- Shannen Doherty is a beloved American actress
- She has been fighting cancer in recent years
- Her new podcast will deal with many topics
In a very revealing sit-down, Shannen opened up about her current life struggles, and what she is looking forward to the most these days. "I don't want to die," she declares, her voice echoing the resolve of a warrior as she basks in the Los Angeles glow, just days before Thanksgiving.
Shannen is trying something new in her career
Best known for her iconic roles in 'Beverly Hills, 90210' and 'Charmed', Doherty's characteristic candor shines through as she discusses her cancer, which has now spread to her bones. Her indomitable spirit is palpable as she says, "I'm not done with living. I'm not done with loving. I'm not done with creating. I'm not done with hopefully changing things for the better. I’m just not — I’m not done."
The actress's eight-year cancer journey is not just a personal battle; it's a story she's sharing with the world through her memoir-style podcast, 'Let's Be Clear with Shannen Doherty', set to premiere on December 6. Here, she'll dive into her life's highs and lows, from career peaks to intimate relationships, and her ongoing fight with cancer.
After her initial diagnosis in 2015, a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation followed. Doherty reached remission in 2017 but faced a setback in 2019 when the cancer returned, escalating to stage 4. "Why me?" she reflects, seeking a greater purpose amid the trials.
Doherty's resilience is not just about survival; it's about advocacy and contribution. She aims to raise awareness and funds for cancer research, expressing frustration over the lack of a cure. Her journey took a frightening turn when the cancer reached her brain, leading to the removal of a tumor she humorously named Bob.
This week, she told 'People' that doctors will be among the guests she speaks to, and that the podcast is encouraging her on her journey, calling it "invigorating" and saying it "helps me for sure."
Shannen's journey will help others
Despite the challenges, Doherty is eyeing clinical trials and new treatments, driven by a desire to work and live fully. She confronts the misconceptions about terminal cancer, emphasizing the vibrancy and determination of those affected. "We're vibrant, and we have such a different outlook on life. We are people who want to work and embrace life and keep moving forward," she asserts.
"When I’m working and when I’m creative, there’s no room for depression at all. It fuels me," she said. "Working makes me so happy. Even my podcast producers were like, ‘Really? You’re going to do three episodes in one day? It’s a lot.’ And I was like, ‘I could do five in a day.’"
With each new day, Doherty finds gratitude and strength in her faith, her loved ones, and her German shepherd, Bowie. Cancer has heightened her appreciation for life's beauty, making every moment more poignant. "You’re just more aware of everything, and you feel so blessed," she shares.
The podcast will also have more lighthearted topics as well. Doherty will also take on her career in its entirety, from working with Michael Landon on 'Little House on the Prairie’, to her experiences during the '90210' days, as well as making the 1988 classic teen film 'Heathers.'
Also interesting:
"My greatest memory is yet to come," she added. "I pray. I wake up and go to bed thanking God, praying for the things that matter to me without asking for too much. It connects me to a higher power and spirituality. My faith is my mantra."
As Doherty noted, she's cherishing every moment there is.
"I know it sounds cheesy and crazy, but you're just more aware of everything, and you feel so blessed. We're the people who want to work the most, because we're just so grateful for every second, every hour, every day we get to be here."
For more on Shannen Doherty's courageous cancer journey and her search for joy amid adversity make sure you catch 'Let's Be Clear with Shannen Doherty' next month!