TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR SHANNEN

Friends and co-stars share their grief following the death of actress Shannen Doherty, who has lost her nine-year battle with cancer

- SARAH MORTON

American actress Shannen Doherty lost her brave battle with cancer earlier this month but, as tributes from friends and co-stars alike testified, her legacy will live on. The film and TV actress passed away on 13 July at the age of 53, leaving behind family, many close friends and millions of fans across the globe.

In an emotional statement, her longtime publicist announced the news, saying, “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. 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.”

Remembered fondly for playing Brenda Walsh in 90s show Beverly Hills, 90210, Shannen found a new legion of admirers in the early noughties, thanks to the supernatural drama Charmed. She began acting as a child, working on shows such as Little House On The Prairie, before moving into movies in the late 80s, most notably in the black comedy Heathers. Later she reprised her role in BH90210, and in 2021 starred in the movie Fortress.

Shannen’s battle with breast cancer began in 2015, when she was first diagnosed. After two years of treatment she went into remission, but in 2020 she announced the cancer had returned a year earlier and had advanced to Stage 4.

“I don’t think I’ve processed it,” she said at the time. “It’s a bitter pill to swallow in a lot of ways.”

Three years later, the disease had spread to her brain and her bones, and she revealed it was terminal. Her health took a significant downturn earlier this month and last week, following her passing, her longtime doctor, Lawrence D Piro, revealed her final moments were “beautiful and loving”.