Alyssa Milano, Holly Marie Combs & Other ‘Charmed’ Stars Remember Shannen Doherty: “The World Is Less Without Her”
UPDATED MONDAY: Spelling Television’s Charmed was among the most successful CW series, running for eight seasons. Its original premise revolved around a trio of sisters, Prue (Shannen Doherty), Piper (Holly Marie Combs), and Phoebe (Alyssa Milano) — known as The Charmed Ones — powerful good witches who use their combined “Power of Three” to protect others.
That setup changed after the first three seasons when Doherty departed the series in one of the most talked about series exits, with the attention focusing on Dohery’s relationship with Milano. Following Doherty’s death from cancer at the age 53, Milano spoke of her co-star in a statement, a copy of which was obtained by Deadline.
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Additionally, Combs and several other Charmed cast members, including Rose McGowan, who succeeded Doherty on the show, posted tributes on social media.
“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.”
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Rumors of The Charmed behind-the-scenes drama have persisted for two decades after Doherty’s 2001’s exit, with Milano asked to address it as recently as earlier this year after Combs and Doherty had discussed it during on the latter’s podcast Let’s Be Clear, claiming that Milano had played a role in it.
“I’m sad that people can’t move past it,” Milano said at the time. “I’m sad that we all can’t just celebrate the success of a show that meant so much to all of us.”
Combs took some time to process the news of Doherty’s death, calling her former co-star and longtime friend “my better half of 31 years.” Combs’ heartfelt Instagram message next to a slew of photos of the two of them over the years, also spoke of Doherty as “a fierce fighter til the end. My most ardent champion. My loyal protector. My best friend.”
McGowan referred to her shared history with Doherty on Charmed.
“Shannen Doherty had the heart of a lion,” she wrote on Instagram. “Our lives had been intertwined in a unique way. We laughed at dark forces who wanted us to hate each other, instead we chose love and respect.”
Brian Krause, who played Leo Wyatt on Charmed said of Doherty, “You showed me what strength is,” he wrote. “You taught me to be fearless and live with purpose. To know your value and stick to your determinations.
Ted King, who played Doherty’s love interest Andy Trudeau in Season 1, also posted a moving tribute to his former Charmed co-star.
“What a warrior. Fierce talent, passionate actor, friend, advocate,” wrote Finola Hughes, who recurred on the show as Patty Halliwell
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