Shannen Doherty, the actress who won hearts on “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Charmed,” has passed away at the age of 53 after a long battle with breast cancer. Diagnosed in 2015, she fought fiercely against the disease for years.
Her publicist, Leslie Sloane, shared in a heartfelt statement, “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress, Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease. The devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie. The family asks for their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace.”
The Rise of a 90s Icon
Doherty catapulted to stardom in 1990 with her role as Brenda Walsh on Fox’s “Beverly Hills, 90210.” Along with her twin brother Brandon, played by Jason Priestly, Brenda navigated the glitzy world of Beverly Hills, a stark contrast to their humbler origins in Minnesota. The show was an instant hit, and Brenda’s on-again, off-again romance with Dylan (Luke Perry) kept viewers glued to their screens.
Remember the drama when Brenda considered losing her virginity to Dylan? Or when Dylan dumped Brenda in favor of her best friend Kelly (Jennie Garth)? Groundbreaking stuff—dealing with everything from drug abuse to racism. Oh, and the gossip? Endless! Brenda quickly became a polarizing character, but boy did she spice things up.
Doherty starred in 111 episodes before a dramatic exit in the fourth season. Rumors of friction with cast members, especially Garth, painted a picture of behind-the-scenes drama that rivaled the on-screen action.
By the time the show had its reboots, both in 2008 and 2019, everyone had mellowed out, and Doherty reprised her role as Brenda. Fans welcomed her back with open arms.
A Spellbinding Career Shift
After leaving “Beverly Hills, 90210,” Doherty found another hit with “Charmed.” She played Prue Halliwell, the eldest of three sisters who turn out to be witches. The trio, including Alyssa Milano and Holly Marie Combs, must combine their powers to fight evil, and Prue quickly became a fan favorite.
Proving her versatility, Doherty directed three episodes of the series, including the pivotal “All Hell Breaks Loose,” her final appearance. Her character met a dramatic end, leaving fans profoundly shocked.
From Memphis to the Spotlight
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, and relocating to Los Angeles, Doherty’s career kicked off early. She was spotted at age 10 in “Father Murphy” and was soon cast by Michael Landon in “Little House on the Prairie.” The rest, as they say, is history.
From recurring roles in family dramas like “Our House” with Wilfred Brimley to teen cult classics such as “Heathers” and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” Doherty built an impressive resume. She even dabbled in film, appearing in Kevin Smith’s “Mallrats” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.”
Her television journey included guest spots on “North Shore” and “Riverdale” and multiple TV movies. In 2006, she ventured into reality TV with “Breaking Up With Shannen Doherty,” helping folks navigate tough breakups. Later, she starred in “Off the Map With Shannen and Holly,” a travel show.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, Doherty announced she was in remission two years later. However, the cancer returned in 2019 and spread, but she continued to work, starring in TV movies like “Dying to Belong” and “List of a Lifetime.” Ever open about her struggles, Doherty also hosted a podcast, “Let’s Be Clear With Shannen Doherty,” where she discussed her career and the impact of cancer on her life.
In June 2023, she revealed she was undergoing radiation treatment for cancer that had spread to her brain. Despite these arduous battles, she remained a symbol of resilience and bravery.
Personal Life and Legacy
In her personal life, Doherty experienced a brief marriage to George Hamilton’s son Ashley Hamilton and to poker player Rick Salomon. She married photographer Kurt Iswarienko in 2011, but they filed for divorce in 2023.
Shannen Doherty left behind a legacy of iconic roles and a reputation for being a fighter, both on and off the screen. Her impact on the entertainment industry is undeniable, and she continues to inspire fans and fellow actors alike.
