As friends, family and fans mourn the loss and celebrate the life of Shannen Doherty following her death, there may be a few people missing from any public visitation or funeral — all because she herself said so.
Doherty, 53, who passed away at the weekend following a lengthy battle with breast cancer, had a list of people she didn’t want at her funeral, as per her own Let’s Be Clear podcast. The Beverly Hills, 90210 alum previously spoke about her funeral plans and burial arrangements, where she frequently opened up about her health journey and hopes for the future.
Rose McGowan, Shannen Doherty and Holly Marie Combs during a Q&A session at MegaCon in February, 2024
“There’s a lot of people that I think would show up that I don’t want there. I don’t want them there because their reasons for showing up aren’t necessarily the best reasons,” she said, adding, “Like, they don’t really like me and, you know, they have their reasons and good for them, but they don’t actually really like me enough to show up to my funeral.”
Shannen Doherty and Jason Priestley earlier this year
Though no names were mentioned, Doherty claimed that there would be some people who only go to her funeral because they feel like they have to, feeling the “pressure” not to “look bad.”
“[They’ll show up] because it’s the politically correct thing to do, and they don’t want to look bad, so I kinda want to take the pressure off them and I want my funeral to be like a love fest,” she said, adding, “I don’t want people to be crying or people to privately be like, ‘Thank God that b-tch is dead now.'”
Leslie Sloane, Doherty’s publicist, confirmed news of the actress’ passing on Sunday, telling People in a statement, “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. The devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie. The family asks for their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace.”
Following news of her death, friends and colleagues mourned her tragic loss in heartfelt tributes.
Charmed co-star Alyssa Milano spoke with US Weekly about the death of her former co-star, citing “awe” and “deep resect”.
“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. She was a talented actress, beloved by many and the world is less without her. My condolences to all who loved her.”
Charmed actor Brian Krause also mourned the loss of his former co-star in a statement detailing admiration and determination.
“You showed me what strength is. You taught me to be fearless and live with purpose. To know your value and stick to your determinations. Forever loved! Truly heartbroken 😔.”
Ted King, Doherty’s love interest in the early 2000’s series, expressed his sadness, and offered the deceased actress peace.
“We created a special television couple for the ages. My heart goes out to your family. Rest in peace Shannen, rest in peace.”
Eric West, who worked with Doherty on the set of 2021’s Fortress shared a touching tribute on X following the star’s passing.
“My heart is broken. It was a pleasure to meet Shannen Doherty while filming our movie Fortress a little over 2 years ago! She was full of warm energy and positive vibes. So young. So talented. May she rest well.”
Actresses Olivia Munn, Viola Davis, Katie Couric, and Kristin Chenoweth also expressed their sympathy (per People) sharing, “Oh man! So sad. Rest in peace❤,” and “Fly with the angels sweet precious soul!”
