Shannen Doherty of Iconic 'Charmed' Sisters Passes Away at 53
American actress, Shannen Doherty has died at the age of 53 after battling cancer for several years.
Shannen Doherty, the indomitable American actress celebrated for her iconic roles as Brenda Walsh in the acclaimed series Beverly Hills, 90210 and as Prue Halliwell in Charmed, has passed away at the age of 53. The heartbreaking news was conveyed by her publicist through a solemn statement to People magazine: “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she left us after many years of bravely battling the disease.” Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, Doherty had publicly shared her journey to raise awareness about the importance of screenings and to support others facing similar challenges.
Born on April 12, 1971, in Memphis, Tennessee, Shannen Doherty’s career began early. At just 11 years old, she secured her first significant role in 1982. Her breakthrough came in the 1990s with Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990-1994), where she portrayed Brenda Walsh, a central character in the beloved adolescent drama that delved into the lives and relationships of a close-knit group of friends in Beverly Hills. Another defining role was in Charmed (1998-2001), where Doherty enchanted audiences as Prue Halliwell, the eldest of three sister witches combating dark forces.
Beyond her memorable on-screen personas, Doherty was also a producer and director. Her personal life, marked by her battle with breast cancer, became public in August 2015 when she announced her diagnosis. Despite being declared cancer-free in 2017, the disease returned, leading to further surgery in 2018. In a poignant 2020 interview on Good Morning America, Doherty revealed that her cancer had advanced to stage four. By 2023, she faced another formidable challenge with brain metastases surgery. Tragically, she succumbed to her illness on July 13, 2024.
Doherty's legacy extends beyond her impressive acting career; she will be remembered as a resilient warrior against cancer, a global advocate for awareness and resilience, and an inspiration to many.
