The entertainment industry mourns the loss of Shannen Doherty, who passed away at the age of 53 after a prolonged battle with breast cancer. The news was confirmed by her longtime publicist, Leslie Sloane, who issued a heartfelt statement to PEOPLE on Sunday, July 14. "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," Sloane revealed.
A Life Full of Love and Determination
Doherty, best known for her roles in "Beverly Hills, 90210" and "Charmed," was not just an actress but a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She was surrounded by her loved ones and her dog, Bowie, at the time of her passing. Sloane emphasized the family's request for privacy as they grieve this immense loss.
The Diagnosis and Public Battle
Shannen Doherty was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. Her initial diagnosis marked the beginning of a challenging journey, both physically and emotionally. Despite the adversity, Doherty remained candid about her condition. In a revealing interview with PEOPLE in November 2023, she spoke about her Stage 4 breast cancer, which had metastasized to her bones. "I don’t want to die," she said, expressing her determination to continue living, loving, and creating. "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."
A Rollercoaster of Remission and Relapse
After her 2015 diagnosis, Doherty experienced a brief period of remission in 2017. However, by 2019, the cancer had returned, and she publicly announced her diagnosis of metastatic Stage 4 cancer in 2020. The resilient actress shared another devastating update in June 2023, revealing that the cancer had spread to her brain. She underwent surgery in January 2023 to remove a brain tumour, which she had named Bob. Despite the overwhelming fear she felt before the procedure, Doherty faced it with remarkable bravery. "It was definitely one of the scariest things I’ve ever been through in my entire life," she told PEOPLE.
Continued Advocacy and Work
Even as she battled cancer, Doherty remained committed to her work and advocacy. She sought to raise awareness and funds for cancer research, aiming to show that those with terminal illnesses still have much to contribute. "People just assume that it means you can’t walk, you can’t eat, you can’t work. They put you out to pasture at a very early age — ‘You’re done, you’re retired,’ and we’re not," she stated, emphasizing the vibrant and active lives of many cancer patients.
Reflecting on Life and Purpose
Doherty often reflected on the deeper questions that her illness prompted. "When you ask yourself, ‘Why me? Why did I get cancer?’ and then ‘Why did my cancer come back? Why am I Stage 4?,’ that leads you to look for the bigger purpose in life," she said. Her reflections on life’s bigger purpose resonated deeply with her fans and followers, who admired her for her honesty and strength.
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A Legacy of Resilience and Talent
Shannen Doherty first rose to fame as Brenda Walsh on the iconic show "Beverly Hills, 90210," which premiered in October 1990. Her portrayal of Brenda made her a household name, and she later revisited the character in the 2008 reboot of the show. Following her success on "90210," Doherty starred as Prue Halliwell in "Charmed," where she also directed several episodes. Her career continued to flourish with various roles in both scripted and reality television, including her participation in "Dancing with the Stars."
Facing Personal and Professional Challenges
Despite her professional success, Doherty faced numerous personal challenges, including her public battle with cancer. In 2019, she joined the reboot of "Beverly Hills, 90210," playing an adult version of Brenda Walsh. She kept her Stage 4 cancer diagnosis a secret from the cast, especially after the sudden death of her co-star Luke Perry. "It's so weird for me to be diagnosed and then somebody who was, you know, seemingly healthy to go first," she said, reflecting on Perry's death.
A Lasting Impact
Shannen Doherty’s legacy extends beyond her roles on screen. She will be remembered for her courage, determination, and advocacy for cancer awareness. Her candidness about her illness and her unwavering spirit have inspired many, leaving a lasting impact on those who followed her journey. As the world says goodbye to a beloved actress and advocate, her words and actions continue to resonate, reminding us of the strength and resilience that defined her life.