Shannen Doherty, ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ actress, dead at 53

At the age of 53, legendary actress Shannen Doherty, who was known for her unforgettable parts in “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Charmed,” passed suddenly. Following a protracted and valiant fight with breast cancer, Doherty passed away on Saturday, July 13, Leslie Sloane, her publicist, revealed on Sunday.

In a statement, Sloane wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty.” After battling illness for many years, she lost her struggle on Saturday, July 13. Her dog, Bowie, and her loved ones surrounding the dedicated daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. In order for the family to grieve in peace, they kindly request privacy at this time.

Doherty’s fight with breast cancer started in 2015 and resulted in radiation, chemotherapy, and a mastectomy. She fought with strength and resiliency, and it showed. During her podcast in December 2023, Doherty reflected on her health issues and said, “Even though I was severely dehydrated from chemotherapy and had dropped to 92 pounds, I still had to get out of bed.” My mom was actually attempting to pull me out of bed and into the doctor, and my then-husband Kurt Iswarienko was kind of pleading with me to keep going. I believed at the moment that I wouldn’t make it through.

Doherty disclosed that she was battling Stage 4 breast cancer in February 2020, following her announcement in 2017 that she was in remission. “I never want to operate [like I’m dying],” she said in a virtual appearance on “Good Morning America” in October 2021, expressing her commitment to survive.

Doherty revealed in November 2023 that her Stage 4 breast cancer had progressed to her bones after first spreading to her head. In an emotional People interview, she declared, “I don’t want to die.” I have more life left in me. I have love left in me. I have more to create. Hopefully, I will continue to make positive changes. Simply put, I’m not finished.

Doherty disclosed that, to compound her personal struggles, she found out that Kurt Iswarienko, her former spouse, had been unfaithful a few hours before she had surgery to remove a brain tumor that she had called Bob. She said to the magazine, “I had to do some more brain radiation after Bob had to be removed and dissected to see his pathology.” It has been an adventure. Quite perhaps the scariest thing I have ever experienced in my life.

Doherty, who was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 12, 1971, started her acting career in the early 1980s with appearances in the television series Voyagers and Father Murphy. She rose to fame in the 1988 dark comedy “Heathers” as Heather Duke and as Jenny Wilder on “Little House on the Prairie.”

Doherty’s breakthrough performance was during her four seasons as Brenda Walsh, a Minnesota teen adjusting to life in Beverly Hills, on FOX’s “Beverly Hills, 90210.” In 2000, Doherty acknowledged that popularity came at a heavy personal cost despite her achievement, characterizing the experience as a major sacrifice at a time when she was attempting to mature and discover her spiritual path.

Doherty’s co-star on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” Tori Spelling, disclosed in 2015 that she was involved in Doherty’s 1994 dismissal from the show because of conflict on the set. In spite of this, Spelling said that Doherty was among her closest friends ever.

Since leaving “Beverly Hills, 90210,” Doherty’s career has been on the rise. She debuted in the film “Charmed” in 1998, where she played Prue Halliwell, one of the three witch sisters who use their abilities to keep the evil guys away from innocent people. Audiences responded favorably to Doherty’s portrayal of Prue, and her tenure on the program cemented her place in the hearts of fans. She did, however, depart the show after three seasons, amid rumors of disputes occurring on set.

Doherty has prominent roles in television shows in addition to her work in films, such as “Mallrats,” “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” and “Another Day.” Her skill at switching between comedic and scary roles as well as drama roles demonstrated her versatility as an actress.

Outside of the screen, Doherty’s support of cancer awareness shaped her life. She made advantage of her position to talk about her experience and spread awareness of the difficulties associated with having cancer. Many were impressed by her candor regarding her diagnosis and course of treatment, which also emphasized the value of early detection and assistance for individuals facing the illness.

Doherty’s tenacity went beyond her medical issues. She competed in “Dancing with the Stars” in 2010, and while losing the competition early on, she showed resilience and resolve. Her participation demonstrated her tenacity and refusal to let her sickness define her.

Shannen Doherty left behind a legacy of skill, strength, and unwavering spirit. Her advocacy efforts and contributions to film and television have made a lasting impression on the entertainment industry and the hearts of her admirers. Her legacy includes performances that will never be forgotten, as well as a lasting influence on her fans and the cancer community.