(Scypre.com) – Shannen Doherty, the beloved actress who rose to fame in the 1990s as Brenda Walsh on the iconic television series Beverly Hills, 90210, passed away on Saturday, July 13, after a prolonged fight against breast cancer. She was 53 years old.
Her publicist, Leslie Sloane, shared the heartbreaking news, stating, “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. After many years of fighting the disease, she lost her battle with cancer.”
Doherty’s journey with cancer began in 2015 when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. After undergoing treatment, she entered remission in 2017, but her health took a turn for the worse. In February 2020, in the midst of a legal battle with her insurance company regarding damage to her home, court documents revealed that her cancer had advanced to Stage 4 and was deemed incurable. “It’s a bitter pill to swallow in a lot of ways,” Doherty shared during an appearance on ABC’s Good Morning America. “There are definitely days where I say, ‘Why me?’ And then I go, ‘Well, why not me? Who else besides me deserves this? None of us do.’”
In June 2023, she made a poignant revelation on Instagram, announcing that her cancer had spread to her brain earlier that year. “On January 5th, my scan showed Mets in my brain,” she posted alongside a video of herself receiving radiation treatment. “My fear is obvious. I am extremely claustrophobic, and there was a lot going on in my life. But that fear… the turmoil… the timing of it all… this is what cancer can look like.”
A Star is Born
Born on April 12, 1971, in Memphis, Tennessee, Shannen was the daughter of a beauty salon owner and a bank employee. Her family moved to Los Angeles when she was just 7, and by age 10, she had made her acting debut in the short-lived series Father Murphy. Her talent caught the eye of television producer Michael Landon, who cast her as Laura Ingalls Wilder’s adopted daughter in Little House on the Prairie.
Doherty’s career continued to flourish with significant roles in series like Our House and the cult classic film Heathers. However, it was her role in Beverly Hills, 90210 that catapulted her to stardom. At just 19, she became a household name playing the headstrong Brenda Walsh, a character that resonated with a generation and solidified her place in pop culture.
Triumphs and Challenges
Despite her early success, Doherty’s career was not without its challenges. She became known for her tumultuous relationships on set, particularly with co-star Jennie Garth. This reputation often overshadowed her professional achievements. “She became a metaphorical reality-TV star before there were actual reality-TV stars,” commented Robert Thompson, director of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture.
After leaving 90210 after the fourth season, Doherty found a sense of peace and self-discovery. In a 2008 interview with Entertainment Weekly, she reflected, “The best thing that ever could have happened to me was I got off ‘90210’ when I did. It let me find a little bit of peace and discover who I was as a person.”
A Legacy of Resilience
Following her departure from 90210, Doherty took on various film roles, including an appearance in Kevin Smith’s Mallrats, but it wasn’t until she reunited with producer Aaron Spelling for the hit series Charmed that her career experienced a revival. Portraying a witch alongside Alyssa Milano and Holly Marie Combs, Doherty enjoyed renewed success for three seasons before departing the show. She also directed several episodes during her tenure.
In response to her passing, Milano shared her thoughts, acknowledging their complicated relationship while expressing deep respect for Doherty’s talent. “It’s no secret that Shannen and I had a complicated relationship, but at its core was someone I deeply respected and was in awe of. She was a talented actress, beloved by many, and the world is less without her. My condolences to all who loved her.”
Doherty’s co-star Jason Priestley also took to social media, mourning her loss and calling her “a force of nature” who would be greatly missed.
Remembering Shannen Doherty
As fans and colleagues remember Shannen Doherty, her legacy as a talented actress and a resilient fighter against cancer will remain etched in the hearts of many. Her journey through life and her unyielding spirit in the face of adversity serve as a testament to her character, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and beyond.