Shannen Doherty, Star of “90210” and “Charmed,” Dies at 53

Shannen Doherty, widely recognized for her iconic roles in “Charmed” and “Beverly Hills, 90210,” has passed away at the age of 53. She had bravely fought cancer since her initial diagnosis in 2015.

“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13th, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease,” said her publicist, Leslie Sloane, in a statement to CBS News. “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.”

Doherty’s battle with cancer began in 2015 with her breast cancer diagnosis. By 2016, it had spread to her lymph nodes. After undergoing radiation, chemotherapy, and a single mastectomy, she announced in April 2017 that the cancer was in remission. However, by February 2020, Doherty revealed the cancer had returned the previous year and was diagnosed as stage four.

In June 2023, Doherty shared the heartbreaking news that her cancer had spread to her brain and had become terminal. She made the announcement in an emotional video update during her treatment period.

The Memphis native’s acting career began in childhood. One of her earliest prominent roles was on “The Little House on the Prairie” television series, portraying Jenny Wilder at the age of 11. Over the years, she ventured into various movies and shows, including voice acting in the 1982 film “The Secret of NIMH” and starring alongside Helen Hunt and Sarah Jessica Parker in 1985’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” Doherty’s fame escalated in the late ’80s with her role in “Heathers,” where she starred with Winona Ryder and Christian Slater.

The premiere of “Beverly Hills, 90210” in 1990 significantly boosted Doherty’s career, bringing her and her co-stars, including Jason Priestley and Luke Perry, global recognition. She was nominated for multiple awards for her part in the series before leaving after its fourth season in 1994. She later appeared in the spin-off series “90210” in the early 2010s.

Doherty further captivated audiences as one of the Halliwell sisters in the TV series “Charmed,” alongside Alyssa Milano and Holly Marie Combs. She also directed several episodes of the show before exiting in its third season.

In 2016, the American Cancer Society honored Doherty with a Courage Award at their inaugural Giants of Science Gala. During her acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude to her doctors, healthcare innovators, and everyone who supported her through her cancer journey. “I don’t view it as me accepting the Courage Award for myself,” she said. “I’m accepting the Courage Award on behalf of every single cancer patient out there because it takes a lot of courage.”

Following her first cancer diagnosis, Doherty continued to work in various projects, including appearances in “Riverdale,” the 2018 “Heathers” television series, and the film “Hot Seat.” She also co-produced and featured in the 2019 series “BH90210,” which revisited the “Beverly Hills, 90210” universe.

Doherty’s personal life included three marriages. She married actor and comedian Ashley Hamilton in 1993, but they divorced in 1994. Her 2002 marriage to poker player Rick Salomon was annulled after nine months. In 2011, she married photographer Kurt Iswarienko, but they separated in 2023. She filed for divorce just weeks before announcing her cancer had spread to her brain.

“Divorce is the last thing Shannen wanted,” her publicist told the Associated Press at the time.

In August 2023, Doherty was spotted enjoying a “date night” with real estate agent Chris Cortazzo, which she mentioned on Instagram. The following month, she attended a 90s-themed convention in Tampa, Florida, alongside her “Beverly Hills, 90210” castmates, receiving a standing ovation from fans. During a panel, she discussed a podcast launching in November and spoke candidly about her ongoing battle, stating, “I think I am really great.”

Doherty leaves no children behind but is survived by her brother, Sean Doherty.

Source: CBS News, Associated Press