Shannen Doherty, ‘Beverly Hills 90210’ and ‘Charmed’ Star, Dies at 53

After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, Shannen Doherty, who was well-known for her performances on the immensely successful programs “Beverly Hills, 90210” and the witchcraft fantasy “Charmed,” passed away. 53 was her age.

Publicist Leslie Sloane issued a statement on behalf of actress Shannen Doherty, saying, “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress, Shannen Doherty.” After battling illness for many years, she lost her struggle on Saturday, July 13. With her dog, Bowie, at her side, the loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend was surrounded by those she loved. In order for the family to grieve in peace, they kindly request privacy at this time.

In 1990, Doherty became well-known as the youthful brunette Brenda Walsh on the Fox sitcom “Beverly Hills, 90210.” The Walshes, who had recently moved from Minnesota to Beverly Hills with her twin brother Brandon (Jason Priestly), were the quintessential out-of-place family, always in awe of the antics of the L.A. rich kids.

The storyline in the first season where Brenda contemplates losing her virginity caused controversy because of the romance between Brenda and Dylan, played by Luke Perry. It was also widely reported when Dylan and Jennie Garth’s character Kelly broke up, and the show was hailed for being the first to tackle sensitive subjects like racism and drug misuse.

The program was a huge smash, and along with its popularity, the cast—including the teenage Doherty—came under intense scrutiny and rumors. Even though Kelly, played by Garth, was first seen as the less likeable character on the program, Brenda quickly gained popularity and became the cast member that everyone loved to despise. The media referred to her as a diva, and there was even a newsletter published before the internet called “I Hate Brenda.” Before departing the show at the conclusion of season four, Doherty made 111 appearances. There were rumors that she had issues with other cast members, especially Garth.

On “Beverly Hills 90210,” Jason Priestley, left, Shannen Doherty, Jennie Garth, and Ian Ziering.

Everyone had matured by the time the program was revived twice more, and Doherty reappeared as Brenda in the 2008 revival of “90210” and the 2019 reincarnation of “BH90210.”

Following her turbulent exit from “Beverly Hills, 90210,” Doherty established herself in the supernatural thriller “Charmed,” which centers on three sisters who come to terms with their supernatural identity and realize they must band together to battle evil.She costarred with Alyssa Milano and Holly Marie Combs as Prue Halliwell, the eldest of the three sisters. She helmed three episodes of the show in 2000 and 2001: “Be Careful What You Witch For,” “The Good, The Bad, and The Cursed,” and “All Hell Breaks Loose,” which was her final appearance. When she departed the show at the conclusion of the third season, her role was eliminated.

Doherty was born in Memphis, Tennessee, but she and her family relocated to Los Angeles when she was young. At the age of ten, she landed a role on the television show “Father Murphy.” At the age of eleven, Michael Landon cast her as Jenny Wilder in “Little House on the Prairie” after noticing her in the series.

After that, Doherty costarred with Wilfred Brimley in a recurrent role on the family series “Our House.”

She starred in several feature films, including the teen classic “Heathers,” “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “Mallrats” directed by Kevin Smith, and “Jay and Silent Bob Strikes Back.”

She made appearances in a number of TV movies in addition to “North Shore” and “Riverdale,” among other shows.

The lead actor in “Beverly Hills 90201” was Shannen Doherty.©Courtesy/Aaron Spelling Prods

She produced the reality show “Breaking Up With Shannen Doherty” in 2006, in which she assisted individuals in dangerous relationships who wished to end their relationship but were unable to do so on their own. She then made an appearance in “Off the Map With Shannen and Holly,” another reality show.

Doherty was given a breast cancer diagnosis in February 2015, and she declared herself to be in remission in 2017. However, the cancer has spread and come back by 2019. She kept on working, landing parts in TV films such as “List of a Lifetime” and “Dying to Belong.” In addition, Doherty was the host of the well-liked podcast “Let’s Be Clear With Shannen Doherty,” where she openly talked about her experiences with breast cancer and her career.

She claimed to have been having radiation treatment in June 2023 for cancer that had progressed to her brain.

She temporarily wed poker player Rick Salomon and Ashley Hamilton, the son of George Hamilton. In 2011, she wed photographer Kurt Iswarienko. In 2023, they filed for divorce.

My Friend Talked Trash about My Daughter, So I Made Her Regret It

My Friend Talked Trash about My Daughter, So I Made Her Regret It

When lifelong friends Eleanor and Lucy clash over a shocking revelation about their children’s secret relationship, their Monday gatherings take a tense turn. As buried insecurities and long-held grudges surface, their bond faces the ultimate test of loyalty and forgiveness.

Each Monday, we gather at my house with my friends of 55 years, finally resting and chatting after babysitting our grandkids. This week, it was just Lucy and me, savoring the peace.

Eleanor and Lucy drink tea | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor and Lucy drink tea | Source: Midjourney

Suddenly, Lucy burst out, “I’m mad as hell! I’ve been trying to introduce my Barney to that nurse for a year. My dear son decided to do everything on his own. Can you imagine, I found this rag at his apartment?!”

I nearly choked on my tea. I knew those clothes! Lucy waved a red silk shirt and a headband.

Eleanor nearly spits her tea out | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor nearly spits her tea out | Source: Midjourney

“Who wears this? A woman of easy virtue? Oh, God, some girl from the streets has ensnared my son!”

I felt dizzy. Those were 100% my daughter’s clothes! That gorgeous red silk shirt and headband were a gift from me.

