‘Charmed’ star Rose McGowan ‘can’t stop crying’ after Shannen Doherty’s death
Rose McGowan is opening up about the death of fellow “Charmed” star, Shannon Doherty.
Doherty died Saturday at the age of 53 after a nearly 10-year battle with cancer.
“I can’t stop crying,” McGowan, 50, wrote in a heartfelt Instagram comment on Sunday. “A world without Shannon Doherty is unimaginable.”
McGowan’s comment was in response to her “Jawbreaker” co-star Julie Benz, who paid tribute in a comment on McGowan’s original tribute post, writing: “Heartbreaking π.”
McGowan initially broke his silence on Doherty’s death with numerous behind-the-scenes photos.
“Shannen Doherty had the heart of a lion. Passion for craft is often mislabeled as a problem. Shannen was passionate,” McGowan wrote in the caption.
βI met him in the 90s and was fascinated. To really know him later in life, is a beautiful gift,β he continued. βThis woman fought to survive. Shannon knew how to be a star because she was one since childhood. His work ethic is ultimately inspiring. Shannon’s great love for directing, acting, Holly, her friends, her parents, dogs and her adoring fans was legendary.
Doherty, Alyssa Milano and Holly Marie-Combs starred as Halliwell’s witch in the first three seasons of “Charmed.” Doherty was fired at the end of season 3 after an alleged dispute with Milano, 51. She was then replaced with McGowan, who played the sibling’s younger, half-sister.
Since wrapping “Charmed” in 2006, Doherty and McGowan have developed a special connection, as their “lives have intertwined in a unique way.”
“We laughed at the dark forces that wanted us to hate each other, instead we chose love and respect,” McGowan continued. βA soft-hearted scoundrel as it were. A power of strength that will live forever in the heart. Angels and Gods take him to the Holy Realm where he is forever healthy, young and wild. Rest now warrior, we will never forget you dear sister.
Doherty and Combs, 50, claimed last year that Milano fired Doherty from “Charmed.”
“We said [by Alyssa] It’s her or [Shannen] And Alyssa threatened to sue us for a hostile work environment,” Combs recalled on Doherty’s podcast.
Milano denied those claims at MegaCon earlier this year, saying, “I didn’t have the authority to fire anybody.”
Despite their “complicated relationship,” Milano shared a meaningful message about her former co-star’s death.
“It’s no secret that Shannon and I had a complicated relationship, but at the core of it was someone I deeply respected and was in awe of,” Milano said in a statement to the Sunday Post.
βShe was a talented actress, loved by many and the world is no less without her. My condolences to those who loved him,β he added.
Bryan Krauss, who played Leo Wyatt on the show, paid tribute to Doherty via Instagram, writing: “You showed me what strength is. You taught me to be fearless and live with purpose. To know your worth and stick to your resolve. Loved forever! Truly heartbreaking. π.β
Additionally, Ted King, who played Doherty’s love interest on the show, also penned an emotional tribute to the late actress.
βWe have created a special television couple for the ages. My heart goes out to your family. Rest in peace Shanen, rest in peace,β King’s post read.
Doherty’s publicist Leslie Sloane confirmed the star’s death on Sunday.
“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the death of actress Shannen Doherty,” Sloane said in a statement to People.
“On Saturday, July 13, he lost his battle with cancer after battling the disease for many years,” Sloane continued. βThe devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog Bowie. The family wants their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace.”
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, Doherty underwent treatment that included a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. Despite a period of remission in 2017, she revealed in February 2020 that her cancer had progressed to late stage 4.
During a virtual appearance on “Good Morning America” ββin 2021, Doherty told fans she was “fighting to survive.” “I never wanted to manage [like Iβm dying],β she said.
In November 2023, Doherty shared that her stage 4 breast cancer had spread to her bones after previously spreading to her brain. She was determined to live fully despite her health battles.
βI’m not alive. I don’t end with love. I am not made. Hopefully I didn’t end up changing things for the better,β Doherty told People at the time. “I’m not right – I’m not done.”