Renowned American thespian Shannen Doherty, lauded for her portrayal of high schooler Brenda Walsh in the seminal 1990s television drama "Beverly Hills, 90210," has passed away at the age of 53 after an extensive battle with cancer.
Doherty, who had been transparent about her breast cancer treatment, succumbed to the illness on Saturday, as disclosed by her publicist, Leslie Sloane, in a statement released on Sunday.
"The devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend was surrounded by her cherished ones and her dog, Bowie," Sloane's statement conveyed. "The family requests privacy during this time to mourn in tranquility."
Doherty first revealed in 2015 that she was receiving treatment for breast cancer. By 2023, she had undergone surgery to remove a brain tumor and shared that the cancer had metastasized to her bones.
The actress, who had also starred in the film "Heathers," gained widespread acclaim on "90210" for her depiction of Brenda, an academically inclined student from Minnesota navigating the social intricacies of a privileged Californian high school.
On the show, Brenda's character became entangled in a romantic triangle with Dylan McKay (played by Luke Perry) and Kelly Taylor (portrayed by Jennie Garth). Off-screen, Doherty's conflicts with Garth and other cast members led to her departure from "90210" in its fourth season in 1994, although the series continued until 2000 without her.
In 1998, producer Aaron Spelling cast Doherty in the supernatural series "Charmed," where she played Prue Halliwell, the eldest of three magically gifted sisters. Despite the show's success, it was also marred by reports of behind-the-scenes discord.
People magazine once dubbed Doherty "the quintessential 'bad girl' of the nineties," citing her reputation for late-night partying, tardiness on set, and conflicts with colleagues and superiors.
In a 2023 episode of her podcast, "Let's Be Clear with Shannen Doherty," the actress took "full accountability for her actions," acknowledging that her behavior could sometimes escalate during her nightclub visits in her early twenties.
She also mentioned that she was more outspoken than many women in television at the time, often voicing her opinions on scripts to Spelling and others.
"I was raised to have an opinion and to believe that my opinion was valuable, so I kept challenging the status quo, often coming up against men who didn't want to hear my perspective," she shared on the podcast.
Later, Doherty learned "the subtle art of diplomacy" and found "there might be a gentler way to express some things," she noted.
The actress reprised her role as Brenda in "90210" reboots in 2008 and 2019, revealing that she and Garth had reconciled as adults, moving past their teenage disputes.
Tributes from her co-stars poured in on Sunday.
"She was a formidable presence and will be greatly missed," Jason Priestley, who played Doherty's brother on "90210," wrote on Instagram. "Sending love and light to her family in this somber time."
"Charmed" co-star Rose McGowan described Doherty as having "the heart of a lion."
"My head bows to this warrior on her journey home," McGowan penned on X.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 12, 1971, Doherty began her acting career as a child. At 11, she played Jenny Wilder in the final season of the television classic "Little House on the Prairie."
In 1988, Doherty landed a role in the dark comedy "Heathers," which became a cult classic.
Doherty was married three times, most recently to photographer Kurt Iswarienko, from whom she filed for divorce in 2023.
The Quran - Chapter Al-Hashr: 03 - 05
Had Allah not decreed exile for them, He would have certainly punished them in this world. And in the Hereafter they will suffer the punishment of the Fire.
This is because they defied Allah and His Messenger. And whoever defies Allah, then Allah is truly severe in punishment.
Whatever palm trees you ˹believers˺ cut down or left standing intact, it was ˹all˺ by Allah’s Will, so that He might disgrace the rebellious.
