Sarah Michelle Gellar Keeps ‘Tradition’ of Celebrating Shannen Doherty’s Birthday 1 Year After Death

Sarah Michelle Gellar is celebrating her late friend Shannen Doherty’s birthday nearly one year after her death.

“For as long as I can remember, we have celebrated our birthdays together @theshando,” Gellar, 47, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, April 12, sharing a carousel of throwback images of the besties. “This year, I will keep that tradition and celebrate you.”

She continued, “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. 🕊️.”

Gellar’s former Buffy the Vampire Slayer costar David Boreanaz replied in the comments section, writing, “Happy Birthday ❤️.”

Gellar, meanwhile, also reposted her social media tribute onto her Instagram Stories, with the caption, “Happy Birthday @TheShando.”

Doherty died in July 2024 after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was 53.

“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease,” Doherty’s longtime publicist, Leslie Sloane, said in a statement to Us. “The devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie. The family asks for their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace.”

Doherty, best known for starring roles on Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed, was first diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer in 2015. After going into remission three years later, Doherty’s cancer returned in 2020 and spread to her brain. Through it all, Doherty was able to lean on longtime friends like Gellar for support.

“I’ve, obviously, had a lot more time to digest this. She was forced to come out with this information, and I think that what makes it really hard is the way everyone looks at you now. And I think that’s why for so long she didn’t want people to know,” Gellar exclusively told Us Weekly in February 2020. “Now everywhere she goes, she sort of, she gets that look — and it’s not anyone’s fault, you can’t help it because you love her and you feel sympathy.”

She added, “This girl has had this diagnosis — she shot an entire season of a television show. She looked beautiful. She worked 16-hour days. I think people have to remember that life is tough, but Shannen’s a lot tougher. Cancer is not something that defines her. It’s an experience that’s certainly changed her — and changed all of us.”

Gellar has since frequently honored Doherty’s legacy following her passing.

“I keep reminding myself it only hurts this much because there was so much love,” Gellar wrote via Instagram in July 2024, breaking her silence on Doherty’s death. “Thank you for all your kind words and support. I love all the messages about how @theshando was important to you. So, let’s honor her. More than anything, Shan loves animals, especially dogs. In her memory, let’s support our favorite animal charities. Whether that’s donating money, stopping by your local shelter and just offering cuddles and walks to animals housed there or even just tagging them in the comments so other people can learn about their work.”