BTN News: The recent passing of Shannen Doherty has left a profound impact on her countless fans and the actors she worked with throughout her career. Among those deeply affected is Tori Spelling, who shared her heartfelt thoughts on Doherty’s death and the gratitude she feels for their final conversation.
In an emotional episode of her podcast, 90210MG, which she co-hosts with Jennie Garth, Spelling opened up about her regrets and the solace she found in their last discussion. “I’ve faced the loss of many dear people in my life, and I don’t believe in regrets. However, I deeply regret not having that time for a second chance. To try to overcome past issues and focus on the good times we shared. Being able to talk about all this in our last conversation was a great relief,” Spelling revealed. She added, “I feel like we both wanted and needed that. I’m extremely grateful we had the chance to do it.”
In April, Spelling and Doherty had a long, candid conversation, shared on their respective podcasts, Let’s Be Clear and Misspelling. They discussed the problems that had driven them apart after being close friends. “It was strange. We were friends, and then suddenly, we weren’t,” Spelling recounted. Doherty agreed, expressing her frustration: “I always used to tell you, ‘Tor, you need to have your own opinions. You’re smart, funny, and talented. I loved and respected you and wanted you to believe in yourself as much as I did.’”
Doherty felt Spelling was overly influenced by the opinions of “certain individuals.” Spelling acknowledged this, admitting, “You know I’m impressionable. That’s my downfall.” Reflecting on their friendship, she said, “We were like sisters, best friends. We were always together. If I was late, you were late too. But I was more affected by others’ complaints, and it was clear why: they wouldn’t say anything to the producer’s daughter,” Doherty pointed out bluntly. Spelling, far from offended, admitted, “I think when I was young, whoever was the alpha at the time influenced me. And I couldn’t stand up for myself. I didn’t own anything. So, all I did was try to be nice to everyone. But as you said: Have a damn opinion about something!”
Jennie Garth, who also starred in Beverly Hills 90210, expressed her sorrow over not having a similar opportunity to reconcile with Doherty. “I wish I had the chance to have a really honest conversation with her,” Garth said, praising Spelling for seizing that moment.
The last time Doherty and Garth saw each other was at a Beverly Hills 90210 convention in Florida last year. Garth recalled Doherty’s touching gesture, offering her a ride on a private plane back to Los Angeles, even though Garth needed to go to New York. “Shannen came to me right before they left and said, ‘We’re going on this plane. You’re welcome to join us, Jennie.’ I can still see her saying it, replaying in my mind,” Garth shared emotionally.
This gesture, according to Garth, was a testament to their mutual respect despite their complicated relationship. “The invitation was just an example that, although our relationship was sometimes complicated or affected by external forces, we still loved each other. Shannen was a fighter. She fought for things that mattered and for the people she cared about,” Garth reflected.
Upon Doherty’s passing, both Spelling and Garth took to social media to share their grief and memories. Spelling wrote a heartfelt message, recalling their 36-year-long friendship and the impact Doherty had on her life. “I was 15 when we met. I was the boss’s daughter without a voice, and she was the star with a big voice. She took me under her wing. She made me believe I had a voice and that I was worthy. We quickly became best friends. We were partners, true confidantes, supporting each other through bad relationships, roommates at times, travel buddies, and more. She always stood up for me, always supported me, always believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself,” Spelling reminisced.
Spelling admitted their friendship was influenced by many external factors but cherished the opportunity they had to reconnect as adults. “In a world where we often can’t reconcile childhood friendships that shaped much of the adult you become, we had that chance. I’m grateful for that. We could go back in time as adult friends and remember why we loved each other in the first place. To reminisce. And laugh again like we used to. No one could make me laugh like that,” she wrote.
Garth also shared her pain, describing Doherty as one of the strongest people she had known. “Our connection was real and honest. We were often at odds, but none of that reflected the truth of our relationship, which was based on mutual respect and admiration. She was brave, passionate, determined, very loving, and generous. I will miss her and always honor her deeply in my heart and memories. My heart breaks for her family and everyone who loved her,” Garth concluded.
The outpouring of love and memories from her co-stars highlights the profound impact Shannen Doherty had on those who knew her. Despite the challenges and complexities of their relationships, her strength, kindness, and legacy continue to resonate deeply with those she left behind.
