Shannen Doherty, well-known for her roles in Beverly Hills 90210 and Charmed, has been bravely fighting a tough battle against cancer since 2015. Initially diagnosed with breast cancer, she achieved remission for a few years, but unfortunately, the disease returned aggressively in 2020, spreading to her spine and later to her brain. In the midst of this incredibly difficult journey, Shannen has shown remarkable strength, though she’s opened up about her struggles, including moments of vulnerability.
She first faced the disease with a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment, ultimately reaching remission in 2017. However, in February 2020, she delivered heartbreaking news—her cancer had returned, spreading to her spine. Sadly, the battle intensified as the disease reached her brain, leading her to undergo brain surgery and further radiation treatments. As cancer continues to ravage her body, Shannen has shared updates with fans, offering a glimpse into her experience through social media.
Shannen candidly admitted that, despite the bravery she displays in public, she often experiences moments where her strength falters. She revealed in an intimate interview with her friend Chris Cortazzo that she sometimes locks herself in her closet to cry and cope with her fears. One of her deepest fears is the process of dying, a thought that weighs heavily on her mind. Despite this, she has expressed a strong desire to live longer, driven by her passion for raising awareness and funding for cancer research. Shannen has shared that one of her biggest regrets is not having accomplished enough in her mission to contribute to cancer causes.
In addition to her health challenges, Shannen faced personal hardships as well. Her marriage of 11 years came to an unexpected end in April 2023. Although she has not shared much publicly about her divorce, one social media post hinted at her emotions: “The only people who deserve to be in your life are the ones who treat you with love, kindness, and full respect.” Despite this turmoil, Shannen has been surrounded by friends who have rallied to support her during this difficult time.
One of the most poignant aspects of Shannen’s recent revelations is her candid discussion about planning her funeral. After her brain surgery, Shannen revisited her will and took steps to appoint Cortazzo as the executor. She admitted that she began thinking about who would attend her funeral, revealing that there are people she hopes won’t come. Her reasons are straightforward—some individuals don’t truly like her and may only attend out of obligation. In a raw and honest moment, Shannen stated that she doesn’t want people at her funeral who may be silently relieved by her passing.
For Shannen, the guest list for her final farewell isn’t about quantity, but about quality. She’s focused on ensuring that those who genuinely care about her will be present, and she envisions her farewell as a “lovefest” rather than a sorrowful event. She expressed deep gratitude to her fans, who have been a source of unwavering support throughout her career and life, inviting them to be part of her final celebration.
Despite the deeply emotional nature of these conversations, Shannen and Cortazzo managed to find humor and reassurance in the situation. For Shannen, injecting humor into the darkest moments of life is a valuable coping mechanism, allowing her to face her reality with grace and a sense of calm.
Shannen’s story is one of immense bravery, vulnerability, and authenticity, as she continues to inspire those around her with her honesty and strength. As she faces her toughest challenges yet, her dedication to raising awareness for cancer and her determination to live life on her own terms shine through every step of her journey.