Shannen Doherty Divorced Husband After 11 Years Amid Her Stage 4 Cancer Battle: ‘She Was Left With No Other Option,’ Source Says
Shannen Doherty submitted divorce papers to end her marriage with Kurt Iswarienko.
The star accused her ex of delaying in finalizing their divorce because he was waiting for the ideal moment.
The actress’ fight against stage 4 cancer was lost.
Actress Shannen Doherty and renowned photographer Kurt Iswarienko first crossed paths in 2008. Following a three-year courtship, Iswarienko popped the question, and the duo tied the knot on October 15, 2011.
The intimate wedding ceremony reportedly occurred at a close friend’s residence in Malibu, California. The occasion was later documented on Doherty’s We TV docuseries, “Shannen Says,” which aired in 2012.
Actress Shannen Doherty and actor Luke Perry during the 18th Annual People’s Choice Awards on March 17, 1992 | Source: Getty Images
Throughout their marriage, the “Beverly Hills, 90210” star had been vocal about her appreciation for Iswarienko’s unwavering support, often sharing her sentiments on social media platforms. In a heartfelt Instagram post from June 2019, the actress referred to her husband as her “best friend.”
She also expressed her deep love for him. The celebrity elaborated on the vital role his love and support played in her life and how well they understood each other. She said, “I’m pretty damn lucky.”
As Doherty faced significant health challenges, Iswarienko emerged as her primary source of encouragement. In a September 2020 interview, the Tennessee-born actress revealed her intention to write letters to her husband, detailing the extent of her gratitude and love for him.
Iswarienko also credited the actress with providing him strength during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. In April 2020, he shared an Instagram post celebrating her birthday and emphasizing his happiness to be by her side on such an important day.
He expressed joy in being able to bake a cake and cook for her in the presence of their loved ones, signing off with, “Happy Birthday, @theshando. I love you.” Despite their strong connection and Iswarienko’s unwavering support, Doherty ultimately decided to pursue a divorce.
Shannen Filed for Divorce Following 11 Years of Marriage, Feeling She Was Left with No Alternative Options
On April 21, 2023, entertainment news outlet TMZ reported that Doherty had filed for divorce from her husband amid growing tensions behind closed doors. According to a report, the television star submitted court documents in Los Angeles, revealing that the couple had initially separated in January 2023.
Kurt Iswarienko and Shannon Doherty at The Weinstein Company and Relativity Media’s Golden Globe Awards Party on January 16, 2011, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
Doherty and Iswarienko, a professional photographer known by the moniker PICTUREKID, had no children together. The actress’ representative, Leslie Sloane, provided insight into the couple’s current situation, stating: “Divorce is the last thing Shannen wanted. Unfortunately, she felt she was left with no other option.”
Sloane also claimed that Iswarienko’s agent, Collier Grimm, played a significant role in the divorce proceedings and should be contacted for further information. Sources close to the couple revealed that they were experiencing a contentious separation.
Shannen Doherty at the 9th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards on October 5, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
Their split was further complicated by the celebrity’s deteriorating health condition. Court documents indicated that Doherty was seeking spousal support but requested that it not be awarded to her ex.
Reportedly, there was no prenuptial agreement between the two. Just hours before the divorce news became public, Shannen Doherty shared a cryptic message on her Instagram account, emphasizing that people who truly belong in one’s life treat them right.
Kurt Iswarienko and Shannen Doherty at the Entertainment Weekly and Women in Film pre-Emmy Party on September 17, 2009, in West Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
This marked the end of her third marriage. She was previously married to Ashley Hamilton from 1993 to 1994 and later to Rick Salomon in 2002, though they divorced in 2003. In the lead-up to her marriage with Iswarienko, Doherty had acknowledged the significant commitment that marriage represented for her.
Kurt Iswarienko at Hollywood Unites for the 5th Biennial Stand Up To Cancer on September 9, 2016, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
She stated that she would not enter into it casually as she had done in the past. This statement suggested that the actress had learned from her previous experiences and intended to approach her relationship with Iswarienko more cautiously. Sadly, divorce wasn’t the only challenge she had to face.
