Shannen Doherty, the actress renowned for her roles in “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Charmed,” and who publicly documented her nine-year battle with breast cancer, has passed away at the age of 53, according to her longtime publicist.
In a statement to CNN, Doherty’s publicist, Leslie Sloane, said, “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.”
Sloane added, “The devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie. The family asks for privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace.”
People magazine was the first to report the news.
Doherty gained fame with her role as Heather Duke in the 1989 cult classic film “Heathers,” followed by her iconic portrayal of Brenda Walsh from 1990 to 1994 in “Beverly Hills, 90210” and its spinoff “90210.” She also starred as Prue Halliwell in “Charmed” from 1998 to 2001.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, Doherty’s condition went into remission two years later. However, in 2020, she revealed that the cancer had returned, spread, and reached stage 4. In June 2023, she shared that the cancer had spread to her brain.
Doherty documented her cancer journey through her podcast, “Let’s Be Clear with Shannen Doherty,” with the most recent episode airing on July 8.
Despite her battle with an incurable disease, Doherty maintained a proactive mindset.
She expressed plans to secure her financial future and ensure her mother’s well-being, saying, “I guess I’m in a mindset now of I need to make as much money as humanly possible in the next two years, bank it, put it with my investment place, build that so that I don’t have to work and I only work when I really want to.
I can also go on a lot more vacations. Then also when I pass away, my mom’s got a nice little nest egg and I don’t have to worry about her.”
Her Rise to Fame
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Shannen Doherty’s family relocated to Los Angeles when she was a child, where she quickly developed a passion for acting.
She made her acting debut at the age of ten with a role on the television series Father Murphy. Her performance caught the attention of the legendary actor Michael Landon, leading to her casting as Jenny Wilder on his iconic series, Little House on the Prairie.
Doherty continued to hone her craft in a variety of roles, including the series Our House, the 1985 film Girls Just Want to Have Fun, and the 1988 dark teen comedy Heathers.
After four seasons, Doherty departed from the show following reports of tensions with some of her castmates. She transitioned back to the big screen, appearing in Almost Dead (1994) and Mallrats (1995).
In 1998, Doherty reunited with Spelling for the hit series Charmed, starring alongside Alyssa Milano and Holly Marie Combs as three sisters who were witches. After three years, she exited her role as Prue Halliwell and continued her career with roles in various films, including The Rendering (2002) and View of Terror (2003).
In 2008, Shannen Doherty reprised her role as Brenda Walsh in the CW reboot 90210 for seven episodes.
She later appeared as herself in the meta-style reboot BH90210 in 2019, the same year she made a cameo as a stranded motorist on the CW’s Riverdale, which also starred her former 90210 costar, Luke Perry. Perry tragically passed away in March 2019 at the age of 52 after suffering a stroke.
In September 2020, Doherty spoke with Elle magazine, reflecting on her battle with cancer and the deep sense of gratitude she was embracing despite her challenging journey.
“I try to treasure all the small moments that most people overlook or take for granted,” Doherty shared. “For me, the little things are magnified. We all have an endless well of strength within us, and it’s about continuing to dig into that well to face adversity—and to also recognize the beauty all around us.”
A Force of Nature
On Sunday, Shannen Doherty’s friends and former co-stars shared heartfelt tributes to honor her memory.
Gabrielle Carteris, who starred alongside Doherty in 90210, wrote on Instagram: “So young—so sad. May you RIP, Shannen. I know Luke is there with open arms to love you.”
Jason Priestley, who portrayed Brenda Walsh’s brother, Brandon, in the teen drama, expressed his grief, saying he was “shocked and saddened” by her passing. “She was a force of nature, and I will miss her,” he shared on Instagram. “Sending love and light to her family in this dark time.”
Brian Austin Green, another 90210 alum, wrote in the Stories section of his verified Instagram account that he would miss Doherty “more than I know how to process right now.”
Doherty’s Charmed co-star, Rose McGowan, described her as having “the heart of a lion” in her tribute. “Passion for craft is often mislabeled as trouble. Shannen was passion,” McGowan wrote.
McGowan reflected on their friendship, which began in the ’90s and grew deeper over time, calling it “a beautiful gift.” She added, “Our lives had been intertwined in a unique way. We laughed at the dark forces who wanted us to hate each other. Instead, we chose love and respect. A soft-hearted badass, as there ever was. A force of energy that will live forever in hearts.”
FAQ: Shannen Doherty
What happened to Shannen Doherty?
Shannen Doherty passed away on July 13, 2024, at the age of 53. She had been battling breast cancer for nine years, a struggle she openly documented.
What was Shannen Doherty known for?
Shannen Doherty was best known for her roles as Brenda Walsh on Beverly Hills, 90210 and Prue Halliwell on Charmed. She gained fame for her performances in these popular TV series and had a significant impact on both shows.
When was Shannen Doherty diagnosed with cancer?
Doherty was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. After going into remission, the cancer returned in 2020 and was later diagnosed as stage 4. She shared updates about her condition publicly through her podcast and social media.
How did Shannen Doherty’s friends and co-stars react to her passing?
Friends and co-stars shared heartfelt tributes to Doherty. Gabrielle Carteris and Jason Priestley, from 90210, expressed their sadness and admiration. Rose McGowan, her co-star from Charmed, described Doherty as having “the heart of a lion” and spoke about their deep and supportive friendship.
What were some of Shannen Doherty’s notable projects besides Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed?
In addition to her famous roles in Beverly Hills, 90210, and Charmed, Doherty appeared in films such as Heathers, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, and Mallrats. She also made guest appearances in various TV shows, including a cameo in Riverdale in 2019.
How did Shannen Doherty handle her battle with cancer publicly?
Doherty was open about her battle with cancer. She documented her experiences through her podcast, Let’s Be Clear with Shannen Doherty, and used her platform to discuss the emotional and physical challenges of her illness, as well as her personal reflections on life and gratitude.
What was Shannen Doherty’s approach to her illness?
Doherty focused on embracing gratitude and finding beauty in small moments despite her illness. She emphasized the importance of digging deep for strength and maintaining a positive outlook.
What legacy did Shannen Doherty leave behind?
ShannenDoherty left behind a legacy of impactful performances in television and film, a strong connection with her fans, and a courageous public battle with cancer that inspired many. Her work continues to resonate with audiences and her contributions to the entertainment industry are fondly remembered.
