Sarah Michelle Gellar recently used Instagram to pay tribute to Shannen Doherty on what would have been her 54th birthday, which fell on Saturday, April 12.
The actress, renowned for her roles in “90210,” “Charmed,” and “Beverly Hills 90210,” was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015.
Throughout her health journey, Doherty was candid about her experiences undergoing a single mastectomy, chemotherapy, and other treatments, eventually announcing remission two years later.
In 2020, she faced the news that her cancer had returned, diagnosed as stage four breast cancer. By 2023, it had metastasized to her brain and spread to her bones.
Later in 2023, Doherty underwent surgery to remove most of the tumor. Unfortunately, her publicist announced that Doherty succumbed to cancer in July 2024.
Doherty’s publicist conveyed to PEOPLE: “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease.”
Gellar, a close friend of Doherty, marked the occasion on Instagram, reflecting on their shared birthday celebrations.
The “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star expressed: “For as long as I can remember, we have celebrated our birthdays together @theshando This year I will keep that tradition, and celebrate you.”
She added: “I am so glad we were all together on this day last year, not knowing it would be the last like this. Happy Birthday Shannen.”
Rose McGowan, Doherty’s co-star from “Charmed,” also paid tribute by resharing a fan post on Instagram Stories that read: “Happy Birthday Shannen Doherty.”
McGowan commented (via PEOPLE): “You are missed, you are loved @theshando.”
In a podcast episode recorded a month before her passing, Doherty discussed her battle with cancer, describing June as the most challenging period she had faced.
She admitted: “I’ve always kind of felt very positive and like I can deal with that, and this is definitely like I’m overly emotional, Like I want to cry every single second at good or bad.”
Doherty also noted: “[…] But what’s really beautiful about it is I think you become so incredibly sensitive that your eyes are like wide open to everything around you, to people, to how they react, to what you can possibly do that’s better for the world, to what your purpose here is.”
For those affected by similar issues and seeking confidential support, the American Cancer Society is available at 1-800-227-2345 or through their 24/7 live chat feature.
If you are dealing with bereavement and need to talk to someone, contact The Compassionate Friends at (877) 969-0010.