Sarah Michelle Gellar is paying tribute to her late best friend Shannen Doherty, who tragically died at age 53 in 2024 following an eight-year fight against metastatic Stage 4 breast cancer. The 48-year-old Daytime Emmy winner opened up to People magazine on Tuesday, reflecting on their cherished time together.
Celebrating a Life of Adventure
"We didn't waste the time we had," Gellar emotionally stated. "And if she said, 'Hey, I have an idea for a crazy adventure,' I'd be like, 'Okay, let's go do it!'" This sentiment captures the essence of their dynamic friendship, built on spontaneity and shared experiences.
Heartfelt Instagram Tribute
On July 13, Gellar posted a moving Instagram slideshow commemorating the anniversary of Doherty's passing. The Beverly Hills, 90210 alum was honored through images showcasing their joint escapades, including enjoying Casamigos tequila cocktails and horseback riding in desert landscapes.
The only unfulfilled plan between Gellar and the former Let's Be Clear podcaster was a grand trip to Italy. "She got to go, which is all that matters," the Long Island-born actress noted, adding, "I couldn't go at the time."
A Friendship Forged in the Nineties
Gellar and Doherty remarkably sustained their close bond since meeting in the 1990s while filming their respective WB television series—Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Charmed. "I made sure that I would never have any regrets with Shannen, and I think we did a really good job of it," Gellar, who stars in Dexter: Original Sin, emphasized. "I don't think we have any [regrets]."
Birthday Celebrations and Personal Tributes
On April 12, Gellar shared a video highlighting how the Heathers alum would thoughtfully include her in birthday festivities, as their birthdays fell close together. This gesture underscored Doherty's caring nature and the depth of their connection.
Doherty's Health Battle and Legal Matters
Doherty had hoped to "squeeze out another three to five years" after undergoing extensive treatments including a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. Her passing has been followed by legal complexities involving her third ex-husband, Kurt Iswarienko.
On January 14, Iswarienko filed documents in Los Angeles Court challenging their divorce agreement, which was finalized two days after Doherty's death. He claimed the case was brought to the wrong court, according to People magazine.
Estate Disputes and Allegations
Doherty's attorneys and Christopher Cortazzo, trustee of the Shannen Doherty Family Trust, have alleged that the 51-year-old photographer owes the estate hundreds of thousands of dollars and has refused to return personal property items. These disputes add a layer of complexity to the aftermath of her passing.
Final Chapter and Career Legacy
The Tennessee-born actress originally filed for divorce from Iswarienko in 2023 after discovering he allegedly had a two-year affair with his agent, Collier Grimm. Doherty's final screen role was in the 2024 spy thriller Darkness of Man, where she portrayed Vivian opposite Jean-Claude Van Damme, directed by James Cullen Bressack.
Gellar's reflections serve as a poignant reminder of Doherty's resilience and the enduring power of friendship, even in the face of adversity. Their story highlights the importance of cherishing moments and living fully, as echoed in Gellar's heartfelt memories.
