(L to R) Alyssa Milano, Shannen Doherty and Holly Marie Combs in ‘Charmed’. Photo: The WB.
Preview:
- Actor Shannen Doherty has died aged 53.
- She was best known for small screen roles on ‘Beverly Hills 90210’ and ‘Charmed’.
- Doherty also appeared in the likes of ‘Heathers’ and ‘Mallrats’.
Shannen Doherty, who rose to fame starring on teen drama ‘Beverly Hills 90210’ has died. She had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, entering remission in 2017, but by 2019 it had returned and begun to spread.
Doherty’s longtime publicist Leslie Sloane revealed news of her death:
“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress, Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13th, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease. 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.”
Related Article: ‘The Shining’ and ‘Nashville’ Actor Shelley Duvall Dies at the Age of 75
Shannen Doherty: Early Life and Career
(L to R) Jason Lee, Shannen Doherty, Jeremy London and Claire Forlani in ‘Mallrats’. Photo: Gramercy Pictures.
Shannen Maria Doherty was born on April 12th, 1971, in Memphis, Tennessee. Her family moved to Los Angeles so she could pursue an acting career from a young age. A role on the series ‘Father Murphy’ brought her to the attention of Michael Landon, and she was cast on ‘Little House on the Prairie’ at the age of 11.
She recalled her time on the show fondly on her Let’s Be Clear podcast:
”It was really the experience on ‘Little House’ that spurred that passion on for being an actor, and it was having a mentor like Michael Landon. And I don’t care what anybody else’s experience was like. I know the truth about that man, and he was just unbelievable. So, so, so talented, so kind, so considerate. It really helped shape me.”
Following ‘Little House’, she had a recurring role on ‘Our House’ alongside Wilford Brimley and a variety of other roles, though two major performances stand out.
“Together, a pioneering family faces a crucial test of its courage and its love!”
80
9 SeasonsSeptember 11th, 1974
Shannen Doherty: Big TV Break
The cast of ‘Beverly Hills 90210’. Photo: Fox.
If there is one role for which Doherty will be truly remembered, it is that of fresh-faced brunette Brenda Walsh on Fox’s ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’. Along with her twin brother Brandon, played by Jason Priestly, the Walshes were the classic fish-out-of-water family that moved from Minnesota to Beverly Hills and tried to fit in with the L.A. rich kids.
The show became a massive hit, spurred by some controversies over subjects it tackled, though Doherty developed a reputation for being difficult on set and friction with her co-stars. She left the show in 1994, though did return for several episodes of reboot ‘90210’ and meta take ‘BH90210’.
“New faces and dangerous places!”
74
10 SeasonsOctober 4th, 1990
Her other big part was as witch Prue Halliwell on ‘Charmed’, the oldest of three magical sisters who work together to battle evil. She directed several episodes and then left the show at the end of the third season, amid more reports of tension with her fellow stars.
Her TV work also included ‘North Shore’, ‘Riverdale’ and shows she produced, including ‘Breaking Up With Shannen Doherty’, where she helped people get out of bad relationships.
“Once lucky, Twice smart, Three times Charmed”
82
8 SeasonsOctober 7th, 1998
Shannen Doherty: Movie Roles
(L to R) Winona Ryder, Kim Walker, Lisanne Falk and Shannen Doherty in ‘Heathers’. Photo: New World Pictures.
On the big screen, Doherty made an impact in 1988’s ‘Heathers’ and was also seen in the likes of ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’, ‘Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult’ and Kevin Smith’s ‘Mallrats’, a role she initially regretted but eventually came to embrace, returning to cameo as herself in Smith’s ‘Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back’.
“Best friends, social trends, and occasional murder.”
73
1 hr 43 minJan 21st, 1989
Shannen Doherty Tributes
The cast of ‘Beverly Hills 90210’. Photo: Fox.
Doherty was briefly married to George Hamilton’s son Ashley Hamilton and poker player Rick Salomon, and in 2011 she married photographer Kurt Iswarienko. They filed for divorce in 2023.
Her ‘Beverly Hills 90210’ co-star Jason Priestly paid tribute via social media.
Priestly Insta post:
And her ‘Charmed’ on-screen sister Alyssa Milano also released a statement via Entertainment Weekly:
“It’s no secret that Shannen and I had a complicated relationship, but at its core was someone I deeply respected and was in awe of. She was a talented actress, beloved by many, and the world is less without her. My condolences to all who loved her.”
(L to R) Holly Marie Combs, Shannen Doherty and Alyssa Milano in ‘Charmed’. Photo: The WB.