Alyssa Milano has paid tribute to her “Charmed” co-star Shannen Doherty, who died Saturday at age 53.
“It’s no secret that Shannen and I had a complicated relationship, but at its core was someone I deeply respected and was in awe of,” Milano said in a statement provided to Variety. “She was a talented actress, beloved by many and the world is less without her. My condolences to all who loved her.”
Milano and Doherty starred alongside Holly Marie Combs in “Charmed,” in which they played a trio of magical sisters from 1998 until 2001 when Doherty’s character, Prue Halliwell, was killed off in the Season 3 finale. The show would air its eighth and final season in 2006.
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As Milano referenced in her statement, she and Doherty had a “complicated” off-screen relationship for years. In December 2023, Combs claimed that Milano got Doherty fired from “Charmed,” to which Milano responded in an Instagram post in February that she “did not have the power to get anyone fired.” She also claimed that a “professional mediator” was brought on set, who “after collecting testimony from cast and crew,” recommended what changes should be made to producer Aaron Spelling, who ultimately decided to fire Doherty.
“As always, I wish Holly, Shannen and Rose, peace and light in their personal and professional journeys,” Milano wrote on Instagram at the time.
McGowan, who replaced Doherty on “Charmed,” honored her in a social media post on Sunday, saying that Doherty “had the heart of a lion.”
“Passion for craft is often mislabeled as trouble. Shannen was passion. I met her in the 90s and was awed. Getting to really know her later in life, a beautiful gift. This woman fought to live. Shannen knew how to be a star because she was one since childhood. Her work ethic inspiring to the end. Shannen’s great love for directing, for acting, Holly, her friends, her parents, dog and her beloved fans was legendary,” McGowan continued. “Our lives had been intertwined in a unique way. We laughed at dark forces who wanted us to hate each other, instead we chose love and respect. A soft-hearted badass as there ever was. A force of energy that will live forever in hearts. May angels and God carry her to the holy kingdom where she is healthy, young and wild forever. Rest now warrior, we will nev -
er forget you dear sister
Several “Beverly Hills, 90210” stars also paid tribute to Doherty, who played Brenda Walsh on the teen drama series from 1990 to 1994.
Jason Priestley, who portrayed Doherty’s twin brother Brandon Walsh, wrote on Instagram, “Shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of my friend Shannen. She was a force of nature and I will miss her. Sending love and light to her family in this dark time.”
Fox, the network behind the original “90210” series, said in a statement, “All of us at FOX mourn the loss of our friend Shannen Doherty and grieve alongside her family, friends and fans. We are grateful for Shannen’s undeniable talent and light, especially through her unforgettable, groundbreaking role in‘Beverly Hills, 90210,’ the iconic series that cemented her place among television royalty and helped define the bold, provocative identity FOX became known for. While Shannen was far too young to leave us, over her decades-long career, she built a legacy that will be remembered and celebrated forever.”
Brian Austin Green, who starred alongside Priestley and Doherty on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” also shared a tribute on his Instagram story: “Shan. My sister… You loved me through everything. You were a big part of my understanding of love. I’ll miss you more than I know how to process right now. Thank you for the gift of you.”
Read more tributes below.
A post shared by o l i v i a (@oliviamunn)
Shannen Doherty lived out her cancer battle publicly and with such courage. I will miss her fierce spirit. ♥️
RIP Shannen Doherty. I met her during the Full House days. She was lovely and had a beautiful smile. Today, I’ll also think about the women in my life who all succumbed to cancer – my mom, my sister, Sharon and my niece, Shannon, who all were so strong and so beautiful.… pic.twitter.com/LEWLPCKnbK
A post shared by Katie Couric (@katiecouric)
My heart is broken. It was a pleasure to meet Shannen Doherty while filming our movie Fortess a little over 2 years ago! She was full of warm energy and positive vibes. So young. So talented. May she rest well. pic.twitter.com/jVDLPXHYW4
A post shared by Briankrause21 (@briankrause21)
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