In heartbreaking news,Shannen Doherty, beloved actress known for her roles inBeverly Hills, 90210andCharmed, has passed away at the age of 53. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, Doherty bravely fought the disease for nearly a decade. Her publicist,Leslie Sloane, confirmed her passing in a statement to People, saying, “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.”
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Doherty moved to Los Angeles with her family as a child, starting her acting career at the tender age of 10 inFather Murphy. She quickly caught the eye ofMichael Landon, who cast her as Jenny Wilder inLittle House on the Prairiewhen she was just 11. Her early career also included a recurring role on the family seriesOur HousewithWilfred Brimley.
Doherty burst onto the scene in 1990,captivating audiences as Brenda Walsh on Fox’sBeverly Hills, 90210. Alongside her on-screen twin brother, Brandon, played byJason Priestley, the Walshes navigated the opulent yet tumultuous world of Beverly Hills. The show’s immense popularity brought with it an unprecedented level of scrutiny and media attention, particularly focused on Doherty.
The romance between Brenda and Dylan, portrayed by the lateLuke Perry, became a cultural touchstone, with their relationship’s ups and downs making headlines. The first season’s storyline, where Brenda considers losing her virginity, sparked significant controversy. Her later breakup with Dylan, who then pursued her best friend Kelly (Jennie Garth), further intensified the drama, cementingBeverly Hills, 90210as a pioneering show that addressed issues like drug abuse and racism.
The series' success led to Doherty being labeled a diva by the press, often painted as the cast member fans loved to hate. Despite this, she remained a pivotal part of the show for 111 episodes, eventually departing amid reports of on-set friction, particularly with Garth. However, time healed old wounds, and Doherty returned to the franchise for the 2008 reboot90210and the 2019 revivalBH90210.
Life After ‘90210’
Following her departure fromBeverly Hills, 90210, Doherty found success again withCharmed. As Prue Halliwell, the eldest of three witch sisters,she starred alongsideAlyssa MilanoandHolly Marie Combs. Doherty not only acted in the series but also directed several episodes, leaving a lasting mark on the show until hercharacter’s untimely deathat the end of season three.Doherty spoke with Collider about her time on Charmedjust a few months ago during a panel hosted byArezou Aminat MegaCon in Florida.
Doherty’s film career featured standout performances in cult classics likeHeathers,Girls Just Want to Have Fun, andKevin Smith’sMallratsandJay and Silent Bob Strike Back. Her television work extended beyond her most famous roles, with appearances in series likeNorth ShoreandRiverdale, and numerous TV movies. Despite her cancer diagnosis in 2015, Doherty continued to work, starring in TV movies such asDying to BelongandList of a Lifetime. Though she announced she was in remission in 2017, the cancer returned and spread by 2019. Her battle with the disease was public and courageous, as she continued to inspire fans with her resilience.
In June 2023, Doherty revealed she was undergoing radiation for cancer that had spread to her brain. Her strength and determination throughout her illness were a testament to her character, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the screen.
