Shannen Doherty, beloved for her iconic roles in “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Charmed,” passed away on July 13, 2024 at the age of 53 after a prolonged battle with breast cancer. Her publicist confirmed that Doherty was surrounded by her loved ones and her dog, Bowie, at the time of her death.
Doherty’s battle with breast cancer started in 2015 when she received the initial diagnosis. After going into remission in 2017, the cancer returned in 2019 and advanced to Stage 4 by 2020. In June 2023, Doherty disclosed that the cancer had spread to her brain, and by November, it had reached her bones. She underwent brain surgery in January 2023.
Despite the relentless progression of her illness, Doherty remained determined to live life to the fullest. She continued to work in the entertainment industry, planning a memoir-style podcast titled “Let’s Be Clear with Shannen Doherty,” where she hoped to discuss her career, past relationships, and the various stages of her illness and health regimens. In an interview, Doherty expressed her resolve: “I’m not done with living. I’m not done with loving. I’m not done with creating.”
Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, Doherty and her family moved to Los Angeles, California when she was seven. Shortly after, she started acting, appearing on the TV series Father Murphy at age ten. She took on several roles, including in the cult classic film “Heathers,” before achieving fame as Brenda Walsh on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” where her depiction of a spirited high school student made her widely known.
Her time on “Beverly Hills, 90210” was not without controversy. Doherty’s off-screen behavior often made headlines, and her departure from the show in 1994 was described as a “mutual decision” with the show’s producer, Aaron Spelling. She later reprised her role in the 2008-2013 reboot and in the 2019 revival, “BH90210.”
After leaving “Beverly Hills, 90210,” Doherty starred in the supernatural drama “Charmed,” playing Prue Halliwell for three seasons. Despite leaving the show due to conflicts with Spelling and her co-stars, Doherty’s performance left a lasting impression on fans.
Throughout her career, Doherty struggled with her public image, often portrayed as a “bad girl” in the media. In 2010, she published a memoir and self-help book, “Badass: A Hard-Earned Guide to Living Life With Style and (the Right) Attitude,” addressing her struggles and seeking to change the narrative surrounding her.
In her later years, Doherty became a vocal advocate for cancer awareness and care. She openly shared the challenges she faced with her health, hoping to inspire others and raise awareness about the realities of living with cancer. In a poignant Instagram post from June 2023, she shared her gratitude for each day: “I’m grateful for every day I get to spend with my friends, family, and my dog, Bowie.”
Doherty’s death has elicited an outpouring of grief and tributes from her co-stars and fans. Gabrielle Carteris, who starred alongside Doherty on “90210,” wrote on Instagram, “She was so young – so sad. I believe Luke Perry was there to welcome her with open arms.” Jason Priestley, who played Doherty’s on-screen brother Brandon Walsh, described her as a “force of nature” and expressed profound sadness at her loss. Rose McGowan, who co-starred with Doherty on “Charmed,” celebrated her friend’s strength and passion, saying, “Shannen fought like a warrior. Her spirit will live on in all of us who loved her.”
Despite the challenges she faced personally and professionally, Doherty’s legacy as an influential figure in the entertainment industry remains indelible. Her resilience, strength, and talent have left a lasting impact on her fans and colleagues. As Doherty herself poignantly stated, “My greatest memory is yet to come,” her life and legacy continue to inspire and touch the hearts of many.
