Beloved television actress, Shannen Doherty has passed away at the young age of 53. Despite having battled cancer for the last several years, the death feels very sudden to the actress’ fans who were just not ready to let her go.
Shannen Doherty’s Incredible Career
Doherty first appeared in the spotlight in the 1980s in an episode of Little House on the Prairie. While it wasn’t a huge role, it was enough to launch the young ingenue into the industry. Over the next decade, Shannen would secure her name in the game with several life-changing roles on shows that people are still enjoying through syndication and streaming today. The roles she is most known for are:
- Heather Duke in – Heathers ( 1988)
- Brenda Walsh – Beverly Hills 90210 (1990-1994)
- Rene – Mallrats (1995)
- Prue Halliwell – Charmed – (1998-2001)
In addition to these four iconic roles that launched her to stardom, the actress would also later in life join back up with the cast of Beverly Hills 90210 and film a reboot, though it didn’t quite hit the mark with ratings. Later that year after leaving the reboot cast she guest starred on an episode of Riverdale in tribute to long-time friend and on-screen lover, Luke Perry, who tragically passed after suffering from an ischemic stroke in 2019.
Battling a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Shannen Doherty was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. The diagnosis came as a complete shock, especially to fans who had never seen her less than strong and vibrant. Despite aggressive treatment, the disease would spread to her lymph nodes in 2016. The next year, a breakthrough in her treatment came. Chemo, radiation treatments, and a single mastectomy put Shannen’s cancer into remission, giving her a new lease on life.
Over the next few years, Shannen would take up many projects, start a podcast, and be an outspoken advocate for women across the world suffering from breast cancer. She wanted people to know that while she suffered from Stage 4 breast cancer, that was only her diagnosis. The disease did not define her, and she did everything she could to keep it from limiting the life she had left.
The actress told her fans openly that she did not fear what might come next. “I am not afraid of death, because I know where I’m going,” Shannen told People Magazine in a 2023 interview. “I’m not afraid of dying, I just don’t want to die….. I’m not done. I’m not done with life.”
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Losing the Battle
Shannen Doherty passed away on Saturday, July 13th. According to PEOPLE, Shannen’s friend and publicist, Leslie Sloane confirmed to the news publication.
“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13th, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease. “
Her publicist reported, “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.”
While a great loss to fans, Doherty had been preparing her public for some time. In recent episodes of her podcast, Let’s Be Clear, the beloved television actress revealed that certain treatments that doctors were using for her cancer had stopped working and that it was unclear how much time she might have left. She was hopeful at the time, however, that new protocols might be an option for treatment.
Fans in Mourning over Shannen Doherty’s Death
Across the world, Shannen’s fans are grieving the loss of an actress who played so many beloved roles during her career. For Gen X kids, Shannen grew up right alongside them on the television screen. Many young women resounded deeply with the characters she played and she became a role model for many.
Out on the social webs, Shannen Doherty’s fans are sharing their grief online. Fans are expressing their sadness openly and continue to send prayers to her family through social media.
Photo Credit – Instagram
“This girl fought cancer harder than anyone I ever heard of. She is a true warrior and I’m glad she’s at peace,” said one Instagram user.
“Woke up in a good mood and then saw this.. From Little House On The Prairie, Beverly Hills 90210 and Charmed. My 3 favorite shows that I love to watch, even to this day. Shocked and Saddened that she is gone, this one will take a long time to process and heal. Dylan hold her tight and keep her safe,” writes another.
The staff and writers here at Mama Needs Advice send thoughts of peace and prayers to Shannen’s family and wish them well during the coming months. Rest in Peace, Shannen, you’re already missed.
Do you have a favorite on-screen memory of Shannen Doherty? Tell us in the comments!