The red skirt | Source: Midjourney

The red skirt | Source: Midjourney

“She doesn’t deserve my son. Period. And be sure, I’ll get rid of her!” Lucy declared.

While Lucy was plotting her next move, I created my own plan to teach her a lesson for insulting my daughter.

Lucy judges the girl | Source: Midjourney

Lucy judges the girl | Source: Midjourney

“Lucy, maybe there’s an explanation. Barney’s a grown man, after all,” I said.

Lucy huffed. “Explanation? My Barney has poor taste in women, clearly!”

“Don’t you think you’re being harsh? You don’t know her,” I challenged.

Eleanor tries to soften Lucy | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor tries to soften Lucy | Source: Midjourney

“Harsh? Protecting my son isn’t harsh!” she snapped.

“Lucy, you’re jumping to conclusions,” I argued. “You don’t even know who she is.”

“I don’t need to know her! Look at these clothes. They scream trouble,” Lucy insisted.

Lucy doesn't believe Eleanor | Source: Midjourney

Lucy doesn’t believe Eleanor | Source: Midjourney

I took a deep breath. “Lucy, let’s not make hasty judgments. Maybe she’s not what you think.”

Lucy glared at me. “Why are you defending her? You don’t know her either.”

“Because everyone deserves a chance. Even if she’s not what you envisioned for Barney, he must see something in her,” I reasoned.

Eleanor calms Lucy down | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor calms Lucy down | Source: Midjourney

Lucy’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not convinced. But for now, I’ll play along. I’ll talk to Barney.”

I nodded. “That’s all I’m asking. Just keep an open mind.”

Lucy sighed, “Fine, but if she hurts my son, I won’t stand by and watch.”

Lucy remains judgemental | Source: Midjourney

Lucy remains judgemental | Source: Midjourney

“I wouldn’t expect you to,” I replied.

We sat in tense silence, each of us lost in thought. This wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.

Eleanor talks to her daughter | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor talks to her daughter | Source: Midjourney

That evening, after everyone had left, I sat down with my daughter, Emily, in the living room. The warmth of the evening sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow on her face.

“Emily,” I began gently, “can we talk about something?”

She looked up from her book, curiosity in her eyes. “Sure, Mom. What’s up?”

Eleanor timidly asks who is her daughter's partner | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor timidly asks who is her daughter’s partner | Source: Midjourney

I took a deep breath. “I need to ask you about who you’re dating.”

Emily blushed, a shy smile playing on her lips. “Oh, Mom, I didn’t want to say anything yet, but… I’m dating Barney.”

I nodded, trying to keep my voice steady. “Lucy’s son, Barney?”

Emily admits to dating Barney | Source: Midjourney

Emily admits to dating Barney | Source: Midjourney

She nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, he’s wonderful, Mom. We’ve been seeing each other for a few months now.”

I reached over and took her hand. “Emily, you know Lucy is one of my oldest friends. Things got a bit tense today because she didn’t know it was you.”

Eleanor listens to Emily | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor listens to Emily | Source: Midjourney

Emily’s smile faded a little. “I was worried about that. Barney and I weren’t sure how to tell you and Lucy.”

“Well, it’s out in the open now,” I said, squeezing her hand. “I want you to know that I support you, but this might be a bit tricky to navigate.”

Emily and Barney | Source: Midjourney

Emily and Barney | Source: Midjourney

Emily nodded, looking relieved but also a bit apprehensive. “I understand, Mom. I really care about Barney, and I hope you and Lucy can work things out.”

“We’ll find a way,” I assured her. “Just be honest with each other and patient with us. We’ll figure it out together.”

Eleanor hugs Emily | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor hugs Emily | Source: Midjourney

Emily hugged me tightly. “Thank you, Mom. That means a lot.”

As I held her, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of worry and hope. This was just the beginning of a new chapter for all of us.

Hopeful Eleanor | Source: Midjourney

Hopeful Eleanor | Source: Midjourney

The next time Lucy asked about the huge discount from my daughter, who is a dentist and has been treating her teeth for several years, I was ready.

“Eleanor,” Lucy began, “could you please ask your daughter to give me the usual discount for my dental treatment?”

Lucy came to ask for a discount | Source: Midjourney

Lucy came to ask for a discount | Source: Midjourney

I looked her straight in the eye and said, “Well, Lucy, a woman of easy virtue, unfortunately, doesn’t deserve to cure your teeth anymore.”

The room fell silent as my words hung in the air. Lucy’s face turned pale. She finally got it and couldn’t believe it was my daughter she had been talking about. She stammered, trying to find the right words.

Eleanor refuses to provide benefits | Source: Midjourney

Eleanor refuses to provide benefits | Source: Midjourney

“I… I’m so sorry, Eleanor. I didn’t know. I was wrong. Of course, I accept her, and I apologize.”

“Lucy, I hope this teaches you to think before you speak. My daughter is a wonderful person, and she deserves respect.”

Lucy nodded, tears forming in her eyes. “I understand, Eleanor. I’ll never speak ill of her again. Please forgive me.”

I nodded, my heart softening just a bit. “I appreciate that, Lucy. Let’s move forward with kindness and understanding.”

Remorseful Lucy | Source: Midjourney

Remorseful Lucy | Source: Midjourney

And with that, our group resumed our usual chatter, but there was a new sense of respect and caution in the air. Lucy had learned her lesson, and my daughter’s honor was restored.

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