After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, Shannen Doherty, who was well-known for her performances on the immensely successful programs “Beverly Hills, 90210” and the witchcraft fantasy “Charmed,” passed away. 53 was her age.
Publicist Leslie Sloane issued a statement on behalf of actress Shannen Doherty, saying, “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress, Shannen Doherty.” After battling illness for many years, she lost her struggle on Saturday, July 13. With her dog, Bowie, at her side, the loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend was surrounded by those she loved. In order for the family to grieve in peace, they kindly request privacy at this time.
In 1990, Doherty became well-known as the youthful brunette Brenda Walsh on the Fox sitcom “Beverly Hills, 90210.” The Walshes, who had recently moved from Minnesota to Beverly Hills with her twin brother Brandon (Jason Priestly), were the quintessential out-of-place family, always in awe of the antics of the L.A. rich kids.
The storyline in the first season where Brenda contemplates losing her virginity caused controversy because of the romance between Brenda and Dylan, played by Luke Perry. It was also widely reported when Dylan and Jennie Garth’s character Kelly broke up, and the show was hailed for being the first to tackle sensitive subjects like racism and drug misuse.
The program was a huge smash, and along with its popularity, the cast—including the teenage Doherty—came under intense scrutiny and rumors. Even though Kelly, played by Garth, was first seen as the less likeable character on the program, Brenda quickly gained popularity and became the cast member that everyone loved to despise. The media referred to her as a diva, and there was even a newsletter published before the internet called “I Hate Brenda.” Before departing the show at the conclusion of season four, Doherty made 111 appearances. There were rumors that she had issues with other cast members, especially Garth.
Everyone had matured by the time the program was revived twice more, and Doherty reappeared as Brenda in the 2008 revival of “90210” and the 2019 reincarnation of “BH90210.”
Following her turbulent exit from “Beverly Hills, 90210,” Doherty established herself in the supernatural thriller “Charmed,” which centers on three sisters who come to terms with their supernatural identity and realize they must band together to battle evil.She costarred with Alyssa Milano and Holly Marie Combs as Prue Halliwell, the eldest of the three sisters. She helmed three episodes of the show in 2000 and 2001: “Be Careful What You Witch For,” “The Good, The Bad, and The Cursed,” and “All Hell Breaks Loose,” which was her final appearance. When she departed the show at the conclusion of the third season, her role was eliminated.
Doherty was born in Memphis, Tennessee, but she and her family relocated to Los Angeles when she was young. At the age of ten, she landed a role on the television show “Father Murphy.” At the age of eleven, Michael Landon cast her as Jenny Wilder in “Little House on the Prairie” after noticing her in the series.
After that, Doherty costarred with Wilfred Brimley in a recurrent role on the family series “Our House.”
She starred in several feature films, including the teen classic “Heathers,” “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “Mallrats” directed by Kevin Smith, and “Jay and Silent Bob Strikes Back.”
She made appearances in a number of TV movies in addition to “North Shore” and “Riverdale,” among other shows.
She produced the reality show “Breaking Up With Shannen Doherty” in 2006, in which she assisted individuals in dangerous relationships who wished to end their relationship but were unable to do so on their own. She then made an appearance in “Off the Map With Shannen and Holly,” another reality show.
Doherty was given a breast cancer diagnosis in February 2015, and she declared herself to be in remission in 2017. However, the cancer has spread and come back by 2019. She kept on working, landing parts in TV films such as “List of a Lifetime” and “Dying to Belong.” In addition, Doherty was the host of the well-liked podcast “Let’s Be Clear With Shannen Doherty,” where she openly talked about her experiences with breast cancer and her career.
She claimed to have been having radiation treatment in June 2023 for cancer that had progressed to her brain.
She temporarily wed poker player Rick Salomon and Ashley Hamilton, the son of George Hamilton. In 2011, she wed photographer Kurt Iswarienko. In 2023, they filed for divorce.
I Took My Grandchildren to Disney World and Now My Dil Is Mad at Me
When my son, Ethan, set up this account for me and insisted I share my recent dilemma, I was skeptical. According to him, my understanding of what’s normal and acceptable has always been a bit off-kilter.
He was convinced that once my story hit the internet, a wave of virtual finger-wagging would set me straight. So here I am, recounting the tale that led to my current status as the family pariah, all because I took my grandkids to Disney World.
A grandmother greeting her grandson | Source: Getty Images
Ethan and his wife, Sarah, had been planning to attend a friend’s wedding in Mexico. It was supposed to be a chance for them to unwind without their kids. While they were away, they wanted me to babysit their children, Lily, 5, and Jack, 4, for what would be a stretch of four nights and five days. Initially, I laughed at the idea.
Not only did it seem like a marathon of caregiving, but Sarah had previously made it clear that her family took precedence over ours. The notion didn’t sit well with me, and I found it particularly irksome that they would ask me, despite her mother being the apparent go-to for such favors.
Two siblings playing together | Source: Getty Images
However, Ethan’s emotional plea swayed me. He argued that it was a rare opportunity for them, a plea that tugged at my heartstrings, even as a voice in the back of my mind accused them of manipulation. I was supposed to be there for the kids whenever they wanted, apparently. But, I agreed.
