Shannen Doherty, the American actress who rose to fame playing Brenda Walsh on the hit 1990s teen drama series "Beverly Hills, 90210," has died at the age of 53.
According to her publicist, Leslie Sloane, Doherty died Saturday, surrounded by her loved ones, including her dog, Bowie. The cause of death was breast cancer, which Doherty had been battling for several years.
Doherty was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and went into remission in 2017. However, in February 2020, she revealed that the cancer had returned and had progressed to stage four. In June 2023, she shared a video of herself receiving brain radiation treatment, revealing that the cancer had spread to her brain. Five months later, she announced that the cancer had also spread to her bones.
Despite her illness, Doherty remained optimistic and determined to fight the disease. In a podcast episode earlier this year, she described a new kind of treatment that she said felt like God "is intervening."
Doherty's career in Hollywood spanned over four decades and included roles in several notable films and television shows. Some of her most notable roles include Jenny Wilder in "Little House on the Prairie," Heather Duke in "Heathers," and Prue Halliwell in "Charmed."
Doherty's personal life was also the subject of much attention and scrutiny over the years. She was married three times and was engaged to be married a fourth time before her death. She was also known for her "bad girl" reputation, which was fueled by her alleged off-screen antics and feuds with her co-stars.
Despite her controversial personal life, Doherty remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and will be deeply missed by her fans and colleagues.
"It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty," her publicist said in a statement. "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.