Shannen Doherty, best known for her iconic roles in Beverly Hills 90210 and Heathers, has passed away at the age of 53. Her publicist, Leslie Sloane, confirmed the news through a statement to People magazine: “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.”
Shannen Doherty- A Battle with Cancer
Shannen Doherty was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and underwent a mastectomy. In 2020, she revealed that her cancer was terminal, describing it as “a bitter pill to swallow” in an interview with Good Morning America. In June 2023, she shared on Instagram that her cancer had spread to her brain, alongside a video of her receiving treatment. “My fear is obvious,” she wrote.
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
Shannen Doherty began her career at a young age, with early roles in television shows such as Father Murphy and Little House on the Prairie, and films like The Secret of NIMH and Girls Just Want to Have Fun. In 1988, she starred in the dark comedy Heathers alongside Winona Ryder. Though it wasn’t a financial success at the time, Heathers became a cult classic and is now considered one of the best high school films ever made.
Beverly Hills 90210 and Other Successes
Two years after Heathers, Doherty achieved major success as Brenda Walsh in the hit teen drama Beverly Hills 90210. The show was immensely popular, averaging over 21 million viewers by its fourth season. Doherty left before season five but returned for the 2008 reboot and 2019’s meta BH90210, where she played herself.
Doherty also starred in the witchcraft drama Charmed for three seasons, directing several episodes. Her film roles included appearances in Mallrats and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, directed by Kevin Smith. Upon her June 2023 update, Smith wrote: “You have been such a fearless fighter your whole life, so it’s understandable to be a little scared from time to time. But when those moments pass, let that indomitable Doherty spirit take over anew. I love you so much, my Mallrat.”
Addressing Her Reputation
Often labeled as a troublemaker by the press, Doherty was referred to as the “iconic Hollywood bad girl of the 90s” by People magazine. She addressed this reputation in 1992, stating, “If you consider ‘difficult’ being a strong woman who sticks up for herself, yeah, I admit to it. I’m open to different ideas, but if you get on my bad side and don’t listen to me and you don’t treat me with as much respect as you treat a man, you’ve got a problem.”
In 2010, she reflected on her past: “I have a rep. Did I earn it? Yeah, I did. But, after a while, you sort of try to shed that rep because you’re kind of a different person. You’ve evolved and all of the bad things you’ve done in your life have brought you to a much better place.”
A Legacy of Strength and Resilience
Shannen Doherty’s career and life were marked by her strength and resilience, both on-screen and off. She leaves behind a legacy of memorable roles and an indomitable spirit that inspired many.