Doherty’s Battle with Stage 4 Cancer
While navigating her divorce news, Doherty also continued her battle against stage 4 cancer. Over the past several years, the film star has undergone various treatments to address her condition.
Shannen Doherty at the Hollywood Unites For The 5th Biennial Stand Up To Cancer event on September 9, 2016, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2015. After two years, the cancer went into remission, only to re-emerge in 2020 as stage 4. The Hollywood star has consistently been open about her struggles, sharing her journey with the public.
In a February 2020 interview, the celebrity admitted that she was struggling to come to terms with the return of her cancer, finding it difficult to comprehend in multiple ways. She expressed her concern about breaking the news to her mother and Iswarienko.
Throughout her battle, Doherty has documented her journey on social media. Despite the recurrence of the disease, Doherty returned to work. She was determined to demonstrate that she could still perform under challenging circumstances.
The actress emphasized being someone with stage 4 cancer that people could see continuing to work against the odds. Though she initially kept her diagnosis private, she eventually confided in a small group of individuals, including fellow “90210” co-star Brian Austin Green.
Shannen Doherty at the Farrah Fawcett Foundation’s “Tex-Mex Fiesta” event on September 9, 2017, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
Green provided a strong support system for Doherty, especially on set. While facing anxiety on set, the actress questioned her ability to do the job, but Green reassured her that he had her “back” no matter the situation.
His support was instrumental in helping her through this difficult period in her life. Despite her ongoing challenges, Doherty maintained a positive attitude. In March 2023, she participated in a “Charmed” panel at 90s Con in Hartford, Connecticut.
Shannen Doherty on season 5 of “The Kelly Clarkson Show” on December 7, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
There she appeared alongside co-stars Holly Marie Combs, Rose McGowan, and Drew Fuller, among others. During the panel, the actress provided fans with an update on her well-being. When asked about her current state amid her cancer battle, the Hollywood star responded, “I’m feeling great, thank you!”
Shannen Doherty on season 3 of “The Kelly Clarkson Show” on September 8, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Her strength and resilience during this trying time in her life served as an inspiration to many. Doherty’s openness about her experiences and her determination to continue working showcase the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. Sadly, she lost that battle in 2024.
Doherty Wanted Spousal Support before She Stopped Fighting Her Diagnosis
On July 13, 2024, Doherty took her last breath at age 53 as her cancer claimed her. The following day, Sloane confirmed the news saying it was “with a heavy heart” that she revealed her client’s passing.
The publicist said the devoted aunt, sister, daughter, and friend was surrounded by Bowie, her dog, and loved ones when she died. Sloane asked for privacy for the actress’ family so they could grieve in peace.
In June 2024, documents revealed that Doherty still hadn’t received many of the requests for financial information regarding Iswarienko’s “archive” of original photography work. She said he was delaying things so she could get more ill from her diagnosis.
Doherty claimed her ex was prolonging their divorce “in hopes that I die before he is required to pay me.” She accused him of continuing with his life while ignoring the responsibilities he had to his dying wife “of more than 11 years.”
His attorney, Katherine Heersema, disputed the actress’s claims saying a settlement was offered in October 2023, but Doherty refused it. Heersema said his client wasn’t waiting for the star to die and wanted the best for her so they could both put the matter behind them and move on.
But, the celebrity denied the proposal allegedly because her ex and Heersema weren’t facing the matter behind his original works that were created while they were married. She also wanted them to address “his earning capacity.”
Doherty wanted $15,434 monthly for spousal support as not working would cause her to lose her SAG health insurance. Her “Charmed” residuals had also started decreasing. She accused Iswarienko of living extravagantly while she struggled.
So far for 2024, Doherty alleged that she made a little over $25,000, which was seen as a significant drop in her income. Her legal fees were almost $160,000 and she was asking her ex to pay $130,000 for future fees. The late actress also asked for $10,000 to clear the balance she owes her lawyers.