I cannot form an opinion in the first person as I am just a text-generating AI and do not have personal experiences or emotions. However, I can certainly highlight the poignant and tragic aspects of Shannen Doherty‘s life story.
In the gaming world, I was once immersed in the captivating storyline of a beloved 90s TV star named Shannen Doherty. At just 53 years old, she left us all too soon in July 2024 due to her courageous battle against cancer. I fondly remember her as a key cast member on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” a show that had everyone hooked and made her a household name. Her career seemed destined for greatness within the glamorous Hollywood scene, but fate had other plans.
Despite being labeled as a typical Hollywood troublemaker who allegedly caused her own downfall with self-destructive behaviors, Doherty’s background was filled with unfortunate experiences and hardships that began early in her acting career. The challenges she faced as a young star would have been overwhelming for anyone, including public relationship turmoil, feuds on set, and personal battles with cancer, culminating in her untimely death. This is the sad and moving tale of Doherty’s life.
She became known as Hollywood’s bad girl
Back in the ’90s, during my peak fame from “Beverly Hills, 90210,” I gained a notorious reputation for being a wild party girl and having a sharp tongue. Looking back, I can trace it all back to when I was only 18 and living with an older boyfriend. I admit, I got carried away with the drinking. And while I gave cocaine a try, it wasn’t really my thing. It was more about the lifestyle that appealed to me. Every night out, I was clubbing and getting drunk. It was a dangerous scene, one I wish I could go back and change.
I went through a destructive six-month cycle in my relationship, as per Doherty’s account. My boyfriend kept lying about his age, telling me he was 28 while being well into his 30s. One day, he lost control and slapped me. That incident was the straw that broke the camel’s back, and I knew it was time to leave. I went back to my parents’ place but found myself getting into trouble in the years that followed. I was arrested for a DUI when I was young, which was a major wake-up call for me. Reflecting on that experience during an interview on The Today Show, I called it the most humiliating, embarrassing, and shameful moment of my life.
Doherty got into a few bar fights
Shannen Doherty’s DUI arrest in 2001 wasn’t her initial encounter with legal issues. The first incident happened in 1992 at a Los Angeles nightclub, where she got into an altercation with actress Bonita Money. The dispute arose when Doherty’s date, Brian Austin Green (also from “Beverly Hills, 90210”), stepped on the toes of Money’s boyfriend. During the scuffle, both women were charged with misdemeanor battery. According to Green, Doherty was not at fault and was merely labeled as the instigator. “Shannen didn’t do anything wrong,” he told Entertainment Weekly. “The other person initiated it all.”
Five years after the initial incident, Doherty got arrested and faced charges for an altercation at a West Hollywood bar. Reportedly, he shattered a beer bottle on another man’s car window. As stated by Deputy District Attorney Ellen Aragon to the Los Angeles Times, the victim appeared to be a stranger to her. There is uncertainty if they exchanged words or if she mistook him for someone else; in any case, she pursued him outside and damaged his vehicle with the beer bottle. Doherty reached an agreement that allowed him to plead no contest to vandalism charges, while the harsher accusation of assault with a deadly weapon was dismissed.
Dean Factor filed for a restraining order against her
Around the early 1990s, Shannen Doherty had a brief romance with Dean Factor, who is now a prosperous entrepreneur, having founded Smashbox Beauty Cosmetics – an offshoot of Max Factor Cosmetics. However, their engagement didn’t last long; they parted ways in 1993 amidst acrimony. Reports suggest that Factor applied for a restraining order due to concerns over his safety. He claimed Doherty had been abusive and had issued threats against him.
In a petition to the Superior Court of California (on behalf of People), Factor described how Doherty had made menacing threats against him, threatening to shoot him and run him over with her car. The petition read: “I grew tired of the verbal abuse and sought refuge in our bathroom. At this point, she brandished a gun and declared, ‘I’m going to kill you!’ I was aware that she possessed a loaded 9-mm handgun…. I distinctly heard the weapon being prepared; at that instant, I quickly exited the house via a back door adjoining the bathroom and managed to flee.” Fortunately, the situation resolved itself before the court’s intervention as Factor and Doherty came to an understanding following the filing of the petition.
Doherty’s colleagues found her difficult to work with
Starting with her debut role in “Beverly Hills, 90210,” Shannen Doherty gained a notoriety for being challenging to collaborate with. According to Star, the show’s creator, Doherty was described as a “headache” during an interview at the Television Academy. Meanwhile, executive producer Charles Rosin shared with Entertainment Weekly that her tardiness was alarming and she displayed an insensitive demeanor and disregard. Doherty’s conflicts with castmates were also well-documented, most notably her longstanding feud with Jennie Garth, which escalated into physical altercations on multiple occasions. The majority of the cast reportedly welcomed Doherty’s departure in 1994 as she was an actor that many disliked working alongside.
