Inside the 5-Month Marriage of Shannen Doherty and Ashley Hamilton

Shannen Doherty and Ashley Hamilton had a brief and tumultuous marriage.

In September 1993, the Beverly Hills, 90210 star shocked fans by marrying Hamilton just weeks into their relationship.

However, five months later, Doherty filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.

“During my final season [of Beverly Hills, 90210], I was stuck in a really difficult marriage, and things happening in that relationship made it tough for me to be punctual for work,” Doherty shared in a January 2024 episode of iHeartRadio’s “Let’s Be Clear” podcast. “I realize that became a significant issue for everyone else, which is fair, because if everyone else is on time, waiting for one person is really frustrating.”

Even though Doherty passed away in July 2024 at the age of 53 after a breast cancer battle, her former marriage resurfaced in the news when Hamilton was reportedly hospitalized in April 2026 due to an apparent overdose.

According to TMZ, Hamilton was discovered unresponsive in an Airbnb following a medical emergency related to an unknown substance, and was swiftly transported to the hospital for care.

As he continues his recovery, read on to learn more about the relationship between Doherty and Hamilton:

What Led to the Downfall of Ashley Hamilton and Shannen Doherty’s Marriage?

In a January 2024 episode of her “Let’s Be Clear” podcast, Shannen Doherty revealed that Hamilton’s substance abuse issues became “all-consuming” for her.

“I was often hesitant to leave the house,” she explained, “as I feared that [Hamilton] would seek out drugs.”

In August 2023, Hamilton reflected on his journey and declared that “recovery is achievable.”

“Sixteen years ago, I left this house and country a changed person. I couldn’t have achieved this alone,” he posted on Instagram in January 2026. “It hasn’t always been simple, but it has been worthwhile. Substance use disorder doesn’t discriminate. Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey; you know who you are 🙏.”

How Did Ashley Hamilton and Shannen Doherty Move On After Their Separation?

Following the end of his marriage to Shannen Doherty, Ashley Hamilton went on to welcome a daughter with Renee Karalian in November 2016. In a rare social media update, Ashley provided a glimpse into his experience as a father.

“I feel blessed to have a daughter with a heart of gold, along with her amazing mother,” he shared on Instagram in January 2026.

On the other hand, Doherty married photographer Kurt Iswarienko in October 2011. Nearly 12 years later, Doherty filed for divorce, alleging that Iswarienko had been unfaithful during her cancer treatment.

“I went into that surgery early in the morning, right after discovering that my marriage was effectively over, as my husband had been having an affair for two years,” she recounted in a December 2023 episode of her podcast. “I couldn’t undergo that surgery with him there. I felt utterly betrayed.”

The couple was in the midst of divorce proceedings when the actress passed away in July 2024.

What Were Ashley Hamilton and His Family’s Responses to Shannen Doherty’s Passing?

Following the announcement of Shannen Doherty’s death in July 2024, Ashley Hamilton made a heartfelt statement.

“Shannen was not just my wife; she was my guardian angel,” Hamilton expressed to Us Weekly. “Even though life doesn’t always unfold as we wish, she was there for me in my darkest hours. My love and respect for her endured long after our brief marriage.”

Hamilton’s mother, Alana Stewart, also honored the deceased actress in a social media tribute.

“She was incredibly brave and an inspiration until the very end. Shannen once was a part of our family,” Stewart wrote on Instagram in July 2024. “At 22, she married my son, Ashley Hamilton, who was just 18. It was a short union, yet I always held a fondness for Shannen. There was a genuine kindness about her.”