Beverly Hills 90210 star Shannen Doherty dies aged 53

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The beloved Beverly Hills 90210 star Shannen Doherty passed away Saturday following her well-publicized fight against cancer. She was 53 years old.

Doherty, famous for her memorable portrayal of Brenda Walsh in the '90s teen hit Beverly Hills 90210, also starred in Charmed and won over viewers with her powerful acting and commanding on-screen presence.

Shannen Doherty
Shannen Doherty during the CW Network 90210 Premiere Party held on August 23, 2008, on the beach in Malibu, California. Photo: Michael Germana Star Max

“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,” stated her publicist Leslie Sloane, as reported by People magazine.

The actress was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and underwent a mastectomy. In 2020, she revealed her diagnosis had become terminal, describing it as “a bitter pill to swallow” during a Good Morning America interview.

In June 2023, Doherty shared an Instagram post announcing that the cancer had spread to her brain, along with a video of her treatment. “My fear is obvious,” she wrote.

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Actress SHANNEN DOHERTY at the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style Gala honoring Gucci's Tom Ford. March 28, 2004. Photo by Featureflash

Doherty began her career early, appearing in TV shows like Father Murphy and Little House on the Prairie, as well as films such as The Secret of NIMH and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, all before turning 15.

Outside of acting, Doherty was a dedicated advocate for cancer awareness, sharing her personal struggle to inspire and support others facing similar challenges.

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LOS ANGELES – JAN 18: Shannen Doherty at the Paramount Network Launch Party at the Sunset Tower on January 18, 2018 in West Hollywood, CA. Photo by Carrie Nelson

Born on April 12, 1971, in Memphis, Tennessee, Doherty was the daughter of Rosa and Tom Doherty. Her father worked at a bank, while her mother owned a beauty salon. From a young age, she showed interest in acting and received her family's support in chasing her dreams.

In 1978, at seven years old, her family relocated to Los Angeles, California, where the young star's acting career began to flourish.

FOX Summer TCA 2019 All-Star Party
August 7, 2019 – Los Angeles, California – Shannen Doherty. FOX Summer TCA 2019 All-Star Party held at Fox Studios. Photo Credit: Birdie Thompson/AdMedia

She made her TV debut in 1981 with a guest spot on Father Murphy, which opened doors to more opportunities in show business. Her breakthrough came when she landed the role of Jenny Wilder on Little House on the Prairie in 1982, showcasing her talent and paving the way for her future success.

Despite the difficulties of juggling a growing career with schoolwork, Doherty's commitment and natural ability helped her quickly rise in Hollywood's competitive landscape. Her early roles and experiences built a strong foundation for the stardom she would achieve later in life.


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