Holly Marie Combs Reflects on Shannen Doherty’s Departure from “Charmed”
Holly Marie Combs is still grappling with the news of Shannen Doherty’s firing from “Charm Med.”
During a recent episode of the “charmed” re-watch podcast, “Holywell’s House,” Combs, age 51, along with Brian Krause, discussed the finale of season 3, “All Hell Breaks Rese” and “All Hell Breaks Roas,” which aired in May 2001. This marked Doherty’s final appearance on the show, where she also took on the role of director.
“It’s really hard to get through this episode for so many reasons,” said Combs, visibly emotional.
The actress noted, “There were numerous ways this could have been handled. I mean, the way it was done was quite insulting. The fact that it was presented in such a manner—it’s just unacceptable.”
Doherty, who tragically passed away from cancer in July 2024 at the age of 53, was part of “Charm Med” alongside her on-screen sisters, Combs and Alyssa Milano, before a producer abruptly let her go after three seasons. The WB fantasy series went on for five more seasons, with Rose McGowan stepping in to replace her.
“God knows we won’t mention any names,” Combs said. “It’s just ridiculous.”
Combs recalled being “completely blindsided” by Doherty’s exit, explaining that the producers informed Doherty via phone when everyone else was on break.
“They called her without even telling me and hoped I would carry on,” she shared.
Krause, who played Leo Wyatt in the series, added that “nobody” anticipated Doherty’s firing.
“Some folks just want to avoid being villainized, even if it comes at the cost of honesty. It’s a shame, really. It impacts everyone,” he stated.
Combs also revealed that the showrunner, Brad Kern, reached out to Doherty years later to apologize for his role in the termination.
“She didn’t want us to skip this episode,” Combs mentioned about the podcast. “She always said it was one of her favorites, but we sadly had to.”
Before Doherty’s passing, Combs claimed that it was Milano who had initiated the firing. Doherty later spoke on this during a February 2024 Megacon Orlando panel.
“What I consider ‘drama’ is real trauma for me, and I’ve been dealing with it for so long,” Doherty remarked. “My battle with cancer has helped me to confront and share this experience.”
Milano addressed the complex nature of her relationship with Doherty during another Megacon panel, expressing that the show’s legacy has been marred by ongoing toxicity.
Upon Doherty’s passing, Milano told the news outlet, “It’s well-known that Shannen and I had a complicated dynamic, but I held a deep respect for her.”
“She was immensely talented and truly loved. The world feels different without her,” Milano continued, extending her condolences to those who cherished Doherty.
