HOLLYWOOD, CA. (THECOUNT) — Shannen Doherty, the iconic actress known for her roles in “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Charmed,” has died at the age of 53. Doherty passed away on Saturday after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer.
“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty,” her publicist, Leslie Sloane, said in a statement to PEOPLE on Sunday. “On Saturday, July 13, 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.”
|
Advertisement |
Doherty was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. She announced she was in remission in 2017, but in February 2020, she revealed that she was battling Stage 4 breast cancer. Despite the diagnosis, Doherty continued to inspire her fans with her strength and determination to fight the disease.
In a virtual appearance on “Good Morning America” in October 2021, Doherty shared that she was “fighting to stay alive” and never wanted to operate like she was dying. In November 2023, she disclosed that her cancer had spread to her bones after previously spreading to her brain. She continued to express her desire to live, create, and make a positive impact on the world.
Doherty faced many personal challenges during her illness, including discovering that her ex-husband, Kurt Iswarienko, had been cheating on her for two years just hours before undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumor. Despite these hardships, she remained resilient and focused on her recovery.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 12, 1971, Doherty began her acting career on TV in the early 1980s with roles in “Father Murphy” and “Voyagers!” before gaining fame as Jenny Wilder on “Little House on the Prairie.” She achieved greater recognition with her role in the 1988 black comedy “Heathers,” and her breakout role came with a four-season stint on FOX’s “Beverly Hills, 90210.”
Doherty’s contributions to the entertainment industry and her legacy as a beloved actress will be remembered by fans worldwide.
DEVELOPING::