By C. J. De Mel, Jadetimes News
Shannen Doherty, acclaimed actress best known for her iconic roles in "Beverly Hills, 90210" and "Charmed," passed away on Saturday at the age of 53, following a prolonged battle with cancer. Her publicist, Leslie Sloane, confirmed the news, stating, “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. The devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie.”
Doherty's career spanned over four decades, with her portrayal of Brenda Walsh in "Beverly Hills, 90210" earning her significant acclaim. The series, which delved into the lives of Beverly Hills teenagers grappling with relationship and family issues, became a cultural phenomenon. Doherty's performance garnered several award nominations. She later reprised her role in the 2008 reboot of the series, where her character matured into a theatre actress.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2015, Doherty underwent a mastectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy. She announced her remission in 2017, only for the cancer to return in 2019.
Throughout her illness, Doherty remained candid, sharing her journey on social media. In June 2023, she revealed in an Instagram video that the cancer had spread to her brain. Despite the spread to her bones, Doherty expressed her determination to continue fighting, stating in a November 2023 interview with People magazine, "I'm not done with living. I'm not done with loving. I'm not done with creating."
Born in Memphis, Doherty began acting as a child. She appeared in TV series such as "Voyagers," "Our House," and "Father Murphy" before landing the role of Jenny Wilder in "Little House on the Prairie" at age 11. Her film debut came in 1985 with "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," alongside Sarah Jessica Parker and Helen Hunt. In 1988, she starred as Heather Duke in the cult classic "Heathers," featuring Winona Ryder, Lisanne Falk, and Kim Walker.
Doherty's early fame brought challenges, and she gained a reputation for being a troublemaker on the set of "90210." Reflecting on that time, she admitted, "I was very confused back then about what I wanted for myself, and the attention was way too much. I didn't always handle it that well."
Her role as Prue Halliwell in "Charmed," a series about three witch sisters, further cemented her status in television history. Doherty also appeared in "North Shore," set in a Hawaii hotel, and in the offbeat comedy film "Mallrats." In the 2010s, she transitioned to reality TV, participating in "Dancing With The Stars" and the US version of the BBC's "Strictly Come Dancing."
In her personal life, Doherty was married twice before her 2011 marriage to photographer Kurt Iswarienko. A passionate animal rights activist, she authored a semi-autobiographical book, "Badass," in 2010, encouraging young women to live with attitude and confidence.
Shannen Doherty leaves behind a legacy of resilience, talent, and inspiration.