Shannen Doherty doesn’t see herself as a problematic figure on set but rather someone who stood up for herself and made sure her voice was heard. In an interview with Rolling Stone, she acknowledged being labeled “difficult” if that means being a strong woman who speaks out. She is receptive to new ideas, but if someone crosses her and fails to respect her equally to how they would a man, there will be issues. The relationship between Shannen Doherty and Jennie Garth on the set of “Beverly Hills, 90210” was undeniably contentious.
Her marriage to Ashley Hamilton lasted less than a year
I used to be in a serious commitment with Dean Factor, but unfortunately, we didn’t make it down the aisle before calling it quits. But you know what they say, every ending is just a new beginning. My first walk down the aisle was actually with American actor and musician Ashley Hamilton back in 1993. We had only been dating for a short while when we tied the knot. I was just 22 years old at the time, while he was even younger at 18. The quickie wedding had everyone on set of “Beverly Hills, 90210” placing bets on how long our marriage would last, with some even predicting it wouldn’t make it past the ten-week mark.
On September 24, 1993, Doherty’s wedding took place in her garden. A short while later, they jetted off to New York for Doherty to host “Saturday Night Live.” However, their marriage endured for only five months. In a 2024 podcast episode of “Let’s Be Clear,” Doherty revealed that Hamilton struggled with drug addiction and she spent most of her time trying to keep him from obtaining more. Doherty initiated divorce proceedings in April 1994, attributing the split to irreconcilable differences. Her dismissal from “Beverly Hills, 90210” preceded this action.
Doherty was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 1999
Shannen Doherty’s acting career was hindered not only by her controversial off-camera actions and challenging on-set behavior, but also by personal health issues. The actor publicly disclosed that she has been dealing with Crohn’s disease since 1999, which significantly impacted her life and self-confidence. In an interview with Star Magazine (as reported in More), Doherty shared her experiences, stating: “It can be quite disruptive. There’s nothing glamorous about constantly having to excuse yourself to use the restroom.”
As a fan who has researched about health conditions, I’ve learned that Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affecting me and many others. It makes my digestive tract inflamed and agitated, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, frequent diarrhea, unexpected weight loss, and rectal bleeding. This condition is incurable and remains with us for our entire lives. While treatments exist to help manage the symptoms, allowing some individuals to live relatively normal lives, others may experience long periods of remission only to have unpredictable flare-ups.
She lied about her Charmed exit
After being let go from “Beverly Hills, 90210,” Shannen Doherty struggled to find new acting opportunities. Her role in the flop comedy film “Mallrats” with Kevin Smith left her feeling that her movie career was over. Following this setback, she primarily appeared in television movies. Then, she joined the cast of “Charmed,” where she played Prue Halliwwell, the eldest of three witch sisters. Prue’s character was killed off during season three, ending Doherty’s tenure on the hit show. It wasn’t just a storyline choice that led to her departure from the series.
Why did Shannen Doherty actually depart from “Charmed”? Reports indicate that the producers made the decision to let go of Doherty due to her tumultuous relationship with fellow actress Alyssa Milano. The situation escalated to the point where Milano supposedly asked the show’s creators to dismiss either herself or Doherty. However, the narrative of Doherty voluntarily leaving was propagated by her representatives. In an interview on her podcast (as reported in Variety), Doherty admitted, “My agents told me at the time, ‘No, no, no, your career won’t last another termination, so we’ll just say that you decided to leave.’ I remember thinking, ‘Who would believe that I’d voluntarily leave a successful show?'”
Doherty’s marriage to Rick Salomon was doomed to fail
Shannen Doherty’s second wedding was to Rick Salomon, a well-known poker player who gained notoriety for his scandalous sex tape with Paris Hilton. They exchanged vows in 2002 but the marriage didn’t last long – just nine months. Eventually, they opted for an annulment. Doherty expressed her feelings about her past relationship choices to Details magazine (as reported by People). “I was deeply in love,” she admitted. “It was a painful marriage. When it ended, it was a devastating experience.”
In an episode of the “Let’s Be Clear” podcast, Doherty and Salomon talked about their short-lived marriage and why it ended so suddenly. Their romance blossomed during a car ride conversation, leading them to get married in Las Vegas with no guests present. Doherty later revealed that Salomon struggled with drug addiction, which affected their relationship. Likewise, Salomon has experienced failed marriages to Elizabeth Daily and Pamela Anderson.
She did Dancing with the Stars to make her dad proud
In 2010, Shannen Doherty participated in “Dancing with the Stars,” dancing with prior champion Mark Ballas as her partner. Unfortunately, they were the first pair to be eliminated from the show (a decision that was disputed by some Reddit users). Nevertheless, Doherty viewed this experience as a success because it enabled her father, who had experienced a stroke the year before and could no longer speak, to witness her perform.
In an interview with Us Weekly, I shared how profound it was to have my dad present during my “Dancing with the Stars” performances. After one show, I expressed that it went beyond being emotional, it was awe-inspiring. Having him there in person allowed us to make eye contact throughout my dance routine, and seeing his pride and love on his face left me feeling overwhelmed. He’s vowed to attend every Monday night, and having him there tonight brought great joy to both of us.
