Alyssa Milano Reflects On ‘Charmed’ Co-star Shannen Doherty’s Death

Despite rumors of behind-the-scenes drama between the two women, Milano expressed deep respect for Doherty following her death.

Many Tributes have since poured in from co-stars and friends, praising Shannen Doherty’s strength and courage.

Milano has paid tribute to Doherty after the shocking news of her passing at 53. In a statement shared with Deadline, she briefly talked about their complex relationship while noting how much she respected the late actress.

“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. “She was a talented actress, beloved by many and the world is less without her. My condolences to all who loved her.”

“Charmed” was a standout series for the CW, lasting eight seasons. It initially centered on three sisters, Prue (Doherty), Piper (Holly Marie Combs), and Phoebe (Milano) — known as The Charmed Ones — who wield their combined “Power of Three” to fight evil.

However, the dynamic changed after three seasons when Doherty left in a highly publicized departure, allegedly due to her strained relationship with Milano.

Milano was recently questioned about the situation earlier this year after Combs and Doherty discussed it on Doherty’s podcast “Let’s Be Clear,” suggesting their former co-star played a part in the conflict.

“I’m sad that people can’t move past it,” Milano said. “I’m sad that we all can’t just celebrate the success of a show that meant so much to all of us.”

Doherty’s “Beverly Hills, 90210” co-stars also paid their tribute. Jason Priestley described Doherty as “a force of nature,” while Brian Austin Green referred to her as “my sister” who “loved me through everything.”

Gabrielle Carteris mentioned fellow “Beverly Hills, 90210” actor Luke Perry, who passed away in 2019, saying, “May you RIP, Shannen. I know Luke is there with open arms to love you.”

Olivia Munn, who bonded with Doherty over their shared battle with cancer, expressed, “Cancer is really f-cking scary and Shannen faced it with such dignity, strength, and grace.”

Carol Potter also paid tribute, saying: “Throughout, she stayed true to herself and gave us an example of courage and perseverance in facing her own death.”

Doherty was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. In a candid interview with People magazine in November 2023, she discussed her Stage 4 breast cancer, which had spread to her bones, expressing that she didn’t “want to die.”

“I’m not done with living. I’m not done with loving. I’m not done with creating. I’m not done with hopefully changing things for the better,” Doherty said. “I’m just not — I’m not done.”

After her initial diagnosis, Doherty announced in April 2017 that she was in remission. However, the cancer returned in 2019, and in 2020, she revealed her diagnosis of metastatic Stage 4 cancer.

On June 6, 2023, Doherty took to Instagram to share that her cancer had spread to her brain.

Later that month, she revealed that she had undergone surgery in January 2023 to remove a brain tumor she named Bob.

“He had to get removed and dissected to see his pathology,” she told People in November 2023. “It was definitely one of the scariest things I’ve ever been through in my entire life.”

Despite these challenges, Doherty remained determined to continue working.

“People just assume that it means you can’t walk, you can’t eat, you can’t work. They put you out to pasture at a very early age — ‘You’re done, you’re retired,’ and we’re not,” she explained. “We’re vibrant, and we have such a different outlook on life. We are people who want to work and embrace life and keep moving forward.”

Doherty left detailed plans for her funeral and burial prior to her passing. In a January episode of her podcast, the actress discussed her wishes.

She said, “I want my remains to be mixed with my dog, and I want it to be mixed with my dad. I do not want to be buried and not cremated.”

Doherty mentioned that her ashes should be dispersed in various “healthy mixtures.”

While reflecting on cherished memories, the “Beverly Hills, 90210” star suggested that she and her father’s ashes might be scattered in Malibu, California, where they spent “precious time” or in another beloved location.

She also entertained the idea of her remains being used to “grow into a tree.”