Holly Marie Combs, ‘Charmed’ cast honor Shannen Doherty after her death at 53: ‘My best friend’
The cast of “Charmed” has lost one of their own.
Shannen Doherty died of cancer on Saturday at age 53, prompting many of her former co-stars to share tributes to the late actress on social media.
Doherty played Prue Halliwell on the first three seasons of “Charmed” opposite Alyssa Milano and Holly Marie Combs. She left the show after Season 3 and was replaced by Rose McGowan.
Last year, Doherty and Combs, 50, claimed Milano got Doherty fired from “Charmed.”
“We were told [by Alyssa] it’s her or [Shannen] and Alyssa has threatened to sue us for a hostile workplace environment,’” Combs recalled on Doherty’s podcast.
Milano later denied those claims. “I did not have the power to get anyone fired,” she said at MegaCon earlier this year.
One week before Doherty’s death, a “Charmed” rewatch podcast, called “The House of Halliwell,” was announced with Doherty as one of the co-hosts, alongside Combs, Brian Krause and Drew Fuller.
The first episode came out July 8.
“I am really honored,” Doherty said about being involved with the podcast. “How much fun for the four of us to do this and watch everything. And then how much fun for me to watch after I was gone. I never watched it really when I was on it.”
“I just rewatched like four or five episodes the other day and my mouth dropped. I was like, oh, my God, what show is this?” she added. “I was pretty like amazed by it all. I was enthralled.”
Doherty said she “had a bunch of different emotions” rewatching episodes of the show.
“There were episodes that I was like, ‘Wow, that was really good,’ ” she said. “I was really impressed by the pilot, to be honest. I think later on, probably like third season when I know I’m going to die, I will be much more emotional. I’m really looking forward to seeing the episodes that Rose was on, because I didn’t watch.”
When the co-hosts discussed a possible “Charmed” reboot, Doherty shared her idea for her character’s storyline.
“I always just sort of thought like she became an elder. She becomes a cool elder and she becomes the most powerful elder where she can always be down with you guys wearing sick, awesome clothing,” she said.
She continued: “I think if we ever got a return text or phone call from Connie [the creator] and we actually went in and had a whole idea and pitched it to CBS, I don’t know why they wouldn’t do it. It’s so successful. Right. Why wouldn’t you do it? And bringing us back with the sort of the loud chatter of everybody’s dynamic and who got along and who didn’t. I can’t imagine CBS would say no. It’s such a good show that we should really revisit and do a version.”
Following Doherty’s death, her former “Charmed” co-stars took to social media to remember the actress with heartfelt statements.
Rose McGowan
McGowan, 50, paid tribute to Doherty on Instagram Sunday.
“Shannen Doherty had the heart of a lion. Passion for craft is often mislabeled as trouble. Shannen was passion,” McGowan wrote alongside a slideshow with photos of her late co-star.
“I met her in the 90s and was awed. Getting to really know her later in life, a beautiful gift,” she continued. “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.”
“Our lives had been intertwined in a unique way,” McGowan went on. “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 never forget you dear sister.”
The month before, McGowan showed love to Doherty in the comments on one of Doherty’s podcast clips on Instagram. Doherty talked about witnessing her father be sick before his death in 2010.
“Such a raw conversation. We never stop missing them do we?” McGowan commented on the video. “It’s like life before and life after. A staggering loss. I miss my dad too, so much. Hugs to all of us without them on earth.”
Doherty wrote back to McGowan, “hugs to you Rose.”
Holly Marie Combs
Combs, 50, posted her tribute in an Instagram post on Monday, July 15.
“My better half of 31 years. There is a hollow in my chest and I can’t seem to catch my breath,” she wrote.
“A part of me is missing even though I know exactly what you would say to me right now. I know exactly what you would tell me to do right no,” she continued. “I know your undying spirit will live in me and my kids who you loved as your own. They will walk with your sense of purpose and pride. They will be truthful and stand up for what is right. No matter what and zero f—ks given.”
Combs finished her tribute with an address to Doherty.
“Your fire will live on in them and the many other ‘Charmed; ones you helped raise. A fierce fighter til the end. My most ardent champion. My loyal protector. My best friend. You taught me the meaning of family. You were and will be forevermore my sister. I love you.”
Alyssa Milano
Despite their feud, Milano, 51, shared a meaningful statement about Doherty after her death.
“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, 51, said in a statement to The Post.
She added, “She was a talented actress, beloved by many and the world is less without her. My condolences to all who loved her.”
Brian Krause
Krause, who played Leo Wyatt on the show, honored Doherty on Instagram.
“You showed me what strength is. You taught me to be fearless and live with purpose. To know your value and stick to your determinations. Forever loved! Truly heartbroken
,” the 55-year-old actor wrote.
Ted King
Ted King, who portrayed Doherty’s love interest, Andy Trudeau, shared an emotional tribute as well.
“We created a special television couple for the ages. My heart goes out to your family. Rest in peace Shannen, rest in peace,” King’s post said.