Tragically, Doherty’s father passed away in November 2010. He was a significant figure in her life, and his absence was deeply felt on what would have been his birthday in 2023. She expressed her longing for him on Instagram, writing “I miss him every day.” This year has been particularly challenging for her, and she wishes he were still around to offer support and guidance. He had always provided the strength she needed to face challenges head-on.
Doherty was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015
In March 2015, Shannen Doherty experienced one of her most unfortunate incidents when she received a breast cancer diagnosis. To add to her misery, the cancer had already advanced and affected her lymph nodes. Later on, she revealed that her employer had neglected to make timely health insurance premium payments. As a result, she was unable to receive regular check-ups and screenings, allowing the cancer to progress undetected for an extended period.
If cancer cells were discovered in Doherty’s lymph nodes, it signaled that a rigorous treatment approach was essential. In response, the actor underwent a mastectomy coupled with radiotherapy and chemotherapy during 2017, resulting in her achieving remission. Regrettably, cancer resurfaced in 2019, manifesting as stage four breast cancer – a more advanced phase than before. By 2023, the cancer had progressed further, affecting her brain; she bravely disclosed this news in an emotional Instagram post.
Her house burned down in 2018
In late 2018, Shannen Doherty experienced an unexpected hardship as her home was ravaged by the devastating Woolsey Fire. The National Park Service reported that this fire, which swept through the Santa Monica region, consumed approximately 100,000 acres over a two-week period. Thousands of structures were left damaged or obliterated during the wildfire’s rampage, among them the residences of notables such as Miley Cyrus and Gerard Butler.
Doherty expressed her sadness on Instagram: “I’m heartbroken over the recent turn of events. My home was destroyed, and State Farm refused to provide a fair compensation. In court, a jury sided with my lawyers, determining that State Farm had unjustly underpaid. As a result, I was granted $6.3 million to cover damages, legal fees, and emotional distress.”
She wasn’t able to start the family she always wanted
Shannen Doherty expressed her desire to have children before her cancer diagnosis in an interview with PR in 2012. At the time, she was happily married but hadn’t started a family yet. However, undergoing treatment after her first cancer diagnosis prevented her from getting pregnant. In an interview with Health, she shared that the hormone therapy she received caused menopause instantly and she was reluctant to take estrogen due to the potential risk of cancer recurrence.
Doherty, along with her husband at the time, were able to adopt or use a surrogate mother despite her cancer diagnosis. In the same interview, she shared her desire to be cancer-free before starting a family. However, there was a sense of apprehension as she questioned her own mortality. “I’ve always wanted a child,” she stated. “But perhaps I’m meant to nurture in another capacity. Am I going to make it five years? Ten years? I wouldn’t want my ten-year-old to bury their mother.”
A third marriage didn’t last
In 2011, Shannen Doherty exchanged vows for the third time with photographer Kurt Iswarienko. During an interview with PR, Doherty shared how they first crossed paths. She recounted that while shooting a magazine cover, she requested Iswarienko after being captivated by his past work. Their professional encounter took place two months later, and from the moment they met, they felt an instant connection and believed the timing was perfect. Doherty described their relationship development as: “It was an immediate attraction, and we’ve been inseparable ever since.”
Shannen Doherty’s union with Iswarienko endured for 11 years: They spent over a decade as a couple until Doherty initiated the divorce proceedings in 2020. In a statement to Today, a representative for Doherty expressed her reluctance towards the divorce: “Shannen did not want a divorce. Sadly, she felt forced into this decision.” The reason behind their split remained undisclosed at that time. However, later reports revealed that Iswarienko allegedly concealed financial information to prolong the divorce proceedings until Doherty passed away from cancer – an accusation he vehemently denied. Despite these complications, they ultimately reached a divorce settlement on July 11, 2020, one day before Doherty’s death.
Doherty’s former co-stars were saddened by her passing
On July 13, 2024, Shannen Doherty passed away at her Malibu residence due to cancer, leaving behind at the age of 53. Her demise sparked a wave of sorrow from her past colleagues. Alyssa Milano, a renowned actress from “Charmed,” shared her feelings with People magazine, expressing, “Although Shannen and I had a complex history, my deep admiration and respect for her talent never wavered. She was an exceptional actress, cherished by numerous fans, and the world is diminished by her absence. My heartfelt sympathies go to everyone who held her close.”
Dorian Gregory, Brian Krause, Drew Fuller, Ted King, and Rose McGowan shared their memories of Shannen Doherty. McGowan, who took over her role on “Charmed,” called Doherty a “soft-hearted badass.” Doherty’s former co-stars from “Beverly Hills, 90210” reminisced about her indomitable spirit. Tori Spelling expressed that Doherty was a “rebel in an era when most women didn’t feel empowered to be strong,” while Jennie Garth described her as “one of the strongest individuals I have ever encountered.”
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-07-17 19:31