Actress Shannen Doherty was well-known for her extensive acting career, with standout roles in popular series like Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed. She began acting as a child and got her start working alongside esteemed actor Michael Landon. Her first acting role was on Father Murphy, after which Landon cast her in Little House: A New Beginning, a spin-off of Little House on the Prairie.
Doherty gained widespread attention with her role as Heather Duke in the 1989 cult classic Heathers. However, it was her portrayal of Brenda Walsh on Beverly Hills, 90210 from 1990 to 1994 that propelled her to stardom. Despite the controversies surrounding her time on the show, Doherty’s legacy in television was further cemented when she starred in Charmed.
In 2015, Doherty was diagnosed with breast cancer. Although it went into remission, the cancer eventually returned. She shared in a February 2020 interview on Good Morning America that she hadn’t fully come to terms with the diagnosis, describing it as a “bitter pill to swallow.” Tragically, after a prolonged battle with the disease, which had spread to her brain and bones, Shannen passed away on July 15, 2024, at the age of 53 in Malibu, California.
Her death was confirmed by her publicist, Leslie Sloan, who expressed in a statement, “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress, Shannen Doherty.” The statement mentioned that Doherty died on July 13, surrounded by her loved ones, including her dog, Bowie, after fighting cancer for many years. The family requested privacy during this difficult time.
In her final year, Shannen continued to open up about her battle. In November 2023, she told People magazine, “I’m not done with living, loving, creating, and hopefully changing things for the better.” In June 2023, she revealed on Instagram that the cancer had spread to her brain, leading to surgery in January to remove a tumor. Despite the hardships, Doherty remained committed to raising awareness and supporting cancer research. She emphasized that people with terminal illnesses could still lead meaningful lives and contribute to society, challenging the misconception that they are “done” or “retired.”
Shannen’s death sent shockwaves through Hollywood, with her last public appearance taking place just a month prior in Malibu with her mother, Rosa, and friend, Chris Cortazzo. She spoke lovingly of her mother, acknowledging her for being a source of strength throughout her battle. Shannen credited her mother, who survived a brain aneurysm, with instilling in her the determination and resilience to fight.
Days after her passing, Shannen’s mother, Rosa, shared a touching tribute, describing Shannen as her “beautiful girl” and expressing gratitude to those who supported her daughter throughout her life. Her close friend, Cortazzo, also remembered Shannen fondly, calling her his “protector” and “best friend.”
Shannen’s doctor, Dr. Lawrence Piro, shared insights into her final days, recalling that she was surrounded by a small group of friends who provided care and support. He described the atmosphere in her last moments as “somber and sad, but beautiful and loving.” He added that despite her condition, Shannen remained focused on overcoming the limitations of her illness, always fighting and never losing her desire to live.
In her last hours, Shannen was comfortable and peacefully transitioned, surrounded by her loved ones. Remarkably, even as her health declined, she settled her divorce from ex-husband Kurt Iswarienko just a day before her passing, demonstrating her enduring strength and determination until the end.
Shannen Doherty’s legacy as an actress, advocate, and fighter will continue to be remembered by her family, friends, and fans.