Shannen Doherty celebrated for her iconic performances in television classics like Beverly Hills 90210 and Heathers, has tragically passed away at the age of 53 following her battle with cancer. She was first diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2015.
Despite her notable achievements in the entertainment industry, which also included memorable roles in Charmed and Little House on the Prairie, and having the opportunity to have worked with the best of the best in the industry, there was one wish that remained unfulfilled throughout her life journey and that was motherhood.
Shannen Doherty Desperately Wanted to Be a Mother Amid Cancer Battle
Shannen Doherty held a deep desire to become a mother for a long long time and was actively pursuing this dream just before she received the devastating diagnosis of breast cancer in 2015. In a candid episode of her podcast Let’s Be Clear, the iconic actress revealed that she was in the midst of trying to conceive through IVF during her marriage to Kurt Iswarienko.
Doherty and Iswarienko had shared 11 years together before the actress filed for divorce recently. She explained,
Not only did I want a child for myself, but I wanted it for my husband. I wanted it for our marriage, I wanted him to have that part of himself fulfilled as well,
Despite facing cancer, Doherty did not let it deter her dream of becoming a mother. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, she revealed her plans to pursue adoption. She revealed,
I have looked at adopting, and all sorts of different options. I think I struggle a lot with my cancer diagnosis, and how fair it is (to a child), I’m in treatment, and I’m gonna see if that treatment works, see what’s coming down the pipeline, what clinical trials (are available) and if I feel like I can give a long enough time to a child, then I’ll definitely do it.
After initially entering remission in April 2017 following her 2015 diagnosis, Doherty’s cancer recurred in 2019 as metastatic stage 4. By June 2023, she underwent brain surgery due to its spread, and today, People magazine has confirmed her passing.
Shannen Doherty, Hollywood’s Forever Icon
Shannen Doherty’s career was undeniably iconic. She gained recognition for her portrayal of Brenda Walsh in the legendary series Beverly Hills, 90210. Transitioning effortlessly between genres, Doherty captivated audiences as the powerful witch Prue Halliwell in Charmed.
In addition to her television achievements, she made notable contributions to film, starring alongside actors like Mel Gibson in Hot Seat and Bruce Willis in Fortress. These collaborations not only showcased her acting abilities but also firmly established her as a prominent figure in Hollywood.
By the time of her passing, Shannen Doherty had amassed a net worth of $5 million as per Celebrity Net Worth, besides conquering the film industry she also had a successful podcast. Beyond her professional achievements, she was admired for her resilience and courage in battling cancer, a journey she shared openly with her fans.
Her ability to deeply connect with audiences through her performances and her bravery in facing personal challenges made her a beloved celebrity who will be cherished by many forever.
