The stars of “90210” and “Charmed” pay their thanks
Actress Shannen Doherty dies at the age of 53 after a long battle with cancer
Shannen Doherty, star of “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Charmed” and “Mallrats,” has died at the age of 53 after a long battle with cancer.
Shannen Doherty’s friends and former co-stars pay tribute to the late actress.
In a statement to USA TODAY, Alyssa Milano paid tribute to Doherty, who starred alongside her in “Charmed” and died Saturday at the age of 53 after a years-long battle with cancer.
“It’s no secret that Shannen and I had a complicated relationship, but at her core, she was someone I deeply respected and was in awe of,” Milano said. “She was a talented actress who was loved by many, and the world is less without her. My condolences to all who loved her.”
Doherty, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, died “surrounded by her loved ones and her dog Bowie,” her publicist Leslie Sloane confirmed.
In December, “Charmed” stars Holly Marie Combs and Doherty claimed Milano arranged for Doherty to be fired from the WB show. Milano denied this, saying she “does not have the power to get anyone fired.” But Doherty said she felt compelled to speak out about the dispute as she battles cancer.
“As someone who battles a terrible disease every day of my life, it’s also incredibly important to me that the truth is actually told and not the narrative that others are telling me,” Doherty said at MegaCon in Orlando in February. “We said it together, we said our truths and we stand by our truths.”
Rose McGowan, who replaced Doherty in “Charmed” after his dismissal, also paid tribute to her on Instagram and said it was a “wonderful gift” to have met her.
“Our lives were intertwined in a unique way,” McGowan said. “We laughed at dark forces that wanted us to hate each other, but instead we chose love and respect. A soft-hearted swashbuckler like no other. A force of energy that will live on in hearts forever.”
She added: “May angels and God carry her to the holy kingdom where she will be healthy, young and fierce forever. Rest now warrior, we will never forget you dear sister.”
In a Monday episode of the “Charmed” rewatch podcast “House of Halliwell,” actor Brian Krause said he was “shocked and devastated” by Doherty’s death and that she would be “sorely missed.” Doherty recently joined the podcast as a co-host. “We will carry on in her name,” Krause said.
“Charmed” Feud: Holly Marie Combs claims Alyssa Milano fired Shannen Doherty from the show
“Beverly Hills, 90210” actors Jason Priestley and Tori Spelling pay tribute to Shannen Doherty
“Beverly Hills, 90210” star Jason Priestley, who played Brandon Walsh, paid tribute to his former co-star on Instagram.
“I am shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Shannen,” he wrote. “She was a force of nature and I will miss her. Sending love and light to her family during this dark time.”
Gabrielle Carteris, who played Andrea Zuckerman in “Beverly Hills, 90210,” wrote: “So young – so sad. Rest in peace Shannon. I know Luke (Perry) is there with open arms to love you.”
Perry, who played Dylan McKay, a romantic interest in Doherty’s character Brenda Walsh, died of a massive stroke in 2019. He was 52 years old.
In her Instagram story, Sophie Perry, daughter of Luke Perry, shared a photo of Doherty and her late father with a heart emoji.
Tori Spelling, who played Donna Martin in the series, shared a photo of herself with Doherty on Instagram, accompanied by broken heart emojis. “I don’t have words for this yet… but WE knew and that’s what matters,” Spelling wrote.
Jennie Garth, who played Kelly Taylor on “90210,” described Doherty as “one of the strongest people I’ve ever known.”
“We were pitted against each other so many times, but none of it reflected the truth of our true relationship, which was based on mutual respect and admiration,” Garth wrote on Instagram. “She was brave, passionate, determined, and very loving and generous. I will miss her and always honor her deeply in my heart and memories.”
Brian Austin Green, who played David Silver, wrote on his Instagram story: “Shan. My sister… You loved me through everything. You were a huge part of my understanding of love. I will miss you more than I can handle right now. Thank you for the gift that you are.”
Carol Potter, who played Cindy Walsh, said she was “shocked and saddened” by the news and that Doherty “has stayed true to herself and given us an example of courage and fortitude in dealing with her own death.”
In a statement to USA TODAY, Fox, the network that broadcasts “Beverly Hills, 90210,” said it was “grateful for Shannen’s undeniable talent and light,” adding, “While Shannen was far too young to leave us, over the course of her decades-long career, she built a legacy that will forever be remembered and celebrated.”
Shannen Doherty dies at 53: The star of “Beverly Hills, 90210” has been battling cancer since 2015
Dave Coulier also paid tribute to Doherty, whom he said he met while starring in “Full House.” “She was charming and had a beautiful smile,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
The actor added: “Today I will also remember the women in my life who have all succumbed to cancer – my mother, my sister Sharon and my niece Shannon, who were all so strong and so beautiful.”
Olivia Munn immediately became friends with Shannen Doherty during her fight against cancer
Olivia Munn, who announced earlier this year that she was battling breast cancer, said in an Instagram story that she was “absolutely heartbroken” by Doherty’s death.
“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I remembered how bravely she shared her story and reached out to the world,” Munn said. “We became friends instantly – which I honestly couldn’t understand at times because seeing her on ‘90210’ meant everything to me when I was 10.”
Munn said Doherty texted her a few months ago to ask how she was doing and to offer his help.
“True to her nature, Shannen offered her support despite being in the final stages of battling this terrible disease,” the actress wrote, concluding with the words, “Fly so high, my friend.”
Contributors: Kelly Lawler and Edward Segarra
Four-star cornerback Chris Ewald Jr. signs with the Hurricanes
Queer Reads: Author publishes the second book of the transromantic thriller trilogy “Fall”
The Woodland Swim Club in Mansfield is hosting a community swim day on Saturday
About The Author
