Shannen Doherty, best known for her role as Brenda Walsh on the teen drama ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’, died over the weekend at the age of 53 following a years-long battle with breast cancer, her publicist Leslie Sloane confirmed.
“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 said.
“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,” she continued.
Doherty was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, which later returned after going into remission in 2017. Doherty publicly revealed her diagnosis in February 2020, having previously kept it a secret following the death of longtime ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ co-star Luke Perry in 2019.
Kurt Iswarienko (L) and Shannen Doherty at American Cancer Society’s Giants of Science Los Angeles Gala on November 5, 2016.
It’s going to come out in a matter of days or a week that I’m stage 4. So my cancer came back, and that’s why I’m here,” Doherty said on Good Morning America. “I don’t think I’ve processed it. It’s a bitter pill to swallow in a lot of ways.”
Doherty’s role as Brenda Walsh on the iconic series ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ catapulted her to superstardom. The actress left the show in its fourth season, later revisiting the character in special guest appearances on the 2008 reboot 90210, as well as in all six episodes of the 2019 reboot ‘BH90210.’
Doherty later played Prue Halliwell on the fantasy drama television series ‘Charmed’, which was produced by ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ producer Aaron Spelling and his Spelling Television production company, from 1998 to 2001.
Alyssa Milano, Shannen Doherty, and Holly Marie Combs in 1999 on the set of ‘Charmed.’
From left to right, Shannen Doherty, Lisanne Falk, Kim Walker and Winona Ryder on set of the film ‘Heathers’, 1988.
Beyond her television success, Shannen starred in various film roles, including ‘Heathers’ and ‘Mallrats.’
Shannen was also a dedicated advocate for cancer research and animal rights. Her philanthropic efforts has left a lasting impact on those who knew her.
She is survived by her husband, Kurt Iswarienko.
