Sarah Michelle Gellar Honors Shannen Doherty: A Heartfelt Birthday Tribute

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Sarah Michelle Gellar is marking a bittersweet birthday this year.

On the occasion of Shannen Doherty’s 54th birthday, April 12, a former cast member from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” paid tribute to her late friend. This was the first tribute since her passing in 2024 and it happens two days before Sarah reaches 48 years old.

From way back, our birthdays have always been a shared event @theshando, as seen in this 2024 snapshot. This upcoming birthday of yours, I’ll carry on the custom by honoring you. It’s heartwarming that we were all present last year’s celebration, unaware it would be our final one like that. Here’s to your special day, Shannen! Happy Birthday!”

This version maintains the sentiment and meaning of the original while making it more conversational and easier to read.

In addition to her role in “Dexter: Origin Sin,” the actress posted an unprecedented video of them both blowing out candles on their birthday cakes at the celebration.

Three months after the event, Shannen died after battling cancer for years.

Initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, the former star of “Beverly Hills, 90210” achieved remission in 2017, but tragically announced in 2020 that the cancer had recurred.

Additionally, that year, the relationship between her and Sarah flourished even more when the Scooby Doo actress and her relatives became part of her own family’s “Covid pod” during the pandemic.

Sarah, who is the mother of 15-year-old Charlotte and 12-year-old Rocky, shared on Shannen’s podcast “Let’s Be Clear” that she was finding it challenging during Covid times to balance giving her children the freedom and opportunities for adventures while also ensuring they could be kids.

Sarah added, “During the pandemic, you generously welcomed us into your home, an act of kindness I’ll always appreciate deeply.

Shannen acknowledged that Sarah and her family provided support for her during that difficult period simply by being present. As she explained, “Being isolated can be tough, especially for someone with a compromised immune system,” but Sarah took great care to minimize contact and still found time to visit, swim together, and participate in wine challenges.

 

Sarah went on to express, “During Covid times, you generously welcomed us into your home. I’ll forever be thankful for this act of kindness.

Shannen acknowledged that Sarah and her family provided support for her during that period simply by being present. “It’s tough feeling isolated, especially given my compromised immune system,” she explained, “but you were all exceptionally cautious about your contacts and made the effort to come over, go swimming, and even participate in wine challenges.

Sarah had shared a touching tribute to Shannen following her July 2024 death on social media.

How can one effectively express in a few words the essence of three decades of friendship? It’s a challenge, but I keep reminding myself that the pain is so intense because there was so much love involved. I appreciate all your heartfelt messages and kind words. It warms my heart to see how significant @theshando was to each one of you. Let’s pay tribute to her memory by cherishing the moments we shared together.

Gellar pointed out that her friend had a deep affection for animals, particularly dogs, and suggested their admirers contribute to local animal welfare organizations in her honor.

She added, “You could help by giving funds, visiting your neighborhood shelter to provide comfort and exercise to the animals living there, or even sharing about their work on social media. I’m confident this would bring joy to our dear one (and evoke the heartwarming laugh we were all fond of).

Look back at Shannen’s life in pictures…

Sarah had shared a touching tribute to Shannen following her July 2024 death on social media.

Can I ever find the perfect phrases to encapsulate three decades of friendship? It feels painful because there was so much love, but that’s why it hurts this much. Thank you for your touching words and encouragement. Your messages about how @theshando impacted your life are a testament to her importance, so let us remember her by honoring her.

Gellar pointed out that her friend had a deep affection for animals, particularly dogs, and urged fans to contribute to local animal charities as a tribute to her memory.

She went on, “It could be helping out financially, visiting your local animal shelter to provide affection and walks for the animals, or simply sharing their posts online so others can discover their cause. I’m certain this act would put a smile on our dear one’s face (and bring back that delightful, throaty chuckle we all adored).

Look back at Shannen’s life in pictures…

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2025-04-13 01:47