The ‘Heathers,’ ‘Beverly Hills, 90210,’ and ‘Charmed’ star had been battling breast cancer for almost a decade.
On Sunday, July 14, Shannen Doherty’s publicist Leslie Sloane confirmed with PEOPLE that the actress had died after living with cancer for years.
“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 stated.
“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.”
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Doherty was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and went into remission two years later. In 2020, she confirmed that the cancer returned, already at Stage 4. By 2023, it had spread to her bones and her brain.
The actress was very open with her journey, sharing snippets on social media and even hosting the podcast Let’s Be Clear, where she spoke candidly about a variety of topics including life with cancer.
“Shannen, thank you for sharing so many beautiful memories on your podcast. What a wonderful gift you left your fans. We are sending so much love to your friends and family, you are loved and you are missed,” her Let’s Be Clear family wrote on Instagram.
An Outpouring of Love
Following the announcement of Doherty’s passing, many of her friends took to social media to pay tribute to their loved one.
Actress Olivia Munn, who recently opened up about her battle with breast cancer, posted on Instagram about how she grew close with Doherty through their shared experience.
“Cancer is really fucking scary and Shannen faced it with such dignity, strength and grace. I’m sending all of my love to her mother who was her best friend, hero and champion every step of the way. Fly so high, my friend.”
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Also on Instagram, Doherty’s 90210 co-star Jason Priestley wrote that he was “Shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of my friend Shannen. She was a force of nature and I will miss her. Sending love and light to her family in this dark time.”
Jennie Garth, another 90210 co-star, said “I am still processing my tremendous grief over the loss of my long time friend Shannen, the woman I have often described as one of the strongest people I have ever known.”
“She was courageous, passionate, determined and very loving and generous. I will miss her and will always honor her deeply in my heart and in my memories. My heart breaks for her family and Bowie and all the people who loved her,” she continued.
Other castmates such as Gabrielle Carteris, Carol Potter, and Brian Austin Green also paid tribute to their close friend. “I know Luke is there with open arms to love you,” Carteris wrote, referencing their 90210 co-star Luke Perry, who had also passed away in 2019.
Leaving a Legacy
Doherty made her acting debut in the television series Father Murphy when she was only 10 years old. Shortly after that, she landed her first major role as Jenny Wilder in Little House on the Prairie. Her first major motion picture role was in the 1988 cult classic Heathers.
In 1990, Doherty got her breakthrough role as Brenda Walsh in the teen drama Beverly Hills, 90210. She played the character for four years then later reprised her role in the 2008 and 2019 reboots.
Doherty was also well-known and loved for playing Prue Halliwell on the supernatural drama Charmed. Though her exits from both shows weren’t on the best terms, her performances have been consistently praised, earning her a devoted fan base that would follow her to the end of her journey.
Banner image via Instagram @theshando.
