She had breast cancer that eventually spread to her brain. :(
Shannen had a reputation for being difficult to work with, but her costars had only lovely things to say about her.
Shannen recently stated that she wanted to work as much as possible "in the next two years" so that, in part, she would not have to work at all, or could at least pick her projects. Here's my question: How piss poor was her management/money management that she was not already set for life? Or does Hollywood have a different definition of set for life than I do? She was on three successful TV series and had numerous other credits as well. I realize that with all of the hands in their pockets, actors walk away with maybe a third of what they earn, but even so...