Despite their tumultuous relationship, Alyssa Milano paid tribute to her “Charmed” co-star Shannen Doherty, who passed away on July 13.
“Shannen and I had our differences, but I always held deep respect and admiration for her,” Milano told Entertainment Weekly. “She was a remarkable actress, cherished by many, and her loss is deeply felt. The start of the Paris Olympics is less than two weeks away.
Doherty’s passing came after a nearly decade-long fight against breast cancer. After a 2015 initial diagnosis, she experienced a 2017 remission, but in 2020, the cancer came back. As of June 2023, the celebrity from Beverly Hills, 90210 disclosed that the disease has progressed to her brain and subsequently her bones.
Shannen passed away on Saturday, July 13, following a protracted battle with cancer,” NBC News was informed by her publicist, Leslie Sloane. “Her dog, Bowie, and other family members were with her. The family requests privacy to mourn in peace.”
Despite her health issues, Doherty remained active, including hosting her podcast “Let’s Be Clear.” The feud with Milano resurfaced in a December episode when “Charmed” co-star Holly Marie Combs suggested Milano had Doherty fired after the third season.
Milano refuted these allegations. She stated on Instagram in February, “I didn’t have the power to fire anybody.” Five more prosperous seasons followed Shannen’s departure, for which I will always be thankful.”
At MegaCon Orlando later that month, Milano elaborated on her feelings. “That a program that so many people adore has been overshadowed by persistent hatred is distressing,” she remarked. “It’s unfortunate that the popularity of the program cannot be enjoyed by everybody.”
“I’ve been transparent, accepted responsibility, and apologized for my role in the conflict,” she continued. “I’m not sure what else I can do to make things right. It’s a painful situation, and I’m sorry to those who still support us despite it all.”
Doherty, however, was not moved by Milano’s comments.
“With my current health condition, fighting this dreadful disease daily, it’s crucial for me that the truth is known rather than the stories others create,” Doherty said at MegaCon. “Together, we acknowledged and upheld our common realities.”
“The reality we have shared does not involve rewriting history,” she continued. “No exaggeration or falsehoods. I remember the facts clearly. What others may call ‘drama’ is actual trauma for me, something I’ve endured for a long time.”
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Doherty acknowledged that her battle with cancer had given her the courage to speak out about the “trauma” she experienced. “I need to heal from a career and livelihood taken from me and my family because someone else wanted to be the top star,” she said. “That is the truth.”