Shannen Doherty, Star of Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed, Dies at 53: Devoted Daughter, Sister, Aunt, and Friend
The entertainment world mourns the loss of Shannen Doherty, the beloved actress known for her iconic roles in *Beverly Hills, 90210* and *Charmed*. Shannen passed away on July 13th at the age of 53, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease,” confirmed her longtime publicist, Leslie Sloane, in an exclusive statement to PEOPLE on Sunday, July 14. “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,” Sloane continued.
Shannen was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. Despite undergoing rigorous treatments, including surgery and chemotherapy, the disease returned multiple times. In November 2023, she spoke candidly to PEOPLE about her Stage 4 breast cancer, which had spread to her bones, expressing her determination to continue living life to the fullest. “I’m not done with living. I’m not done with loving. I’m not done with creating. I’m not done with hopefully changing things for the better,” she said.
Following her initial diagnosis in 2015, Shannen announced in 2017 that she had gone into remission. However, by 2019, the cancer had returned, and in 2020, she revealed that it had progressed to metastatic Stage 4 cancer. In June 2023, Shannen shared on Instagram that the cancer had spread to her brain, leading to surgery to remove a brain tumor she had named Bob.
Despite the immense challenges, Shannen remained determined to continue working and raising awareness for cancer research. “When you ask yourself, ‘Why me? Why did I get cancer?’ and then ‘Why did my cancer come back? Why am I Stage 4?,’ that leads you to look for the bigger purpose in life,” she reflected on her journey.
In her final years, Shannen dedicated herself to being an advocate for cancer awareness, hoping to inspire others with her strength and resilience. Her brave and candid discussions about her battle with cancer, such as her 2020 interview with Amy Robach on *Good Morning America*, left a lasting impact. “I definitely have days where I say, ‘Why me?’ And then I go, well, ‘Why not me? Who else? Who else besides me deserves this?’ None of us do,” she shared, demonstrating her pragmatic and resilient spirit.
Shannen Doherty’s legacy extends beyond her roles on screen; she will be remembered for her unwavering courage, her advocacy for cancer awareness, and her inspiring outlook on life. As her family and friends mourn her passing, the world remembers a remarkable woman who faced her challenges with grace and tenacity.
Rest in peace, Shannen. Your legacy of bravery and inspiration will live on.
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