Shenae Grimes Remembers Shannen Doherty

As the world continues to pay tribute to the late Shannen Doherty, actress Shenae Grimes has come forward with a personal anecdote about her brief but impactful encounter with Doherty.

Grimes, 34, shared in an Instagram video, “Our paths crossed briefly, and I’m not certain she would recall our meeting, but the impression she left on me has endured for the past 15 years.”

She reminisced about Doherty’s guest appearances on the first season of the 2008 revival of Beverly Hills, 90210. Grimes, who portrayed Annie Wilson on 90210, said, “My character was a nod to her original 90210 character, Brenda Walsh, as I was part of the sibling pair that transitioned from a small town to Beverly Hills. Shannen was always my favorite, perhaps because we shared the same brunette hair.”

Grimes expressed her excitement and nervousness about acting with Doherty. She recalled the warm welcome she received from Doherty before filming began. “She greeted me with the kindest smile and a comforting hug,” Grimes said. “At that time, I was grappling with the sudden fame that came with the show. When she hugged me, I felt a sense of understanding. It was as if she was saying, ‘I’ve been in your shoes. I understand what you’re going through.’”

Grimes’ admiration for Doherty grew as she observed Doherty’s commanding presence on set. She credits Doherty with setting the “blueprint for how to be a strong woman who stands her ground and demands what she deserves.”

Grimes praised Doherty, saying, “Shannen was one of those brave women who dared to break the mold. What I saw in her, despite our limited interaction, was a woman who was funny, charming, charismatic, respectful, professional, and genuinely warm.”

Grimes concluded her video by expressing her heartbreak over Doherty’s passing and her admiration for Doherty’s fierce battle with breast cancer. She said, “It was an honor to have shared a moment in time with her and to have walked in her shoes, even if it was in a different role. I will forever cherish that experience. Thank you, Shannen, wherever you are. I’m not sure if you ever knew how much you inspired me, but I hope you do now and I hope you’re resting in peace.”