Charmed star Shannen Doherty dies aged 53 after breast cancer diagnosis

Shannen Doherty has passed away at the age of 53 after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015.

The passing of the Beverly Hills 90210 and Charmed star was confirmed by her publicist Leslie Sloane in a statement to People.

Sloane said: "It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty.

"On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease.

Shannen Doherty has passed away at the age of 53. (Gerardo Mora/Getty Images)

"The devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie. The family asks for their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace."

She was best known for her role in Beverly Hills 90210, playing Brenda Walsh, a Minnesota teen who moves to Beverly Hills and navigates high school drama.

Also her fame reached new heights in Charmed, when she starred as Prue Halliwell, the eldest of three witch sisters.

Before her passing, on a January episode of her Let’s Be Clear podcast, Doherty, said: "Every day is a gift, and there are so many new things in the works that I think hope is always there.

"Listen, I can die today, I can die in 20 years, I don’t know. I can die walking outside of my house and a tree falling on me or a bus hitting me, whatever.

"Or I can die of cancer. But all I can do is live each day in as much of a positive manner with hope as I can and embrace it and feel like, ‘Wow, I get to wake up again today, what can I do?’

"I believe that positivity that you bring into your life, I think it helps with your whole body.

"I think that it helps you fight the cancer.

"Mind over matter a little bit."​

Shannen Doherty in a scene from the film 'Heathers' in 1988. (New World Pictures/Getty Images)

As the heartfelt tributes come pouring in on social media, one fan wrote: "RIP Shannen... and everyone else that's lost the battle and/or a loved one to cancer.

"Hopefully, one day, cures will be available.

"She fought this battle so hard. Anyone that followed her journey on IG could clearly see that."

Another added: "Sadness, 90s teen she left such a mark on my generation.. I love the tv couple Brenda and Dylan … and they are finally reunited."

While a third penned: "I was just listening to Shannen’s podcast. From Our House, to Heathers, to 90210, to Charmed, and more… thank you for being a fun, creative, and bad-assy part of My childhood to adulthood. Rest Peacefully."