Shannen Doherty, the beloved actress known for her roles in “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Charmed,” has died at the age of 53 after a long battle with cancer. Her publicist, Leslie Sloane, confirmed her passing on July 13, 2024. Doherty was surrounded by her family and her dog, Bowie, at the time of her death.
Doherty was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. In November 2023, she revealed in an interview with PEOPLE that her cancer had reached Stage 4 and spread to her bones. Despite the diagnosis, she expressed a strong desire to continue living, creating, and making a positive impact. She said, “I wanna keep living. I still love people. I have more things to make. Hopefully, I’m not done making things better. I am not finished yet.”
In April 2017, Doherty announced that she was in remission, but by 2019, her cancer had returned. She publicly disclosed in 2020 that her cancer had progressed to metastatic Stage 4. In June 2023, she shared that the cancer had spread to her brain, and she had undergone surgery to remove a brain tumor she had whimsically named Bob.
Throughout her battle, Doherty remained committed to her work and raising awareness for cancer research. She was determined to show that people with terminal cancer still have much to offer. Doherty’s strength and determination were evident in her candid interviews, where she spoke about the challenges and fears she faced. She told PEOPLE in 2023 that having cancer made her more aware of life and her surroundings, appreciating every moment she had.
Doherty’s acting career began to flourish with her role as Brenda Walsh in “Beverly Hills, 90210,” which aired from 1990 to 1994. She later reprised her role in the 2008 reboot of the show. Doherty also starred as Prue Halliwell in “Charmed” from 1998 to 2001, where she directed several episodes before leaving the series.
In 2019, she returned to the spotlight with the new season of “Beverly Hills, 90210,” honoring her late co-star Luke Perry, who died suddenly in March 2019. Doherty’s participation in the reboot was a testament to her resilience and her commitment to her craft, even as she battled cancer.
Her co-stars, including Brian Austin Green, admired her strength and courage. Green told PEOPLE, “Shannen is definitely setting a good example and showing people that you can be a good person even when things are hard. She’s a wonderful person and an inspiration.”
Shannen Doherty’s life and career were marked by her unwavering spirit, her love for her family and friends, and her dedication to her work. Her candidness about her illness brought comfort and inspiration to many. She will be remembered not only for her iconic roles on television but also for her bravery and grace in the face of adversity.
