RIP Shannen Doherty; Richard Simmons; Shelley Duvall; and Dr. Ruth

This past weekend was a sad one with several notable celebrities passing away.  The PW Manor extends condolences to their loved ones. 

► Shannen Doherty (53) passed away at home after almost a 10 years battle with cancer.  Shannen was born at Memphis, Tennessee. She began her acting career at a young age with small parts in numerous TV shows including Little House on the Prairie, Father Murphy, Magnum PI, and Air Wolf.  Her big break came when she was cast in the 1981 cult classic film, "Heathers".  That role led to her being caste in the mega hit TV show, "Beverly Hills 90210".  After the left 90210, she continued her career trajectory on the hit show "Charmed", and films including Mall Rats and Jay & Silent Bob Strike Again.  Shannen was married three times but never had kids. At the time of her death, she was in the middle of a messy divorce.  She is survived by her mom, brother, and niece / nephew.

Comment: One of the things I respected about Shannen was that she was unapologetic in being outspoken about the pettiness and shenanigans of others she worked with and the Hollywood machine. Her outspokenness earned her the reputation of being difficult and ornery, which people have debated if it was warranted. All I know is that Shannen delivered solid performances in her projects and exuded her passion for acting in all her roles.  Rest in peace Shannen and thank you for being part of some iconic shows and movies.

Shannen Doherty, 2023. Photo:  John Russo/People Magazine

► Richard Simmons (76) passed away over the weekend. No cause of death was shared in the official statement.  Richard was born in New Orleans to "showbiz" parents.  His dad was a master of ceremonies and his mom a traveling dancer, so Richard gravitated toward using entertainment as a means to connect with people. As a child, Richard was obese and this had a major impact in how he approached his adult life. Richard graduated from Florida State University with a BA in Art.  After he graduated college, he moved to Los Angeles and worked at an exercise studio. This led him opening his own fitness studio, embracing a healthy living, and sharing his passion with others.  His fitness empire included exercise studios, TV shows, books, and videos.  Richard also dabbled in acting by portraying himself in TV shows including CHIPS, SNL, and Arrested Development.  About 10 years ago, Richard decided to live a quieter life. He closed down his studios and retreated to a private life. He occasionally updated his fans on social media. This past spring he revealed a skin cancer diagnosis, which according to him was caught in time for successful treatment.  His last post was a day before his 76th birthday which he said he was celebrating with a candle on a zucchini (he was a lifelong vegetarian).  Richard never married. He leaves behind many fans and close friends.

Richard Simmons, 1992. Photo: Harry Langdon/Getty Images/ABC News

Comment: Richard used his entertainment upbringing as a catalyst to make exercising and healthy living a fun activity for so many people. He really was at the forefront of healthy living and staying fit without the use of drugs, extreme dieting, or medical intervention. He was a sympathetic individual who understood the plight of being "fat shame" and served as the voice for overweight individuals and provided inspiration to countless people who felt hopeless. He never let fame go to his head. Richard was humble, gracious, and generous with others. Rest in peace Richard and thank you for sharing your infectious spirit and joy for healthy living with others.

► Shelley Duvall (75) passed away late last week of complications from diabetes. Shelley was born in Ft. Worth, Texas. Growing up, she always wanted to be a sciencetist. She earned a degree in nutrition and diet therapy.  The acting bug bite Shelley when fate stepped in and she met the director Robert Altman at a party in Houston, Texas when he was filming a Brewster McCloud.  Altman realized her acting potential and cast her in a small part in the movie; and Shelley was hooked on acting. She moved to Hollywood and embarked on a successful career, often collaborating with Robert Altman. Her movie credits include Nashville, 3 Women, Annie Hall, Roxanne, Popeye, and The Shinning - her most famous role. Years later, Shelley shared how difficult it was working with director Stanley Kubrick on The Shinning. Kubrick was well known for being a perfectionist and a tyrant. Despite this, Shelley said, "she would not trade the experience for anything". Shelley made the leap to television in Faerie Tale Theater, Tall Tales & Legends, and The Twilight Zone. Around 1998, Shelly left Hollywood, moved to Texas, and essentially retired from acting in 2002.  Shelley was married once (divorced in 1974) and never remarried. Early in her career, she dated Paul Simon, Ringo Starr, and Dan Gilroy.   

Shelley Duvall in 1986. Photo: Texas Monthly

Comment:  Shelley's zest for life, quirkiness, and unique beauty is what caught the eye of director Robert Altman.  Their collaboration over the years gave us some wonderful films.  In the last 10 years of her life, Shelley admitted to suffering from mental illness as one of the reasons she retreated from Hollywood to live in the Texas hill country. She was often seen in the area by folks, who described her as friendly with twinkling eyes that gave you a hug. Shelley will be remembered as a pioneer who made quirkiness a notable trait for good acting. Rest in peace Shelley and thank you for sharing your talents with us.

► Dr. Ruth Westheimer (96) passed away at her Manhattan NYC home - no cause of death was shared in the family statement.  Dr. Ruth was born in Germany to Jewish family.  At the age of 10, her parents sent her to Switzerland to keep her safe as the Nazi regime took over the country. Her parents and a grandparent remained behind; they were killed in concentration camps. At the age of 17, Ruth joined the IDF and became a trained sniper, despite being 4 ft 7 inches tall (1.39 meters). At the age of 22, she moved to Paris and studied psychology. In 1956, she emigrated to the USA and worked as a maid while going to graduate school earning a Masters degree and PhD. She was a university professor in addition to having a sex therapy practice. In 1980 she began her media career with a radio show, "Sexually Speaking". This served as a springboard for a TV show and her writing 45 books on the topic of sex and sexuality.  Dr. Ruth became a cultural phenomenon by talking openly about sex and breaking down barriers on the topic.  In her later years, she lived quietly in NYC and enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and attending services as her synagogue.  Dr. Ruth is survived by 2 children and 4 grandchildren.

Dr. Ruth Westheimer (undated).  Photo: Dr. Ruth /X Twitter

Comment:  Dr. Ruth's impact to demystifying sex is legendary. She made it okay to talk openly about it and sexuality, which were taboo topics at the time. Her TV show was a huge hit and it brought forward the importance of being open and honest about sex.  While she was small in stature, Dr. Ruth was a dynamo and a major part of the pop culture landscape of the 1980's-2000s.  She will always be remembered for talking about serious topics with a dash of humor and not shaming or embarrassing people.  Rest in peace Dr. Ruth and condolences to her family.