“Fuck them,” is what Shan would say if I told her I feel the pressure of having to summarize a 36-year relationship via social media and the pain I feel when faced with a fire that was extinguished too soon. So begins actress Tori Spelling’s memoir of her colleague and friend Shannen Doherty, whom she met on the set of Beverly Hills 90210 and who passed away after a long battle with cancer. “I was 15 when Shan and I met. I was the boss’s voiceless daughter and she was the star with the big voice. He took me under his wing. It convinced me that I had a voice and that I was worthy of it. We became best friends instantly. We were each other’s wings, true confidants, support in dealing with bad relationships, sometimes roommates, travel companions and so much more.” He always defended me. He always supported me. He always believed in me when I didn't believe or couldn't believe in myself. We were young.”
And eventually, the two men reunited later, over the years: “We let many external and internal influences shape our friendship. In a world where we are often unable to recapture the childhood friendships that shaped so much of the adults we have become, we were given that opportunity. I am grateful to Shannen and I for going back in time and becoming “adult friends.” To remember why we loved each other in the first place. To laugh again like we used to. No one has ever made me laugh like that.” A laugh that comes from the heart.” And finally: “She was a rebel in a time when most women didn't feel comfortable being strong. He never tried, he just did it. He gave strength to sensuality, to strength, to two fucks, to empathy, all seasoned with wicked humor! His sarcastic humor was one of my favorites. And no one made a pancake cake like Shan! Shan… I will carry the flame forward. I will bring out my power! And I will remain a rebel for you. I will love you with all my heart. Always.”
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