A recent opportunity for the cast of Beverly Hills 90210 to reunite was presented at a Chicago area Comic-Con, but, while most of the cast jumped at the chance to reminisce for fans, Shannen Doherty was expectedly absent. It’s no secret that Doherty has been focusing most of her attention on battling the cancer that has spread through her body, so, as much as Shannen might have liked to join her former co-stars, chemotherapy treatments kept Ms. Doherty grounded in the Los Angeles area.
Beverly Hills 90210 ‘s Brenda Walsh, Shannen Doherty, Missed The Reunion
As E! News reveals, Shannen Doherty is fighting an uphill battle in her efforts to clear her body of cancer. Beginning with intensive chemotherapy, Doherty is now having to take radiation therapy in addition to the chemo to fight off the invading cancer cells. Having to experience such intense treatments often leaves Doherty weakened and depressed, so it’s little wonder she didn’t make the Beverly Hills 90210 reunion.
Instead, Shannen stayed home and concentrated on keeping a positive attitude and recognizing those who have helped her get this far in her cancer battles. The Beverly Hills 90210 star has been sharing her cancer struggle from her earliest diagnosis, inspiring millions of her fans and cancer patients. Honoring that public battle, Doherty recently received a courage award, but the actress deflected much of that recognition. Instead, Shannen took the opportunity to remember her father and to recognize her mother’s courage in moving on and being a source of strength for Shannen.
Doherty shared a picture of herself with her mom, so her Instagram fans could see that inner strength is common among the Doherty women.
“…she lost her husband and best friend after over 40 years of being together every second and I’ve watched her get back up and face life with such courage,” Doherty writes in part on the Instagram picture of herself with mother, Rosa Doherty.
“I’m honored to be her daughter. Love you mom.”
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The Beverly Hills 90210 Cast Honors Shannen Doherty In Her Absence
People shares news that Shannen Doherty’s absence was keenly felt at the Beverly Hills 90210 reunion at the recent REwind Con event, but no one among the reunited cast forgot the actress, who was responsible for bringing Brenda Walsh to life so vibrantly. Luke Perry was among the first to honor Doherty at the reunion, recognizing that his fellow former co-stars, Jennie Garth, Tori Spelling, Jason Priestley, Gabrielle Carteris, Christine Elise, and Vincent Young, were each keeping Doherty in their thoughts.
“None of us are up here today without Shannen,” said Perry in hoping to pay tribute to Ms. Doherty and her current health struggles.
“She’s been through a lot. She’s not doing well right now but sometimes her contributions are minimized.”
Perry continued by acknowledging past rumors that Shannen was blamed for much of the behind the scenes drama that took place through the 10-season run of Beverly Hills 90210 , stressing that Doherty played a large part in making the show such a big hit.
“She’s been thrown under the bus,” the Beverly Hills 90210 actor continued.
“I’ve been accused of driving it. But she’s a very big part of the success of this show. She taught me a lot. I’m glad she was my scene partner. She was great at what she did in the character with me.”
While Perry does acknowledge Shannen’s contributions to the show, he seems to be choosing his words carefully in regards to his feelings for Doherty on a personal level. As there was much drama on the Beverly Hills 90210 set through its decade-long run, Luke may be hoping to avoid dredging up past conflict.
Another Beverly Hills 90210 co-star, Jennie Garth, spoke more warmly of Shannen and went as far as to share her thoughts and her “fight like a Brenda” shirt decal with Instagram followers. In that posting, Ms. Garth refers to Doherty as her soul sister and thanks her for her strength, pointing out that Shannen has always been a fighter.
“I used to be threatened by your spirit, now I’m in awe of it. You’ve taught me a lot about speaking my mind and not being afraid of my power. I’m so grateful that young me got to be friends with you,” writes Jennie Garth.
“But especially ‘old’ me! The best is yet to come on this crazy journey!! love you!”
Shannen Doherty reshared the posting from her Beverly Hills 90210 co-star, stressing how proud she was of the shirt and of her friendship with Garth.
[Featured Image by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images]