‘Charmed’ Star Shannen Doherty Dies at 53 After Long Battle With Breast Cancer

Actress Shannen Doherty, known for her roles in the teen dramas Beverly Hills, 90210, and Charmed, passed away Saturday, July 13th, at the age of 53. She had been battling breast cancer for many years.

“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty,” her publicist Leslie Sloane said in a statement. “On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease.”

Doherty was surrounded by loved ones, including her dog Bowie, at the time of her passing. The family has requested privacy as they grieve.

A Resilient Spirit

Doherty first received a breast cancer diagnosis in 2015 and openly shared her journey on social media. She underwent chemotherapy and achieved remission in 2017. However, the cancer returned in 2020.

Early Career and Breakthrough Roles

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Doherty began acting as a child. Her early credits included television shows like Father Murphy and The Phoenix, as well as voice acting in the animated film The Secret of Nimh.

Her breakout role came in 1988 with the dark comedy Heathers, where she played Heather Duke, one of the film’s central antagonists.

Teen Queen on Beverly Hills, 90210

Doherty became a household name in 1990 with her starring role as Brenda Walsh on Beverly Hills, 90210. The show, a cultural phenomenon, followed the lives of teenagers in wealthy Beverly Hills.

Doherty departed the series after four seasons due to reported tension with castmates and personal struggles.

Charmed and Beyond

In 1998, Doherty found success again with Charmed, playing Prue Halliwell, one of the show’s lead witches. She left the series after three seasons.

Doherty continued to act throughout her career, appearing in films, television shows, and made-for-TV movies. She also revisited her Beverly Hills, 90210 roots by appearing in the show’s reboot.

A Life Shared

In 2023, Doherty launched a podcast, Let’s Be Clear, where she discussed her career, relationships, and her fight with cancer.

Shannen Doherty will be remembered for her talent, resilience, and candid approach to life’s challenges.