'Beverly Hills 90210' Star Shannen Doherty Dead at 53

The iconic Beverly Hills 90201 actress Shannen Doherty died Saturday after her much-documented battle with cancer. She was 53.

Doherty, best known for her iconic role as Brenda Walsh in the teen ’90s drama Beverly Hills 90210, was also one of the leads in Charmed and captivated audiences with her dynamic performances and strong screen presence.

“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,” according to a statement from her publicist Leslie Sloane, cited by People magazine.

Shannen Doherty attends the G-Star Fall 2010 collection, in New York, on Feb. 16, 2010. Doherty, the “Beverly Hills, 90210” star, has died, Saturday, July 13, 2024. She was 53.

Associated Press

The actress had been first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and underwent a mastectomy. In 2020, she said her diagnosis was then terminal, calling it “a bitter pill to swallow” in a Good Morning America interview.

In June 2023, Doherty shared an Instagram post revealing news that the cancer had spread to her brain alongside a video of her receiving treatment.

“My fear is obvious,” she wrote.

Doherty started working at a young age with small-screen roles in Father Murphy and Little House on the Prairie and big-screen roles in The Secret of NIMH and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun all before the age of 15.

Her career spanned decades, earning her critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.

Jason Priestley and Shannen Doherty at the 43rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Pasadena August 25, 1991

Associated Press

Beyond acting, Doherty was also a passionate advocate for cancer awareness, sharing her own battle with the disease to inspire and support others.

Doherty was born on April 12, 1971, in Memphis, Tennessee, to parents Rosa and Tom Doherty. Her father worked in a bank, while her mother owned a beauty parlor. She always showed an interest in acting from a young age and was supported by her family in pursuing her dreams.

In 1978, when she was seven, her family moved to Los Angeles, California, where the child star’s acting career began to take shape.

She made her television debut in 1981 with a guest role on the TV series Father Murphy, which led to more opportunities in the entertainment industry. Her breakout role came when she was cast as Jenny Wilder on Little House on the Prairie in 1982, showcasing her talent and setting the stage for her later success.

Shannen Doherty died at the age of 53. This a photo of child actress in the 1980s.

Despite the challenges of balancing a budding career with her education, Doherty’s dedication and natural talent helped her quickly rise in the competitive world of Hollywood. Her early experiences and roles laid a solid foundation for the stardom she would achieve in her later years.