ACTRESS Shannen Doherty, best known for her role in teen drama Beverly Hills 90210, has passed away at the age of 53. The star's publicist confirmed the news in a statement to People magazine on Sunday. "It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty," Leslie Sloane told the publication .

"On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease." Doherty was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and revealed two years later that she was in remission. However, she confirmed in February 2020 that her cancer had returned and was by then stage 4.

Born Shannen Maria Doherty on April 12, 1971 in Memphis, Tennessee, Doherty began acting at the age of 10. She had a recurring role as Jenny Wilder on popular drama Little House on the Prairie and starred as Wilford Brimley's granddaughter in the TV series, Our House. Early film roles included Ron Howard's Night Shift in 1982 and Girls Just Want to Have Fun in 1985, alongside Helen Hunt.

However, she came to prominence in 1989's dark comedy Heathers, which also featured Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. Later film roles included Kevin Smith's 1995 cult comedy Mallrats and 2021's Fortress, alongside Bruce Willis. Arguably Doherty's most recognisable role was as Brenda Walsh in Beverly Hills 90210, in which she played a teen adjusting to a new life in California after moving with her family from Minnesota.

A global hit, Doherty starred in the show's first four sea.