Shannen Doherty, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in “Charmed” and “Beverly Hills, 90210,” has passed away at the age of 53. Doherty succumbed to breast cancer on Saturday, July 13, after a lengthy and public battle with the disease.
Her publicist, Leslie Sloane, confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement, revealing the cause of her death and expressing the deep sorrow felt by her friends, family, and fans. “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty,” Sloane said.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, Doherty initially went into remission in 2017. However, in February 2020, she disclosed that her cancer had returned at stage four. By June 2023, Doherty revealed in a poignant video that the cancer had metastasized to her brain, necessitating brain radiation treatment. Despite her deteriorating health, Doherty remained resilient and hopeful, sharing with her fans in December 2023 that the cancer had spread to her bones but affirming her resolve to continue fighting the disease because she was “not done with living.”
Shannen Doherty’s illustrious career began when she was just 11 years old. She was cast as Jenny Wilder in the iconic series “Little House on the Prairie” in 1982. That same year, she lent her voice to the animated film “The Secret of NIMH.” Throughout the 1980s, Doherty continued to make a name for herself, appearing alongside Helen Hunt and Sarah Jessica Parker in “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and with Reese Witherspoon in the family drama series “Our House.”
Doherty’s breakout role came in 1988 with the cult film “Heathers.” Her portrayal of Brenda Walsh in the hit teen drama “Beverly Hills, 90210” cemented her status as a household name. She starred in the series for four seasons until her departure in 1994. Fourteen years later, she reprised her role in a reboot produced by The CW, reportedly earning up to $50,000 per episode.
In 1998, Doherty took on another defining role as Prue Halliwell in “Charmed,” a series about three sisters who are witches. Her time on the show was marked by rumored behind-the-scenes tensions, particularly with co-star Alyssa Milano. In February 2024, Doherty claimed she was fired from “Charmed” following an ultimatum from Milano to the producers, a claim Milano has denied.
Despite her health struggles, Doherty continued to share her journey with her fans. Earlier this year, she provided an optimistic update, describing a new kind of treatment she was undergoing that she felt was miraculously effective. She spoke about this on her podcast “Let’s Be Clear,” detailing her persistence with the treatment and the positive changes it was making.
Shannen Doherty leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and an enduring spirit that inspired many. Her journey through life and her battle with cancer were marked by courage and resilience, qualities that will be remembered by her fans and loved ones. #Trending
Credit: Variety