During their absence, an invitation to a birthday party at Disney World came my way. It seemed like a splendid opportunity to do something special with the grandkids, and it honestly didn’t cross my mind to consult Ethan and Sarah. I thought, since I was the one looking after them at the moment, I could take them wherever I wanted, within reason, of course.
A grandmother with her grandson | Source: Getty Images
In my defense, Sarah often talked about taking the kids to Disney “some day,” but it always seemed like one of those far-off dreams, not an imminent plan. It was the Magic Kingdom. I had to take the kids. Seeing how Sarah’s plan to take them was probably years away, I knew I had to show them around the place. And what better time than while their parents were away?
The trip wasn’t too bad and we had a great time. I honestly felt like I was truly bonding with the kids. They tried almost every ride they could go on, we took photos with every costumed hero and princess, and they had bucketloads of treats. It truly was a magical time.
Upon their return, I was blindsided by Sarah’s reaction. The news that I had taken Lily and Jack to Disney was met with tears and accusations. She was devastated, claiming I had robbed her of a milestone — witnessing their first Disney experience. Her words stung, branding me as entitled, which only poured salt on the wound given her past demands for childcare.
A girl and her grandmother at Disney World | Source: Getty Images
Ethan, ever the mediator, asked me to apologize, to mend fences over what he deemed a significant oversight on my part. But I couldn’t bring myself to do it. The bitterness of being labeled as entitled, coupled with their disregard for my initial reluctance, hardened my resolve. I saw no reason to apologize for enjoying a day out with my grandchildren, especially when the decision to babysit had been a concession on my part.
The fallout was immediate. Ethan insisted that an apology was necessary, not just for the sake of peace, but because Sarah felt robbed of a precious moment. To them, my actions were thoughtless, a blunder that eclipsed the joy of the birthday celebration. But to me, it highlighted a deeper issue, a lack of appreciation and respect for my boundaries.
An angry woman | Source: Getty Images
Our standoff has since grown into a chasm, with Ethan hoping that sharing this story would enlighten me to my supposed misstep. Yet, as I lay all this out, I find myself grappling with the complexity of family dynamics, the expectations we place on each other, and the weight of decisions made with the best intentions.
I can’t help but wonder if the issue at hand is not just about a trip to Disney, but something more. Perhaps it’s about understanding, communication, and the unforeseen impact of our actions on those we love. Or maybe it’s about the boundaries we draw and the spaces we navigate as family, where the lines between right and wrong blur in the face of love and responsibility.
An older woman fighting with her son | Source: Getty Images
As I share this tale, I realize that my son’s prediction might come true. The court of public opinion may indeed find me at fault. But more than seeking others who would tell me that I wasn’t in the wrong, I find myself reflecting on the intricacies of human relationships, the mistakes we make, and the lessons we learn along the way.
I realize that I could have let the parents know that I was taking their kids to Disneyland. I see how I robbed them and their mom of a bonding experience, but I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to get closer to my grandkids. Maybe this will blow over, but in the meantime, I have to reflect on my actions.
A woman asking advice online | Source: Getty Images
In the end, maybe Ethan is right. Perhaps the internet will deem me the villain of this story. But as I think about the events that unfolded, I can’t help but hope for a resolution that bridges the gap between us, one that acknowledges the complexity of our feelings and fosters a deeper understanding among us. I seriously hope my son, his wife, and I can overcome this. But in the meantime I really want to know: Do you think I was wrong?
Here’s another story about a grandmother who was given strict rules when babysitting her grandkids.
My DIL Handed Me a Humiliating List of Rules for My Grandkids, So I Taught Her a Lesson
I’m a doting grandmother. I love spending time with my grandkids. Even before I became a mom, I couldn’t wait to be a grandmother!
But then this happened, and things took an unexpected turn.
My son, Michael, his wife, Linda, and their three children live about thirty minutes away from me. Michael is constantly popping by with the kids on Sunday afternoons. Ice cream and pool time at Grandma’s has become a norm.
Three children looking at a tablet | Source: Pexels
Recently, Michael and Linda asked me to babysit the kids for a weekend while they visit Linda’s ill mother. It made sense because I knew that Linda’s mother was battling cancer, and the thought of having my three grandkids run around her home just made me anxious for her part. She needed peace and time to recover from her chemotherapy — Michael told me that she recently started it.
Anyway, it seemed like a simple request, right?
I agree.
Chemotherapy IV bags | Source: Pixabay
That was until Linda came over two days before they were scheduled to leave for their visit. She popped in during her lunch break to hand me a list of rules.
“These are important to Mike and me,” Linda said, leaving the envelope with the instructions on the table.
Rules to look after my grandchildren?
At first, I wasn’t angry because I knew all parents do things differently. But as I sat down with a cup of tea and read through them, I was utterly stunned.
Person opening an envelope | Source: Pexels
The first rule was a real kicker — no touching their fridge for myself. The refrigerator was off-limits for me, and I was instructed to take my own food.
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