SHANNEN Doherty, known for her role as Brenda Walsh on Beverly Hills 90210, has admitted to facing some toxicity in Hollywood.
On a new episode of her podcast, Shannen, 53, revealed she had faced some toxic acting jobs while speaking about her career with her mom, Rosa.
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The actress started by showing gratitude for her time on Little House on the Prairie, which aired from 1974 to 1982.
Shannen landed the role of Jenny Wilder in the early 80s at just 11 years old.
“It’s kind of amazing because when I think about the long span of my career, but also how rough some jobs were, and unenjoyable to be a part of, a little bit toxic, it was really the experience on Little House that spurred that passion on for being an actor,” she said on her Let’s Be Clear podcast.
“And it was having a mentor like Michael Landon, and I don’t care what anybody else’s experience was like, I know the truth about that man, and he was just unbelievable,” she added.
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Shannen said Little House was the “best experience of her career,” and she owes her passion for acting to her co-star, Michael.
She formed a strong bond with the actor, who played family patriarch Charles Ingalls in the series and died from pancreatic cancer in 1991.
“I adored him. He was a mentor. He taught me so much,” she said of Michael.
Shannen added that he was talented, kind, and considerate, which she said really helped “shape her” as a young, impressionable actress.
He also taught her the importance of staying true to herself, embracing her voice, and standing up for herself.
TOO TOXIC?
Shannen went on to star in big-name TV series such as Our House, Charmed, and Beverly Hills 90210.
During an episode of Tori Spelling’s 90210MG podcast last year, Shannen’s former co-star, Jennie Garth, revealed a toxic work environment may have led to Shannen’s departure from 90210.
Shannen was a regular cast member on the popular 90s teen show and left in 1994 — roughly six years before it went off-air.
“The energy became toxic on set. I’m not saying she [Doherty] made it toxic, just from everything going on. So it did need a break,” Tori said.
“But yet, if we had taken a breather, and everyone had calmed down and sorted out, it would have been really nice to have Brenda come back.”
BREAST CANCER BATTLE
Along with toxic work environments, Shannen has also faced obstacles in her life outside of Hollywood.
The actress revealed eight years ago that she had Stage 4 breast cancer, which has recently spread to her bones.
On February 4, 2020, Shannen revealed her cancer had returned sometime in 2019.
It’s kind of amazing because when I think about the long span of my career, but also how rough some jobs were, and unenjoyable to be a part of, a little bit toxic, it was really the experience on Little House that spurred that passion on for being an actor.”
Shannen Doherty
She found out in early 2023 that the cancer had spread and shared a video of her getting fitted for the mask to be worn during radiation.
Last month, Shannen made an emotional confession and revealed she had started selling some of her belongings.
She said she wanted to make it easier for her mom in case she were to pass before her.
“My priority at the moment is my mom – I know it’s going to be hard on her if I pass away before her,” the Charmed alum explained.
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“Because it’s going to be so hard on her, I want other things to be a lot easier. I don’t want her to have a bunch of stuff to deal with.
“I don’t want her to have four storage units filled with furniture,” she added.
Shannen admitted getting rid of her stuff had taken a toll on her, saying, “It feels like you’re giving up on something that was very special and important to you.”
“But you know that it’s the right thing to do and that it’s going to give you a sense of peace and a sense of calm,” she continued.
“Because you’re helping the people that you leave behind just have a cleaner, easier transition.”
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