Additional Coverage:
- ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ Stars Remember the Late Shannen Doherty With Tributes: Jason Priestley, More (newsbreak.com)
Several members of the “Beverly Hills, 90210” cast have come forward to express their condolences following the death of their former co-star, Shannen Doherty. Jason Priestley shared his feelings on Instagram, stating he was “shocked and saddened” by her passing, describing Doherty as a “force of nature” he will sorely miss.
Shannen Doherty passed away at the age of 53 after a long battle with cancer, as confirmed by her publicist Leslie Sloane to Us Weekly. The actress, who was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer in 2015, succumbed to the disease surrounded by her loved ones and her dog, Bowie, on Saturday, July 13. Her family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
Doherty publicly shared her diagnosis in 2017, years after a period of remission but later revealed the cancer had spread to her bones. In a poignant expression of her will to live, she told People magazine in November 2023, “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.”
Throughout her ordeal, Doherty received considerable support from her friends and co-stars. She portrayed Brenda Walsh on the Fox drama for four seasons, a role that included her being the twin sister to Priestley’s character, Brandon. Her onscreen love interest, Luke Perry, passed away in 2019 after a stroke.
Cast members like Carol Potter and Gabrielle Carteris also shared their tributes on social media. Potter, who played Brenda’s mother, Cindy Walsh, described Doherty’s journey as remarkable and one that demonstrated courage and perseverance. Carteris expressed sadness over Doherty’s early passing, noting her openness about her cancer journey which helped many others.
Brian Austin Green and Matthew Laurance shared their personal memories, highlighting their deep and affectionate bonds with Doherty. Green, especially, shared a heartfelt message about the role Doherty played in his life, emphasizing how she helped shape his understanding of love.
As tributes continue to pour in, these reflections not only commemorate her significant contribution to entertainment but also her courageous battle against a devastating illness.