Watch: Sarah Michelle Gellar Breaks Silence on Nicholas Brendon’s Death in Touching Tribute
Some friendships transcend this world.
And for Sarah Michelle Gellar, her relationship with the late Shannen Doherty is one that will never fade.
Before the Beverly Hills, 90210 star’s death in July 2024, “I made sure that I would never have any regrets,” Sarah reflected to People in an interview published March 24. “And I think we did a really good job of it. I don’t think we have any.”
The only experience the pair were never able to enjoy together was a “big world trip to Italy,” Sarah shared, noting —who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015—did ultimately go with her oncologist Dr. Lawrence Piro in January 2024. While Sarah Michelle couldn’t come with, Shannen “got to go, which is all that matters.”
Recently, almost two years after Shannen’s death, Sarah Michelle heard someone say and Shannen “enjoyed the f–k out of each other,” which she felt to be the prefect description.
“We didn’t waste the time we had,” the 48-year-old explained. “And if she said, ‘Hey, I have an idea for a crazy adventure.’ I’d be like, ‘Okay, let’s go do it.'”
For Sarah Michelle, Shannen’s passing also imparted an important lesson.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Hallmark Channel
“You learn that time is fleeting,” she said. “You learn to take advantage of the time you have. Especially because the world moves so quickly now. We can stop and miss those moments.”
And since saying goodbye to her friend, Sarah Michelle has made sure to honor her at every opportunity.
Instagram / Sarah Michelle Gellar
In fact, on Shannen’s first birthday after her death, which occurs just two days before Sarah Michelle’s, the I Know What You Did Last Summer star promised to keep their annual tradition going.
“For as long as I can remember, we have celebrated our birthdays together,” she wrote in an Instagram April 2025 post. “This year, I will keep that tradition, and celebrate you. I am so glad we were all together on this day last year, not knowing it would be the last like this. Happy Birthday Shannen.”
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
