Shannen Doherty's Inspiring Health Update: The Remarkable Warrior Shines On!

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Sarah Michelle Gellar thinks longtime pal Shannen Doherty is a real-life superhero.

During an interview with Access Hollywood on Tuesday, October 24, actress Gellar, 46, praised her friend Doherty, 52, who has been bravely fighting stage IV cancer. Gellar described Doherty as an incredible warrior who tackles each day with determination. While acknowledging the challenges and fluctuations of the journey, Gellar expressed admiration for Doherty's strength and resilience.

Gellar and Doherty have been friends since the late 1990s when they both starred in WB shows airing concurrently. In 2015, Doherty first faced breast cancer and fought it with the unwavering support of Gellar. However, in February 2020, Doherty revealed that the illness had resurfaced.

"It will soon be revealed, within a few days or a week, that my cancer has reached stage IV. My cancer has resurfaced, which is why I am here," stated the Beverly Hills, 90210 actress during her interview with Good Morning America. "I haven't fully processed it yet. It's a difficult reality to accept in many ways."

Doherty disclosed that her diagnosis occurred approximately four months before the unfortunate passing of her former 90210 co-star, Luke Perry. Perry tragically passed away at the age of 52 in February 2019 due to a severe ischemic stroke. Despite her cancer returning, Doherty expressed the importance of participating in the filming of Fox's BH90210 reboot. The reboot features the original cast portraying exaggerated versions of themselves and serves as a tribute to her beloved friend who is no longer with them.

“It is incredibly unsettling for me to receive a diagnosis and then witness someone who appeared to be perfectly healthy go before me,” she revealed on GMA. “The shock was truly profound. And in order to pay tribute to him, I felt compelled to participate in [the reboot]. … One of the motivating factors, alongside Luke, for my involvement in 90210 while keeping it a secret from others was the belief that by witnessing this, people could recognize that individuals with stage IV cancer can also continue to work. It's important for others to understand that life doesn't abruptly end the moment we receive that diagnosis. We still have so much life left to live.”

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After Doherty shared her diagnosis, Gellar expressed her love and support on social media. Posting a picture of herself and Doherty at an event, she wrote, "Life is challenging, but you are resilient." Later on, Gellar spoke to We magazine about Doherty's health battle, admiring her friend's strength and perseverance even during difficult times. Gellar stated, "Despite her diagnosis, she managed to film an entire season of a television show. She looked amazing and worked long hours. It's important for people to remember that life can be tough, but Shannen is even tougher."

Gellar acknowledged that although cancer has altered Doherty, it does not dominate her identity.

"She may appear strong externally, but internally she's not necessarily the same," Gellar added. "It's important to recognize that she has been coping with this for a considerable time, and it's unfortunate how society expects us to reveal truths that we may not yet be prepared to share with others, as we are still processing them ourselves."

In June, Doherty disclosed that her cancer had metastasized to her brain. Subsequently, she posted a video on Instagram, documenting her preparations for surgery. In her written caption, she shared the date of the procedure, January 16, 2023, and mentioned that the purpose was to remove a tumor from her head and conduct a biopsy. Despite her efforts to appear strong, she admitted feeling terrified. The overwhelming fear encompassed potential negative outcomes, concerns about the impact on her mother, and worries of losing her sense of self after the surgery. This, according to Doherty, exemplifies what cancer resembles.