Shannen Doherty, who led shows like Charmed and Beverly Hills, 90210, has died. She was 53. Her publicist, Leslie Sloane, issued a statemnt to Variety. “On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease,†she wrote. “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.â€
Doherty was a megastar of the 80’s and 90’s, starring as Brenda in 90210 and in films like Heathers and Mallrats. Her role as Brenda put her under intense media scrutiny, and the type of anti-fandom people make docuseries reckoning with today. Her talent was undeniable, with Aaron Spelling shaping Charmed around her despite the acrimonious circumstances under which she left 90210.
As mentioned in her publicist’s statement, Doherty had been very transparent about her breast cancer diagnosis, including when it spread to her brain in 2023. She revealed her diagnosis in 2015, as part of a lawsuit against her former management. That suit, according to PBS Newshour, alleged that their mismanagement had caused her SAG health insurance to lapse, postponing diagnosis and treatment. During this time, she started a podcast, described as a “live memoir.†On Let’s Be Clear, she reunited with old friends and collaborators like Holly Marie Combs, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Kevin Smith. “I’m not done with living,†she said when her cancer was declared terminal. “I’m not done with loving. I’m not done with creating. I’m not done with hopefully changing things for the better. I’m just not — I’m not done.â€