BTN News: Shannen Doherty, the beloved actress best known for her role in the iconic TV show “Beverly Hills, 90210,” has passed away at the age of 53. Doherty’s life and career were marked by her battle with illness and the intense scrutiny of the media. She died on Saturday after a long and courageous fight with breast cancer. Her publicist, Leslie Sloane, confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement, highlighting Doherty’s role as a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Surrounded by loved ones and her loyal dog, Bowie, Doherty’s family has requested privacy during this difficult time to mourn in peace.
A Public Battle with Cancer
Doherty’s cancer diagnosis became public in 2015 through a lawsuit against her former business managers. She accused them of mismanaging her finances and allowing her health insurance to lapse, which delayed her cancer diagnosis. Throughout her treatment, Doherty bravely shared her journey with the public, including the challenges of undergoing a mastectomy and radiation therapy. In December 2016, she posted a poignant photo of her first day of radiation, describing the experience as “terrifying.”
The Cancer Returns
In February 2020, Doherty revealed that her cancer had returned and had progressed to stage four. She chose to disclose this information due to ongoing legal battles with State Farm Insurance over damages to her California home from a 2018 wildfire. In a June episode of her podcast “Let’s Be Clear,” Doherty spoke candidly about her ongoing chemotherapy treatments and the uncertainty surrounding her prognosis. Despite the fear and uncertainty, she expressed a newfound sense of hope due to advancements in treatment protocols.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Doherty moved to Los Angeles with her family at the age of seven. Her acting career began shortly thereafter, driven by her own ambition and supported wholeheartedly by her parents. As a child actress, she appeared in various TV series, most notably “Little House on the Prairie,” where she played Jenny Wilder. Her transition to the big screen included roles in “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” (1985) and the cult classic “Heathers.”
Rise to Fame in “Beverly Hills, 90210”
Doherty’s breakthrough came in 1990 when she was cast as Brenda Walsh in the teen drama “Beverly Hills, 90210,” produced by Aaron Spelling. Her character, along with her twin brother Brandon, portrayed by Jason Priestley, navigated the glamorous yet challenging life of Beverly Hills teens. Doherty’s intense eyes and dark hair became iconic, but her rising fame also brought media scrutiny. Stories of on-set conflicts, impulsive behavior, and a short-lived marriage to Ashley Hamilton, son of actor George Hamilton, dominated tabloids.
Personal Life and Later Years
Despite the challenges, Doherty continued to pursue her career and personal happiness. Her second marriage to Rick Salomon in 2002 was annulled, but in 2011, she found lasting love with photographer Kurt Iswarienko. However, in April 2023, Doherty filed for divorce, marking another chapter in her tumultuous personal life.
Doherty’s departure from “Beverly Hills, 90210” in 1994, reportedly due to conflicts and chronic tardiness, marked the end of an era. However, her influence and the love from her fans endured. Doherty’s legacy as a talented actress and a resilient individual who faced her battles publicly and bravely will be remembered by many.
In her own words, Doherty once said, “My parents never forced me to do anything. They support me no matter what.” Her career, life, and the strength she showed in the face of adversity stand as a testament to her spirit and determination. Rest in peace, Shannen Doherty.
