The world mourns the loss of actress Shannen Doherty, who passed away at the age of 53 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Her publicist, Leslie Sloane, confirmed the heartbreaking news in an exclusive statement to PEOPLE on July 14, revealing that Shannen had succumbed to the disease on July 13.
Shannen Doherty was beloved for her role in the iconic TV show Beverly Hills 90210. However, she became equally admired for her unwavering spirit and determination in the face of a Stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis in 2015. Over the years, she candidly shared her journey, inspiring countless others with her strength and resolve.
In November 2023, Shannen bravely opened up to PEOPLE about her fight against breast cancer, which had spread to her bones. She made it clear that she wasn’t ready to give up on life.
“I’m not done with living. I’m not done with loving. I’m not done with creating. I’m not done with hopefully changing things for the better,” she expressed. Shannen’s words resonated deeply, showing us all the power of a fighting spirit.
After her initial diagnosis, Shannen Doherty went into remission in April 2017, providing a glimmer of hope. However, the cancer returned in 2019, leading to a devastating diagnosis of metastatic stage 4 cancer the following year. In June 2023, she shared the heartbreaking news that the cancer had spread to her brain, requiring surgery.
Shannen faced every hurdle with immense courage and authenticity, even naming the brain tumor “Bob.” She opened up about the fear she experienced but remained resolute in her determination to keep working and embracing life. She wanted the world to know that people living with terminal cancer are not defined by their illness. They are still vibrant individuals with dreams, aspirations, and contributions to make.
Serving as an inspiration to many, Shannen Doherty focused on raising awareness and funds for cancer research, recognizing the greater purpose in life. She believed that asking “Why me?” and grappling with the realities of the disease could lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of life’s value.
These sentiments mirrored her candidness during a 2020 interview with Amy Robach on Good Morning America. In that interview, Shannen questioned why she deserved to go through the challenges she faced. She concluded that none of us deserve this, highlighting the unpredictability and indiscriminate nature of cancer.
Shannen Doherty will forever be remembered as not only an accomplished actress but also as a symbol of strength, resilience, and grace. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire others to keep fighting, cherishing each precious moment of life. May her spirit live on as a beacon of hope for all those affected by cancer.
