Shannen Doherty, the former child actor who rose to fame in the 1990s through the high school drama “Beverly Hills, 90210,” passed away on Saturday after battling breast cancer for several years. She was 53.
Her publicist, Leslie Sloane, confirmed her death stating, “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.”
Doherty was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, achieving remission in 2017. However, her cancer returned and in February 2020, court documents revealed that she was dealing with Stage 4 cancer, which had metastasized to the point of being incurable.
During an appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Doherty shared her reflections on her diagnosis, stating, “There are definitely days where I say, ‘Why me?’ And then I go, ‘Well, why not me? Who else besides me deserves this?’ None of us do.”
In June 2023, Doherty disclosed on Instagram that her cancer had spread to her brain.
“My scan showed Mets in my brain,” she wrote, describing her experience receiving radiation and her battle with claustrophobia during the treatment.
Shannen Doherty was born on April 12, 1971, in Memphis, Tennessee. She began her acting career at the age of 10 on the show “Father Murphy” shortly after moving to Los Angeles. Michael Landon, the series producer, noticed her talent and cast her in “Little House on the Prairie.”
Doherty’s career saw numerous roles, including a significant part in “Our House” from 1986 to 1988 and the 1989 dark comedy “Heathers.” However, her defining role came in 1990 with “Beverly Hills, 90210,” where she gained widespread fame as Brenda Walsh.
Despite her success, Doherty became known for her tumultuous relationships on set, particularly with co-star Jennie Garth, which made her a frequent subject in celebrity news. She left the show after its fourth season, while many of her co-stars continued for six more seasons.
In 2008, Doherty told Entertainment Weekly that leaving “90210” allowed her to find some peace and discover who she was outside of her celebrity persona.
Jason Priestley, her co-star, expressed sadness over her passing, calling her “a force of nature.”
Following her departure from “90210,” Doherty appeared in several films, including Kevin Smith’s “Mallrats,” and later reunited with producer Aaron Spelling for the supernatural soap opera “Charmed.” She left “Charmed” after three seasons but directed a few episodes before her departure.
Alyssa Milano, her “Charmed” co-star, issued a touching statement despite their complicated relationship, acknowledging Doherty’s talent and offering condolences.
In the early 2000s, Doherty transitioned to reality TV, hosting “Breaking Up With Shannen Doherty.” She experienced personal challenges as well, including three marriages, most recently filing for divorce from Kurt Iswarienko in April 2023.
Friends have noted that Doherty mellowed with age, reprising her role as Brenda Walsh in the “90210” reboot in 2008 and again in the 2019 dramedy “BH90210.”
Shannen Doherty is the second principal cast member from “Beverly Hills, 90210” to die young, following Luke Perry’s death in March 2019 from a stroke.