We are deeply saddened to report the heartbreaking news of the passing of actress Shannen Doherty at the age of 53. Known for her iconic roles in Beverly Hills 90210 and Charmed, Shannen touched the hearts of millions with her talent and charisma.
Shannen Doherty battled cancer for many years with immense courage and resilience. Her long-time publicist, Leslie Sloane, confirmed the news of her passing, stating that she lost her battle with cancer on July 13th, surrounded by her loving family, friends, and beloved dog Bowie. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time as they mourn the loss of their beloved Shannen.
Back in 2015, Shannen was first diagnosed with breast cancer. In a November 2023 interview with PEOPLE, she openly shared her journey with Stage 4 breast cancer that had spread to her bones. Despite the challenges she faced, Shannen expressed her determination to keep living and making a difference in the world.
“I still have life to live,” she said. “I love you more than ever. I’m still making things. I’m not done with hopefully making things better. I’m not done yet.”
Shannen’s battle with cancer took various turns over the years. In 2017, she announced that she was no longer sick, only to have the cancer return in 2019. In June 2023, she bravely shared that the cancer had spread to her brain, and she underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor. Despite these setbacks, Shannen remained steadfast in her determination to continue working and enjoying life to the fullest.
In a heartfelt Instagram post in June 2023, Shannen opened up about her brain surgery and named the tumor “Bob.” She faced her fears head-on, saying, “That was without a doubt one of the scariest things I’ve ever been through.” Her strength and resilience were truly inspiring.
Shannen wanted to use her platform to bring attention to cancer research and raise funds for the cause. She wanted to show the world that even in the face of terminal cancer, individuals like her still had unique contributions to offer and a lot to give.
In an interview with Amy Robach on Good Morning America, Shannen shared her honest thoughts about her battle with cancer. She questioned why she had to go through this ordeal but ultimately came to accept her circumstances, saying, “None of us deserve this.”
Shannen Doherty became a household name through her role as Brenda Walsh on Beverly Hills, 90210. Her openness about her cancer journey later in life garnered widespread admiration. She left the show after the fourth season in 1994 but returned for a few guest appearances on the 2008 reboot.
Another significant role for Shannen was playing Prue Halliwell on Charmed, where she not only acted but also directed several episodes. Although she left the show after the third season in 2001, Shannen’s impact on the series and her fans was undeniable.
Throughout her career, Shannen worked tirelessly, even exploring reality TV with her show Breaking Up with Shannen Doherty and appearing as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars. She continued to pursue her passion for performing, never allowing her health to hinder her drive.
In 2019, Shannen returned to the TV reboot of Beverly Hills, 90210, a project she took on not only to honor her friend and co-star Luke Perry but also to prove that individuals with stage 4 cancer could still work and thrive.
Shannen’s fellow actors on the show witnessed her strength and admired her unwavering positivity. Brian Austin Green, who worked closely with her, spoke highly of Shannen, saying, “She leads by example and shows people that even in the worst situations, you can be a good person and keep your head up.”
In her final interview with PEOPLE in 2023, Shannen expressed her deep love for life. She cherished every moment she spent with her family, friends, and her beloved dog. Shannen remained hopeful and grateful for each day, trusting in her faith to bring her closer to God and her spirituality.
Shannen’s battle with cancer made her acutely aware of the preciousness of life and the beauty that surrounds us. She emphasized the importance of gratitude and urged us all to seize every opportunity to work, grow, and savor every second, hour, and day.
In memory of Shannen Doherty, let us reflect on her extraordinary journey and draw inspiration from her unwavering spirit. She will forever be remembered as a talented actress, a fierce fighter, and a beacon of hope for those facing their own battles.
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