Shannen Doherty, known for her roles in “Beverly Hills 90210” and “Charmed,” has died at the age of 53.
Her publicist, Leslie Sloane, confirmed the news with a statement to People magazine.
“With a heavy heart, I confirm that actress Shannen Doherty has passed away. She lost her battle with cancer on Saturday, July 13, after many years of fighting the disease,” Sloane said.
Last year, Doherty shared that her cancer had spread to her brain. She made this emotional announcement on June 7 in a video posted to Instagram.
In the video, dated January 12, 2023, Doherty is seen receiving radiation treatment. She wrote, “On January 5th, my CT scan showed cancer in my brain. The first round of radiation took place on January 12.”
She expressed her fears, mentioning that she is very claustrophobic and had a lot going on in her life. Despite this, she felt lucky to have great doctors and medical staff at Cedar Sinai. “But the fear… the turmoil… the timing of it all… This is what cancer can look like,” she said.
Doherty died on July 13 after fighting cancer for many years.
Doherty started her TV career at 11 years old with guest roles on “Voyagers!” and “Father Murphy,” created by Michael Landon. She later worked with Landon again on “Little House on the Prairie” as Jenny Wilder.
In the late 1980s, she moved to film and starred in “Heathers” in 1988. She returned to TV in 1990, playing Brenda Walsh on “Beverly Hills 90210.”
After becoming famous, she starred in several TV movies before being cast in the popular series “Charmed.”
After “Charmed,” she continued acting, mostly appearing on reality TV shows.
In February 2015, Doherty announced she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She sued her management firm, claiming that if her health insurance hadn’t lapsed, she could have had a regular checkup and caught the cancer earlier.
Two years later, she shared that her cancer was in remission. “I am blessed, I know that. But for now… remission,” she wrote on Instagram.
Unfortunately, in 2020, Doherty revealed that her breast cancer had come back and was now stage 4. “I don’t think I’ve processed it. It’s a bitter pill to swallow in a lot of ways,” she told ABC News’ Amy Robach.
Despite her diagnosis, Doherty kept working. She joined a reboot of “Beverly Hills 90210,” starred in a Lifetime movie, and appeared at 90s Con in March 2023.
In June 2023, Doherty posted a heartbreaking video on Instagram, sharing that her cancer had spread to her brain.
“My fear is obvious. I am extremely claustrophobic and there was a lot going on in my life. I am fortunate to have great doctors like Dr. Amin Mirahdi and the amazing techs at Cedar Sinai. But that fear… the turmoil… the timing of it all… This is what cancer can look like,” she wrote.
Shannen, you fought so long and so hard. You inspired so many. You will be dearly missed. Rest in peace.
