Shannen Doherty, best known for her roles on “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Charmed,” has died after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. “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,” Doherty’s publicist Leslie Sloane said in a statement.
Doherty’s acting career began at a young age with guest spots on popular TV shows like “Father Murphy,” “Little House on the Prairie” and “Our House.” However, her breakthrough role came in 1990 when she was cast as Brenda Walsh in “Beverly Hills, 90210.” The show, created by Aaron Spelling, became a cultural phenomenon, and Doherty quickly became a household name. Her portrayal of Brenda, the smart and headstrong twin sister of Brandon Walsh (played by Jason Priestley), resonated with viewers and made her a teen idol.
After leaving “Beverly Hills, 90210” in 1994, Doherty continued her successful career with another Spelling-produced series, “Charmed,” in 1998. She played Prue Halliwell, the eldest of three witch sisters. “Charmed” garnered a loyal fan base, and Doherty’s performance was widely praised. However, she left the show after three seasons amid rumors of on-set tensions.
In feature films, she appeared in “Heathers,” as well as in “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and Kevin Smith’s “Mallrats” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.”
Doherty’s life was marked by various personal challenges, including battles with her health. In 2015, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, a revelation that profoundly impacted her and her fans. Doherty chose to share her journey publicly, documenting her battle with the disease on social media. Her openness about the physical and emotional toll of cancer treatment earned her admiration and support from people worldwide.
Shannen Doherty was 53.