The news of Shannen Doherty’s tragic death has been met with varying reactions from supporters and colleagues, with her Beverly Hills, 90210 co-star Jason Priestley recently coming forward to discuss how hard he was hit. The 54-year-old admitted that he began reflecting on his life and its inevitable end after her passing.
Although Shannen was open about her battles with breast cancer on her Let’s Be Clear podcast, Jason revealed that her demise came as a shock, just like that of their co-star Luke Perry in 2019. He recalled posing with Shannen and Luke for a Rolling Stones cover in 1992, adding only then did their impact dawn on him.
Jason Priestley remembers late co-star Shannen Doherty
Like most people who encountered Shannen, Jason said she was tough and admired her tenacity. He spoke fondly of their last few years together, noting that he feels satisfied to have spent them with her and leaving nothing to question. He also gushed about her desire to help others while fighting her own battles.
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Their friendship was not without its bumps in the road. However, they straightened things out during an episode of Shannen’s podcast earlier this year. The late actress recalled keeping personal issues, including her tumultuous marriage to Ashley Hamilton, to herself, which affected her work and that of her cast mates.
His tribute to Shannen
Jason also paid tribute to his TV twin via Instagram shortly after death, sharing a wholesome photo of him piggybacking her. “Shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of my friend Shannen. She was a force of nature and I will miss her. Sending love and light to her family in this dark time,” his caption reads.
Fans flooded the comments with kind words of comfort for Jason while reminiscing on the entertainment they both provided playing Brenda and Brandon Walsh on 90210. “A bit of my childhood died today when I heard the news about Shannen. She will always be remembered as Brenda Walsh to me!! Rest in Peace dear Shannen you will be forever missed,” a follower replied.