Published on
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Shannen Doherty, the celebrated American actress best known for her role as Brenda Walsh in the hit 1990s television drama “Beverly Hills, 90210,” has passed away at the age of 53. Her publicist, Leslie Sloane, confirmed her death on Sunday, marking the end of Doherty’s long battle with cancer.
“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.
Doherty publicly disclosed her breast cancer diagnosis in 2015 and remained open about her treatment journey. In 2023, she underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor and revealed that the cancer had metastasized to her bones.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 12, 1971, Doherty began her acting career at a young age, appearing as Jenny Wilder on the final season of “Little House on the Prairie” at just 11 years old. Her breakout role came in 1988 when she starred in the dark comedy film “Heathers,” which became a cult classic.
Doherty achieved widespread fame as Brenda Walsh, a character from Minnesota navigating the social complexities of Beverly Hills, on “Beverly Hills, 90210.” Her portrayal of Brenda, entangled in a love triangle with characters Dylan McKay (Luke Perry) and Kelly Taylor (Jennie Garth), captivated audiences. However, her tenure on the show was marked by behind-the-scenes conflicts, leading to her departure in the fourth season.
In 1998, Doherty was cast by “90210” producer Aaron Spelling in the supernatural series “Charmed,” where she played Prue Halliwell, the eldest of three magical sisters. Despite the show’s success, it too was plagued by reports of off-screen disputes.
People magazine once dubbed Doherty “the iconic ‘bad girl’ of the nineties,” highlighting her reputation for partying, tardiness on set, and feuds with co-stars and producers. Reflecting on her past behavior in a 2023 podcast, “Let’s Be Clear with Shannen Doherty,” she took “full responsibility” for her actions and admitted her behavior “would get a little carried away” during her early 20s. She also noted her tendency to voice her opinions more assertively than was typical for women in television at the time.
“I was raised to have an opinion, and that my opinion should be valued, so I just kept on pressing up against that machine, up against men who didn’t really want to hear my opinion,” she said. Doherty later learned “the simple art of diplomacy” and found more constructive ways to express her views.
Despite her tumultuous early career, Doherty found reconciliation with her past. She reprised her role as Brenda in the “90210” reboots in 2008 and 2019 and mended her relationship with Garth, moving beyond their adolescent conflicts.
Shannen Doherty’s personal life saw her married three times, most recently to photographer Kurt Iswarienko, from whom she filed for divorce in 2023.
Doherty’s legacy is defined by her iconic roles, her candidness about her health struggles, and her journey from a rebellious youth to a figure of resilience and reconciliation. Her contributions to television and film, alongside her off-screen forthrightness, leave an indelible mark on Hollywood history.