Tributes celebrating the life of 90210 and Charmed star Shannen Doherty, who died on Saturday at the age of 53 after a years-long battle with breast cancer, have begun pouring in. Former co-stars, friends, and fans are honoring the iconic 90s actress on social media, highlighting Doherty’s heroic fight against the disease.
Jennie Garth, who memorably played blonde Kelly Taylor opposite Doherty’s brunette Brenda Walsh on 90210, posted two photos from their time on the hit teen drama together—one where she’s on a beach with Doherty and her dog Bowie, and one where the two are laughing side by side. “I am still processing my tremendous grief over the loss of my long time friend Shannen, the woman I have often described as one of the strongest people I have ever known,” she wrote. Garth also referenced rumors of tension between her and Doherty on the set of 90210, writing that she and Doherty “were so often pitted against each other but none of that reflected the truth of our real relationship which was one built on mutual respect and admiration.” She described Doherty as courageous, passionate, determined, loving and generous, writing, “I will miss her and always honor her deeply in my heart and in my memories.”
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Charmed star Alyssa Milano also paid tribute to Doherty while referencing their turbulent past. “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,” said Milano in a statement to Variety. Milano, Doherty, and Holly Marie Combs starred on the series as a trio of witchy sisters, but reported tension ultimately led Doherty to leave the series after three seasons. In 2023, Combs said that Doherty was fired from Charmed because of Milano, which Milano denied via Instagram—claiming that she “did not have the power to get anyone fired” and that a professional mediator had been brought to set. The mediator, she said, made a recommendation to producer Aaron Spelling, who ultimately fired Doherty.
Now, though, that water appears to be under the bridge. “She was a talented actress, beloved by many and the world is less without her,” continued Milano in her statement. “My condolences to all who loved her.”
Rose McGowan, who was brought onto Charmed after Doherty left the series, posted an Instagram reel dedicated to Doherty. “Shannen Doherty had the heart of a lion,” she wrote. In a lengthy post, McGowan says she met Doherty in the ‘90s and was inspired by Doherty’s talent and perseverance. “Our lives had been intertwined in a unique way,” she continued. “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.” McGowan shared the Instagram reel on social media site X, with the caption “Forever our sister.”