According to People, actress Shannen Doherty (Our House, Burning Palms) died Saturday, July 13, after a years-long battle with cancer. She was 53.
Leslie Sloane, Doherty’s longtime publicist, confirmed her passing to People. “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty,” she said. “On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease. 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.”
According to People, Doherty received a cancer diagnosis in 2015. In 2023, she announced that the cancer had spread to her brain.
“People just assume that it means you can’t walk, you can’t eat, you can’t work,” she told People. “They put you out to pasture at a very early age —‘You’re done, you’re retired,’ and we’re not,” she said, adding, “We’re vibrant, and we have such a different outlook on life. We are people who want to work and embrace life and keep moving forward.”
Doherty’s first famous role was as Brenda Walsh in 1990’s Beverly Hills 90210. She had other roles in Charmed, Heathers, Little House On The Prairie, The Lost Treasure Of The Grand Canyon and Fortress.
When Doherty announced her diagnosis, fellow actor Brian Austin Green (Freddie, Anger Management) on the 90210 reboot voiced his support.
“Shannen is absolutely leading by example and showing people that even in the toughest of times, you can keep your head up and you can be a good person,” Green said via People. “And she is: She’s an amazing person and an inspiration.”
Before she passed away, Doherty said that she began to recognize the importance of life and the world around her. “I know it sounds cheesy and crazy, but you’re just more aware of everything, and you feel so blessed. We’re the people who want to work the most, because we’re just so grateful for every second, every hour, every day we get to be here.”
Since the news was released, condolences from colleagues and costars have surfaced on social media.
Doherty’s Beverly Hills 90210 costar, Green, posted on Instagram, calling Doherty his “sister.”
Actor James Hong (Seinfeld, Everything Everywhere All At Once) posted about his time on Charmed with Shannen.
Jay and Silent Bob star Jay Mewes (Clerks, Mallrats) posted on X (formerly Twitter) about his opportunities to work with the beloved actress, seen below.
Brian Krause (Sleepwalkers, Return to the Blue Lagoon) starred with Doherty on WB’s Charmed as Leo. He posted a heartfelt message stating, “You showed me what strength is.”
Rose McGowan (Grindhouse, Jawbreaker), who replaced Doherty after her exit from Charmed, posted a reel about her dear friend. “My head bows to this warrior on her journey home.”