Harper characterized the arts community as government-subsidized whiners last fall.

"It's important for the government to support this industry," Priestley said. "I know there's been some discord up here and some comments made of late that have been rather disruptive and I think that's unfortunate."