Shannen Doherty, Star of ‘90210’ and ‘Charmed,’ Dies at 53 After Battle with Cancer

Shannen Doherty, the celebrated actress famed for her roles in “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Charmed,” passed away on July 13, 2024, at the age of 53. Doherty’s death comes after a protracted struggle with breast cancer, a disease she had been battling since her initial diagnosis in 2015. Despite going into remission, the cancer returned and spread to her brain by 2023.

The news of her passing was confirmed by her publicist, who released a statement on July 14, 2024.

“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.”

Leslie Sloane

the statement read. Doherty was surrounded by her loved ones, including her dog, Bowie, at the time of her death. Her family has requested privacy as they grieve.

Shannen Doherty first gained national attention in the late 1980s and early 1990s with her role as Brenda Walsh on “Beverly Hills, 90210.” The show, produced by Aaron Spelling, premiered in 1990 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Doherty’s performance earned her a Young Artist Award nomination for Best Young Actress Starring in a Television Series in 1991 and 1992. However, she left the show after the fourth season in 1994 due to reported off-screen tensions.

In 1998, Doherty was cast as Prue Halliwell in another Spelling production, “Charmed.” Her role as the eldest of three witch sisters earned her a dedicated fan base. Doherty directed a few episodes of the series during its second and third seasons before leaving the show in 2001 amid further reported tensions with co-star Alyssa Milano.

Doherty’s career included notable film roles, such as in the dark comedy “Heathers” (1988) and Kevin Smith’s “Mallrats” (1995). She also appeared in a range of made-for-TV movies and had her own reality show, “Breaking Up with Shannen Doherty,” in 2006.

Her battle with cancer began publicly in March 2015 when she announced she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She documented her fight against the disease, including undergoing a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. By April 2017, Doherty announced her cancer was in remission, but in February 2020, she revealed the cancer had returned and progressed to stage four. A year later, Doherty disclosed that the cancer had metastasized to her brain, sharing her experience with fans to raise awareness about the realities of living with cancer.

In a poignant interview with PEOPLE magazine in 2023, Doherty expressed her determination to continue living fully despite her diagnosis.

“I don’t want to die,” she said. “I’m not done with living. I’m not done with loving. I’m not done with creating. I’m not done with hopefully changing things for the better. I’m just not — I’m not done.”

Shannen Doherty

Fans and colleagues have taken to social media to express their grief and share their memories of Doherty. Her influence on television and the lives of her fans is evident in the outpouring of tributes. One fan wrote, “Shannen Doherty made ‘Charmed’ and was a huge impact in my life, morale and all. RIP Shannen, gone but never forgotten.” Another added, “No one will understand how heartbroken I am. The biggest part of my childhood in my fav tv show ever gone.”

Shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of my friend Shannen. She was a force of nature and I will miss her. Sending love and light to her family in this dark time.

jason priestley expressed in his Instagram post.

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Shannen Doherty’s legacy as a beloved television icon and her courageous battle with cancer will be remembered by many. Her roles in “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Charmed” left an indelible mark on pop culture, and her bravery in sharing her cancer journey brought hope and awareness to many facing similar battles.