American actor Shannen Doherty, best known for her iconic role as Brenda Walsh on the hit 1990s television drama “Beverly Hills, 90210,” has died at the age of 53 after a long and public battle with cancer. Doherty passed away on Saturday, surrounded by her loved ones and her dog, Bowie.
Doherty’s publicist, Leslie Sloane, released a statement on Sunday, saying, “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 first revealed her struggle with breast cancer in 2015, sharing that she was undergoing treatment for the disease. In 2023, she had a brain tumor removed and later disclosed that her cancer had metastasized to her bones.
The actress gained widespread popularity for her portrayal of Brenda Walsh on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” where she played an honor roll student from Minnesota trying to fit in with her affluent classmates. Her character became a fan favorite, entangled in a memorable love triangle with Dylan McKay (Luke Perry) and Kelly Taylor (Jennie Garth). Despite her on-screen success, Doherty’s real-life relationships with her castmates were tumultuous, leading to her departure from the show in its fourth season in 1994. The series continued until 2000 without her.
In 1998, Doherty was cast by producer Aaron Spelling in the supernatural series “Charmed,” where she played Prue Halliwell, the eldest of three sisters with magical abilities. Although the show was a hit, it was also plagued by reports of behind-the-scenes drama.
In a 2023 episode of her podcast, “Let’s Be Clear with Shannen Doherty,” the actress took full responsibility for her actions during her early career, admitting that her behavior often got “a little carried away” during her frequent nightclub visits in her early 20s. Doherty also spoke about being more vocal than other women in television at the time, often challenging Spelling and others when she believed a script needed improvement.
Shannen Doherty’s career spanned decades and included memorable roles in films like “Heathers.” Despite her personal and professional challenges, she remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and an inspiration to many for her openness about her health struggles. Her legacy as a talented actress and a courageous individual will continue to be remembered by fans worldwide.
