'Beverly Hills, 90210' and 'Charmed' star Shannen Doherty died on Saturday, July 13. She was 53.
Shannen Doherty is being remembered for her career, life and friendship. On Sunday, ET confirmed that the Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed alum died at the age of 53 following a years-long battle with cancer.
"It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress, Shannen Doherty," the actress's longtime publicist, Leslie Sloane, told ET in a statement. "On Saturday, July 13th she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease."
The statement continued, "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."
Doherty's life was celebrated by her Let's Be Clear podcast account, where she spoke candidly and publicly about the good, bad and ugly of her life and cancer battle.
"Shannen, thank you for sharing so many beautiful memories on your podcast. What a wonderful gift you left your fans. We are sending so much love to your friends and family, you are loved and you are missed. Forever #TheShando ❤️ Love Always, your Let’s Be Clear family," the post accompanied by a throwback photo of the actress read.
The late actress was remembered by her Beverly Hills, 90120 co-stars and longtime friends in a series of tributes.
Jason Priestley, who played her twin brother, Brandon Walsh, reacted to the news with a classic shot of their characters.
"Shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of my friend Shannen. She was a force of nature and I will miss her. Sending love and light to her family in this dark time," he wrote.
90210 co-star Jennie Garth went on her I Choose Me podcast on July 18 with in-house therapist, Adele House, to grieve Doherty's death. After opening up about how she heard the news and that her phone was blowing up when news of Doherty's death spread, Garth eulogized her former co-star as one of the strongest women she had ever met.
"The whole world definitely feels the loss, I think, whether you were a fan of the show or one of her other shows, or you were a fan of the way she was addressing her battle publicly and helping a lot of people through their own struggles," said Garth, whose episode of the podcast dropped five days after Doherty's death. "There was a lot of people who looked up to Shannen, and I was one of them."
Carol Potter, who played Cindy Walsh and Doherty's TV mom on 90210, also paid tribute to Doherty for her fierce bravery.
"I was sorry not to have connected with Shannon as an adult -- we missed each other on the reboot," Potter shared in an Instagram post. "She lived life on her own terms, which occasionally mystified those around her. I was especially impressed with the frankness and transparency with which she talked about cancer and her possible death. She faced it squarely and unsentimentally, which can be an inspiration and example for all of us."
Gabrielle Carteris' message mentioned their late Beverly Hills, 90120 co-star, Luke Perry, who played Doherty's love interest, Dylan McKay. He died in 2019 after suffering a stroke. He was 52.
"So young - so sad. May you RIP Shannon. I know Luke is there with open arms to love you," she wrote.
Brian Austin Green penned a tribute via his Instagram Story.
"Shan. My sister...You loved me through everything," he wrote. "You were a big part of my understanding of love. I'll miss you more than I know how to process right now. Thank you for the gift of you."
Jennie Garth -- who co-starred alongside Doherty on Beverly Hills, 90120 -- penned an emotional tribute to her late friend on Instagram.
"I am still processing my tremendous grief over the loss of my long time friend Shannen, the woman I have often described as one of the strongest people I have ever known. Our connection was real and honest. We were so often pitted against each other but none of that reflected the truth of our real relationship which was one built on mutual respect and admiration," she wrote. "She was courageous, passionate, determined and very loving and generous. I will miss her and will always honor her deeply in my heart and in my memories. My heart breaks for her family and Bowie 💔."
Tori Spelling, who played Donna Martin on Beverly Hills, 90120, paid tribute to Doherty on her Instagram Stories.
Spelling later posted a lengthy message to her late co-star in an Instagram post.
"F**k them… is what Shan would say if I told her I felt pressure to have to summarize via social media a 36 year relationship and the grief I feel for a fire who’s flame went out too soon," she wrote. "I was 15 when Shan and I met. I was the boss’s daughter with no voice and she was the star with a big voice. She took me under her wing. She gave me the belief I had a voice and was worthy. We became fast best friends."
"We were each others wing women, true confidantes, support systems navigating bad relationships, roomates of sorts at times, travel buddies, and so much more. She always stuck up for me. Always had my back. Always believed in me when I didn’t or couldn’t believe in myself. We were young. We let a lot of outside and inside influences influence our friendship. In a world where we often don’t get to make up with the childhood friendships that formed so much of the adult you become, we got that chance. I’m grateful @theshando and I got to go back in time as adult friends and remember why we truly loved each other to begin with. To reminisce. And, to iconically laugh again like we used to. No one could make me laugh like that. Core laughs!"
"She was a rebel in an era when most women didn’t feel comfortable being strong. She never tried she just was. She empowered sexiness, strength, 2 fucks given, empathy, and all topped off with wicked humor! Her sardonic humor was one of my faves. And, no one made a frito pie like Shan!" Spelling concluded. "Shan… I’ll carry the torch on. Take on my power! And, I’ll stay rebellious for you. Love you with all my heart. Always. 🖤💔."
Doherty's storied career also included her role as Prue Halliwell on Charmed. In a statement to ET, her co-star, Alyssa Milano, reflected on their up-and-down relationship.
"It's no secret that Shannen and I had a complicated relationship, but at its core, was someone I deeply respected and was in awe of," Milano said. "She was a talented actress, beloved by many and the world is less without her. My condolences to all who loved her."
Rose McGowan, who also starred on the series, remembered her longtime friend with a touching tribute and video montage.
"Shannen Doherty had the heart of a lion. Passion for craft is often mislabeled as trouble. Shannen was passion. I met her in the 90s and was awed. Getting to really know her later in life, a beautiful gift," she wrote. "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."
She continued: "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. Rest now warrior, we will never forget you dear sister 🎭 #shannendoherty #charmed #warrior #brave #infinity."
And Charmed star Holly Marie Combs also paid tribute to her "better half of 31 years" in an emotional message.
"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 exactly what you would tell me to do right now," she wrote. "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. They will be truthful and stand up for what is right. No matter what and zero fucks given."
"Your fire will live on in them and the many other Charmed ones you helped raise. A fierce fighter til the end. My most ardent champion. My loyal protector. My best friend. You taught me the meaning of family. You were and will be forevermore my sister. I love you."
For more tributes, scroll below.
RELATED CONTENT:
