Shannen Doherty, the actress best known for her role in “Beverly Hills 90210,” passed away on Saturday at the age of 53 after a prolonged battle with breast cancer. Her publicist, Leslie Sloane, confirmed her passing, noting that Doherty was surrounded by loved ones and her dog, Bowie, at the time of her death.
Doherty was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, entered remission in 2017, but the cancer returned and spread by 2019. She was open about her fight, documenting her treatment on social media and through a podcast, with the most recent episode airing last month.
Doherty rose to fame in the 1990s as Brenda Walsh in “Beverly Hills 90210,” captivating audiences with her portrayal of a teenager navigating life in a wealthy Los Angeles neighborhood. The show became a cultural phenomenon, tackling issues like racism, drug abuse, and teenage sexuality. She left the series after four seasons due to on-set tensions but returned for reboots in 2008 and 2019.
Beyond “90210,” Doherty starred in “Charmed,” where she played the eldest of three witch sisters, and appeared in cult classics like “Heathers” and Kevin Smith’s “Mallrats” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.” Her career began in childhood with roles in TV series such as “Father Murphy” and “Little House on the Prairie.”
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Doherty’s family moved to Los Angeles, where she began acting at age 10. Over her four-decade career, she also appeared in reality TV shows like “Dancing With The Stars” and was an animal rights activist. She authored a semi-autobiographical book, “Badass,” in 2010, encouraging young women to live with confidence.
Doherty is survived by her husband, photographer Kurt Iswarienko, whom she married in 2011, and her family, who have asked for privacy as they grieve.
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