Tributes pour in for late actress Shannen Doherty
Shannen sadly died of cancer on 13th July 2024
Last updated 15th Jul 2024
Shannen Doherty, star of 90s hit TV shows Beverly Hills 90210 and Charmed, sadly died at the age of 53 on 13th July 2024. Following a statement confirming the tragic news, tributes have been pouring in for the star, who sadly lost her battle with cancer.
In a statement released by People magazine, Shannen's publicist Leslie Sloane said: "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 fighting the disease. 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."
Shannen had been battling breast cancer since she was first diagnosed with the disease in 2015. Since December 2016, Doherty had been receiving chemotherapy for the condition, and described the experience as "frightening".
Tributes paid to Shannen Doherty
Some of Shannen's 90210 co-stars have paid tribute including Jennie Garth who played Kelly Taylor: '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 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 and all the people who loved her. 💔'
Jason Priestly, who played Brandon, the twin to Brenda, wrote: "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.."
Brian Austin Green and Tori Spelling both paid tribute on Instagram stories, with Brian writing: 'Shan. My sister. You loved me through everything. 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' and Tori writing: 'I don't have outward words yet, but WE knew and that's what matters.'
Shannen's Charmed co-stars also paid tribute, with Bryan Krause who played Leo writing: 'You showed me what strength is. You taught me to be fearless and live with purpose. To know your value and stick to your determinations. Forever loved! Truly heartbroken 😔'.
Alyssa Milano, who played Phoebe, acknowledged her 'complicated' relationship with Shannen in a statement to Entertainment Weekly: '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. She was a talented actress, beloved by many, and the world is less without her. My condolences to all who loved her.'
As well as her breast cancer, she revealed that she had a brain tumour removed last year in an attempt to halt the spread of her disease. However, last year she announced that her cancer has spread to other parts of her body, including her bones.
Doherty's acting career first began in 1989 when she played the role of Heather Duke in the teen comedy film Heathers.
But it was not until 1990 when she took on the role of Brenda in Beverly Hills 90210 that her career began to take off.
Doherty received praise across her time on the show for her portrayal of Brenda, who was a student who had moved from Minnesota to Los Angeles, and struggled to adapt to the new lifestyle. She then reprised her role when the show was rebooted in 2008.
In memoriam: Celebrities who have passed away in 2024
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Derek Draper
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She wrote on Instagram: 'I'm sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away. As some of you may know he has been critically ill following a cardiac arrest in early December which, because of the damage inflicted by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications. Derek was surrounded by his family in his final days and I was by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours and when he passed. I have so much more to say, and of course I will do so in due course, but for now I just want to thank all the medical teams who fought so hard to save him and to make his final moments as comfortable and dignified as possible. Sending so much love and thanks to all of you who have so generously given our family so much support. Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life.' (sic)
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Roberta Taylor
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Dame Maggie Smith
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Geoff Capes
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Quincy Jones
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Trevor Sorbie
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Timothy West
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John Prescott
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