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Shannen Doherty, the iconic star of "Beverly Hills, 90210," has passed away at 53 after a prolonged battle with breast cancer. Her publicist, Leslie Sloane, confirmed that Doherty died on Saturday, July 13, surrounded by loved ones and her dog, Bowie.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Doherty moved to Los Angeles at age 7 to pursue acting. She gained early recognition for her role as Jenny Wilder on "Little House on the Prairie" before landing her breakout role as Brenda Walsh in Aaron Spelling's hit teen drama "Beverly Hills, 90210" in 1990.
The series catapulted Doherty to stardom, with her on-screen romance with Luke Perry's character Dylan becoming a central storyline. However, her time on the show was marred by reports of on-set conflicts and tardiness, leading to her departure after four seasons.
Following "90210," Doherty starred in various TV movies and films, including "Mallrats." In 1998, she reunited with Spelling for "Charmed," playing Prue Halliwell. Her tenure on this show was also short-lived, ending after three seasons amid rumors of tension with co-star Alyssa Milano.
Throughout her career, Doherty faced public scrutiny and developed a reputation as a "bad girl." She later acknowledged earning this image but expressed a desire to shed it, telling Parade in 2010 that she had evolved and learned from past mistakes.
Doherty's personal life was equally tumultuous, with two brief marriages before she wed photographer Kurt Iswarienko in 2011. She filed for divorce in April 2023 after 11 years of marriage.
In 2015, Doherty revealed her breast cancer diagnosis. She openly shared her journey, posting candid photos of her treatment and speaking about the impact of the disease on her life. After a period of remission, the cancer returned as stage 4 in 2020, later spreading to her brain.
Despite her health struggles, Doherty remained active in the entertainment industry. She appeared in a tribute episode of "Riverdale" dedicated to her late "90210" co-star Luke Perry and participated in the meta-reboot "BH90210" in 2019.
Doherty's battle with cancer profoundly changed her outlook on life. She spoke about how it stripped away pretenses and revealed true friendships, making her a "better human being." Her openness about her experiences aimed to educate others and demonstrate that those with stage 4 cancer can lead active, meaningful lives.
Shannen Doherty's legacy extends beyond her memorable roles, encompassing her resilience in the face of adversity and her advocacy for cancer awareness. Her passing marks the end of an era for fans who grew up watching her on screen, but her impact on television and her courage in the face of illness will be remembered for years to come.
