Shannen Doherty, the cherished actress known for her role in “Beverly Hills, 90210,” passed away at 53 after a courageous nine-year battle with breast cancer.
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“With a heavy heart, I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty,” her publicist, Leslie Sloane, announced to People. “She was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, surrounded by loved ones and her dog, Bowie. The family requests privacy during this time to grieve in peace,” Sloane added.
Doherty bravely shared her breast cancer journey with the public, first revealing her diagnosis in 2015. By 2023, she had undergone surgery to remove a brain tumor and disclosed that her cancer had spread to her bones. Renowned for her role in the cult classic “Heathers,” Doherty gained widespread fame as Brenda Walsh on “90210,” portraying an honor roll student from Minnesota striving to fit in with her wealthy classmates.
In a poignant interview with People in November 2023, Doherty expressed her determination to continue living life fully despite her diagnosis. “I’m not done with living. I’m not done with loving. I’m not done with creating. I’m not done with hopefully changing things for the better. I’m just not — I’m not done,” she said.
Despite her health challenges, Doherty remained steadfast in her career. “People just assume that it means you can’t walk, you can’t eat, you can’t work. They put you out to pasture at a very early age — ‘You’re done, you’re retired,’ and we’re not,” she emphasized. “We’re vibrant, and we have such a different outlook on life. We are people who want to work and embrace life and keep moving forward.”
Throughout her battle, Doherty was a beacon of resilience and courage. The “Charmed” star dedicated herself to raising awareness and funds for cancer research, proving that even those with terminal cancer have much to offer. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “When you ask yourself, ‘Why me? Why did I get cancer?’ and then ‘Why did my cancer come back? Why am I stage 4?,’ that leads you to look for the bigger purpose in life.”
Doherty maintained a prolific career, including ventures into reality television with shows like “Breaking Up with Shannen Doherty” and a stint on “Dancing with the Stars.” In 2019, she joined the reboot of “Beverly Hills, 90210,” reprising her iconic role as Brenda Walsh. Despite her diagnosis, she kept it private from the cast following the unexpected death of co-star Luke Perry in March 2019 at the age of 52.
Starting her career as a child star on “Little House on the Prairie,” Doherty recently explored podcasting with her show, “Let’s Be Clear,” with the latest episode released on July 8.
The loss of Shannen Doherty is profoundly felt. Her legacy of strength, creativity, and determination will continue to inspire. May she rest in peace.
