Following the death of actress Shannen Doherty, her doctor has spoken out. He provided a solemn account of her final moments and the events leading to her passing.
The world is mourning the loss of Shannen Doherty, the beloved actress known for her iconic roles and her brave battle against cancer. Dr. Lawrence D. Piro, Doherty’s oncologist, has opened up about her final moments in an emotional People interview.
A fan’s comment on Dr. Lawrence D. Piro’s interview, recalling his final moments with the late actress Shannen Doherty, posted in July 2024. | Source: Instagram/people
Piro is Doherty’s trusted friend and physician. He is the president and CEO of Cedars-Sinai affiliate The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute in Los Angeles, who played an important role in overseeing Doherty’s battle with breast cancer.
Doherty received her breast cancer diagnosis in 2015, achieved remission in 2017, but faced a recurrence in 2019. By 2020, she bravely revealed her diagnosis had progressed to metastatic stage four cancer.
He shared that throughout her battle with breast cancer, Doherty remained hopeful and determined. “In her mind, she was not wanting to consider any other alternative than ‘we were beating this and we were engaged in life,'” he said.
Even as her condition worsened, Doherty sought treatment and maintained a positive outlook. In her final podcast episode, “Let’s Be Clear with Shannen Doherty,” she expressed her intention to restart chemotherapy.
Piro described their perseverance in treatment until it was no longer possible. In their last conversation, Doherty acknowledged her worsening condition but focused on fighting the disease. Despite her physical decline, she wanted to keep undergoing treatment.
“Things turned much more difficult in the last couple of weeks, and that’s when it became clear that it was heading in a different direction,” Piro recalled. “We continued to fight while putting in more support and we just kept loving and hoping and supporting.”
Piro said that despite Doherty’s limited treatment options in her final weeks, they focused on what could still be done. He said that giving up was never an option for Doherty, highlighting her warrior spirit.
During Doherty’s final moments, Piro was by her side. In those serene moments, he described that she “was in a place where she was very comfortable and sleeping and transitioning.” Their friends, loved ones, and even Doherty’s dog Bowie were present.
“The room was surrounded by a select group of friends that were giving her a lot of care and support. It was somber and sad, but beautiful and loving. The hardest thing about this was that she wasn’t ready to leave because she loved life,” Piro recounted.
Dr. Lawrence Piro and Shannen Doherty attended the Farrah Fawcett Foundation’s “Tex-Mex Fiesta” in Los Angeles, California on September 9, 2017. | Source: Getty Images
During her health journey, Doherty was very involved in her treatment choices. Piro remembered that whenever she found new information about her condition, she would share it with him to discuss.
Shannen Doherty attends Stand Up To Cancer at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles on September 9, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
Piro shared his amazement at how Doherty could separate her emotions from the fact-finding aspects of her difficult journey. “She was so razor focused and level-headed about those things, Piro shared.
Shannen Doherty attends the 9th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California on October 5, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on their friendship, Piro remembered the vibrant dinner parties Doherty used to host. “She was an incredible, incredible chef,” he recalled. He also mentioned how unusual it felt to see Doherty confined to her bed at home instead of her usual place in the kitchen, cooking, and hosting parties.
“She loved entertaining. What kept her going was a love for life and a desire to have more life. That was incredibly painful for her not to be able to do that,” he explained.
Doherty often showcased their friendship on social media. In February 2017, she posted a heartfelt Instagram photo with Piro at her home. She sported a pixie cut, beside the medical expert while her friend matched her dark ensemble.
She wrote, “Last night my doctor #DrPiro came over for dinner. I’m extremely lucky to have such a close relationship with him and it was perfect timing to see him.” In her post, Doherty admitted to being self-critical about her condition.
“It’s easy to say… I’m not active enough, my hairs not growing fast enough, I’ve aged, my weight is too high or too low. What is hard, is to give ourselves a break and a pat on the back for facing a demon like cancer,” she noted.
Despite these trying moments, she thanked Piro for reassuring her and urging her self-compassion. In another post in August 2017, she celebrated his birthday. She wore a black shirt and had black hair, while Piro wore a brown jacket and white shirt in the photo.
“Dr Lawrence Piro. Not just my doctor. My friend. This man saved my life,” she captioned the post. Doherty expressed deep gratitude for Piro, stating she referred many friends to him.
She described him as selfless, intelligent, and kind. Additionally, she also found Piro “classy, stylish, funny.” She acknowledged that cancer brought him into her life, shaping their bond in unexpected ways.
Dr. Lawrence Piro at the St. John’s Health Center 2016 Caritas Gala in Beverly Hills, California on October 22, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
Piro highlighted Doherty’s legacy and emphasized that her zest for life stemmed from her deep love for people and the importance of treating others well. “She would want us to live our lives fully, stay true to our convictions, and not let others define or limit us,” he noted.
Dr. Lawrence Piro and Shannen Doherty attended the Farrah Fawcett Foundation’s “Tex-Mex Fiesta” in Los Angeles, California on September 9, 2017. | Source: Getty Images
Doherty’s courage and passion for life will continue to inspire everyone who knew her, leaving a lasting impact on the world. While she treated Piro as a close friend, her relationships with people were not always as harmonious.
Shannen Doherty speaks at MegaCon Orlando 2024 in Florida on February 4, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Shannen Doherty was also known for her past tensions with former “Charmed” co-star Alyssa Milano. The tension of the two actresses on the set of “Charmed” has been a long-standing topic among fans.
Alyssa Milano, Shannen Doherty, and Holly Marie Combs were in “Charmed” in 1999. | Source: Getty Images
Doherty left the show in 2001, citing on-set drama and lack of passion from some actors. In December 2023, Doherty revealed on her podcast that she was fired after Milano threatened to sue for a hostile work environment, a claim corroborated by Holly Marie Combs.
Doherty aimed to clarify the story for fans, expressing no current resentment. Milano responded at MegaCon in Orlando and on Instagram, expressing disappointment over the ongoing toxicity tarnishing the show’s legacy.
She emphasized that the events that happened over two decades ago, were mediated by a professional, and led to Doherty’s dismissal to protect the show’s success.
Alyssa Milano speaks at MegaCon Orlando 2024 at the Orange County Convention Center on February 2, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Milano denied having the power to get anyone fired and highlighted the show’s continued success post-Doherty. Despite past controversies, she paid tribute to Doherty in a previous interview after her death, expressing deep respect and admiration for her.
Although she experienced both beautiful friendships and past misunderstandings, Doherty lived a life that was imperfect yet memorable. Her legacy of resilience and passion will continue to inspire all who knew her.