Shannen Doherty, best known for her role in the television series “Beverly Hills,” has died at the age of 53 after a long battle with breast cancer, People magazine reported on Sunday, citing the American actress’s publicist.
“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 battling the disease,” Leslie Sloane said in a statement sent to People.
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“The devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones and her dog, Bowie. Her family asks for privacy so they can grieve in peace,” added Leslie Sloane.
According to Variety magazine, the actress was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, from which she went into remission in 2017. But by 2019, the cancer had returned and spread. She had taken to posting videos on Instagram where she talked about her illness.
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Born in Memphis, Tennessee, to a father of Irish descent and a mother of Scottish descent, Shannen Doherty moved to Los Angeles as a child.
She auditioned there and played her first role at the age of ten in the television series Father Murphy, before playing in the cult series “Little House on the Prairie” between 1982 and 1984.
Shannen Doherty rose to fame in the 1990s as teenager Brenda Walsh, who, along with her brother Brendon, played by Jason Priestley, arrives in the affluent suburbs of Los Angeles from their more rustic native Minnesota.
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“Beverly Hills” was a huge hit, with viewers particularly captivated by the rivalry between Brenda and Kelly, played by Jennie Garth, both of whom are charmed by the handsome Dylan.
Dylan was played by Luke Perry, who died in 2019 following a stroke.
At its peak, the series became a phenomenon, known for introducing sensitive topics such as racism, drug addiction and teenage sexuality.
Shannen Doherty left the series after the fourth season due to strained relationships on set, before returning to her character for the series’ 2008 and 2019 revivals.
She then starred in the series “Charmed”, playing the eldest of three sisters, Prue Halliwell, who discover together that they are witches.
The actress also appeared in the cult teen film “Fatal Games,” as well as indie director Kevin Smith’s “The Slackers” and “Jay and Bob Strike Back.”