Shannen Doherty, a beloved actress famed for her roles on the blockbuster series “Beverly Hills, 90210” and the enchanting fantasy “Charmed,” has passed away at 53 after a prolonged battle with breast cancer. Diagnosed in 2015, the actress fought the disease valiantly until her final moments. Her publicist, Leslie Sloane, confirmed her passing, 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. 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.”
Doherty burst onto the scene in 1990 as the fresh-faced Brenda Walsh on Fox’s “Beverly Hills, 90210.” Alongside her twin brother Brandon, played by Jason Priestly, she portrayed a quintessential fish-out-of-water, newly transplanted from cold Minnesota to sunny Beverly Hills. The audience couldn’t get enough of their innocent bewilderment at the wild antics of the L.A. rich kids.
The romance between Brenda and Dylan McKay, played by the dashing Luke Perry, became an instant sensation. Controversy erupted during the first season when Brenda contemplated losing her virginity. The dramatic breakup that followed when Dylan hooked up with her best friend Kelly Taylor, portrayed by Jennie Garth, also sent shockwaves. The series broke new ground with its willingness to tackle important topics like drug abuse and racism.
But fame came with a price. The show’s success invited relentless scrutiny and gossip, particularly directed at Doherty who played the original ‘bad girl’ you couldn’t help but love-to-hate. Garth’s Kelly initially occupied the spot for the less likable character, but soon it was Brenda who took the heat. Reports of on-set tension, especially with Garth, began circulating, bolstered by a mini-industry of anti-Brenda propaganda including a pre-internet newsletter famously titled “I Hate Brenda.”
Doherty appeared in 111 episodes before exiting the series at the end of season four amid rumors of friction with her co-stars. Yet time heals all wounds, and she returned as Brenda for the 2008 “90210” reboot and the 2019 revival “BH90210.”
After her dramatic exit from “Beverly Hills, 90210,” Doherty found new success on “Charmed,” the supernatural drama chronicling the lives of three sisters discovering their witchy heritage. Doherty played the eldest sister, Prue Halliwell, alongside Alyssa Milano and Holly Marie Combs. She even directed three episodes of the series—“Be Careful What You Witch For,” “The Good, The Bad, and The Cursed,” and her final appearance, “All Hell Breaks Loose.” Prue was killed off when Doherty left the series at the end of season three.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Doherty moved to Los Angeles as a child and embarked on her acting career at the tender age of 10 with a role on “Father Murphy.” The legendary Michael Landon noticed her talent, casting her as Jenny Wilder in “Little House on the Prairie” at just 11 years old.
Her acting chops earned her a recurring role on the family-centered series “Our House” with Wilford Brimley. Doherty also graced the big screen in cult classics like “Heathers,” where she left an indelible mark, and films like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” Kevin Smith’s “Mallrats,” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.”
Doherty’s versatility was further displayed in television appearances on shows like “North Shore,” “Riverdale,” and a fair share of TV movies. A foray into reality television saw her producing and starring in “Breaking Up With Shannen Doherty” in 2006, assisting individuals in dire romantic predicaments, and later “Off the Map With Shannen and Holly.”
The actress was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2015. By 2017, she announced she was in remission, yet the disease returned aggressively by 2019, spreading further. Undeterred, Doherty kept on working, noteworthy roles in TV movies such as “Dying to Belong” and “List of a Lifetime” followed. On her well-received podcast, “Let’s Be Clear With Shannen Doherty,” she candidly discussed her career and the profound impact of breast cancer on her life.
In June 2023, during radiation treatments for cancer that had metastasized to her brain, Doherty continued her brave fight. The actress had a brief marriage to Ashley Hamilton and poker player Rick Salomon. In 2011, she wed photographer Kurt Iswarienko, although they filed for divorce in 2023.
Shannen Doherty’s life and career were emblematic of perseverance, talent, and an unwavering spirit. From dazzling teen icon to heartfelt adult roles, she leaves a lasting legacy cherished by fans worldwide.
