Shannen Doherty, the beloved actress who brought the iconic character Brenda Walsh to life on Fox’s Beverly Hills, 90210, has sadly passed away at the age of 53.
Shannen Doherty was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. She initially went into remission in 2017, only for the cancer to return in 2019 in stage 4. Despite the relentless progression of the disease, Doherty continued to work and share her journey publicly, inspiring many with her determination.
Her passing on Saturday, July 13, was confirmed to PEOPLE by her publicist, Leslie Sloane. She shared that Doherty was surrounded by loved ones and her dog, Bowie, during her final moments.
“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. The devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie. The family asks for their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace.”
Shannen Doherty was very open about her cancer battle, sharing her experiences through her podcast Let’s Be Clear.
To remember Doherty, we want to take a moment to highlight her vibrant career and her lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Born on April 12, 1971, in Memphis, Tennessee, Shannen Doherty began her acting career at a young age. She made her debut in the drama Father Murphy in 1981 and gained widespread recognition with her role as Jenny Wilder in Little House on the Prairie. These early roles set the stage for her future success in Hollywood.
Doherty skyrocketed to fame with her portrayal of Brenda Walsh in Beverly Hills, 90210, which premiered on October 4, 1990. Created by Aaron Spelling, the show quickly became a staple of ’90s television, capturing the trials and tribulations of teenagers navigating life in Beverly Hills.
Doherty’s character, Brenda, and her on-screen romance with Dylan McKay (played by the late Luke Perry) became one of the show’s most memorable storylines.
Doherty described their relationship as “very real.”
“I think it was a very real relationship in a lot of ways. There was also, yes, a chemistry between myself and Luke. There was a playfulness but a true sort of caring about one another and knowing that we were a part of a couple that was going to be very iconic. And even back then, we felt a certain amount of responsibility for that.”
In 1998, Doherty reunited with Aaron Spelling for the supernatural drama Charmed. She played Prue Halliwell, the oldest of three witch sisters. Her time on the show was marked by reported conflicts with co-star Alyssa Milano. This led to her departure after just three seasons. Despite the off-screen drama, Doherty’s portrayal of Prue remains a fan favorite.
Alyssa Milano even paid tribute to Doherty in a heartfelt statement provided to Entertainment Weekly.
“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,” Milano said. “She was a talented actress, beloved by many, and the world is less without her. My condolences to all who loved her.”
As we remember Shannen Doherty’s life and career, we celebrate the joy she brought to her fans. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this difficult time.