'Charmed' And 'Beverly Hills 90210' Star Shannen Doherty Has Passed Away At The Age Of 53

TV & Film

Jul 16

Shannen Doherty, star of Charmed and Beverly Hills 90210, has sadly passed away at the age of 53 years old after a long battle with cancer. Leslie Sloane, Doherty’s publicist, released a statement to PEOPLE on Sunday, July 14: “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. 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.”

Shannen Doherty was born in Memphis, Tennessee on April 12, 1971. Her talent was discovered by Michael Landon when she was just 11 years old. He cast her to play Jenny Wilder in Little House on the Prairie. Just before her breakout role as Brenda Walsh on Beverly Hills 90210, the young starlet appeared in Parker Lewis Can’t Lose, 21 Jump Street, and Heathers. The Mallrats actress is also known for being the eldest sister in The Power of Three, Prue Halliwell, on the hit television fantasy series Charmed. Doherty directed three episodes during her tenure with the show as well – “Be Careful What You Witch For” in the second season, “The Good, the Bad, and the Cursed,” and “All Hell Breaks Loose” in the third season.

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Shannen Doherty collage — Image Source: Perez Hilton

She recently hosted a podcast titled “Let's Be Clear with Shannen Doherty.” The podcast included many of her long-time friends, past co-stars, and fellow icons, including Holly Marie Combs, Jason Priestly, Kevin Smith, Tori Spelling, Brian Austin Green, and Sarah Michelle Gellar. Many of these stars have taken to social media to pay tribute to their friend and offer love and condolences to her friends and family.

“How do you possibly find the right words to sum up 30 years of friendship? I keep reminding myself it only hurts this much because, there was so much love.” – Sarah Michelle Gellar.

“Shannen was a true talent and she became a good friend, but lest anyone forget, she was the only reason Mallrats got green-lit in 1995. That’s because Shannen was one of the most famous people on the planet – and the fact that she picked Mallrats as her first follow-up to 90210 *made* that movie happen. While Shannen was no shrinking violet and she gave as good as she got (particularly to the paparazzi), she was never anything but sweet to me. I told her back in December when I was on her podcast that I felt like the girl I used to watch on TV at Quick Stop was there to welcome me when I got into show business. Fuck… She’s died way too soon. I already miss you, Do-Do. Thank you for going to the Mall with me – and for thirty years of friendship. My Canadian pal was right: you are (and always will be) an American icon.” – Kevin Smith.

“I grew up watching Shannen Doherty, and years later I got the amazing chance to work with her in Mallrats and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. Loved her in Charmed, a favorite of mine. Truly sad that she is now gone, may you rest in peace” – Jay Mewes.

“Shannen was passion. I met her in the 90s and was awed. Getting to really know her later in life, a beautiful gift. This woman fought to live. Shannen knew how to be a star because she was one since childhood. Her work ethic inspiring to the end. Shannen’s great love for directing, for acting, Holly, her friends, her parents, dog, and her beloved fans was legendary. Our lives had been intertwined in a unique way. We laughed at dark forces who wanted us to hate each other, instead we chose love and respect. A soft-hearted badass as there ever was. A force of energy that will live forever in hearts. May angels and God carry her to the holy kingdom where she is healthy, young and wild forever.” – Rose McGowan

Shannen Doherty at a panel — Image Source: YouTube

“There is a hollow in my chest and I can’t seem to catch my breath. A part of me is missing even though I know exactly what you would say to me right now. I know your undying spirit will live in me and my kids who you loved as your own. They will walk with your sense of purpose and pride… No matter what and zero f— given. Your fire will live on in them and the many other Charmed ones you helped raise.” – Holly Marie Combs

Shannen Doherty used her platform to raise cancer awareness. She was candid about her journey with the disease and continued to work and shine until the very end. She will be missed by her family, friends, and fans who love her.

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