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Shannen Doherty supported by Sarah Michelle Gellar as heartbreaking divorce new emerges

Charmed actress Shannen and Kurt Iswarienko wed in 2011

Rebecca Lewis
Rebecca Lewis - Los Angeles
Los Angeles correspondentLos Angeles
April 22, 2023
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Shannen Doherty called on fans to remember the "only people who deserve to be in your life are the ones who treat you with love, kindness and total respect," hours before she announced she was divorcing her husband of 11 years. Shannen's Instagram post was shared on the grid, and best friend Sarah Michelle Gellar was quick to comment: "I guess you will be in my life forever then." 

Kurt Iswarienko and Charmed star Shannen wed in October 2011 but the actress' rep confirmed the divorce to HELLO! sharing: "Divorce is the last thing Shannen wanted. Unfortunately, she felt she was left with no other option." 

Her rep also alleged that Kurt's agent was "intimately involved" with their divorce, adding: "You can contact Kurt’s agent as she is intimately involved."

Kurt and Shannen pictured together in 2012© Getty

TMZ has seen the divorce filing and according to the docs, Shannen is asking for spousal support but for none to be awarded to photographer Kurt. The pair do not have any children. 

The divorce comes as the 52-year-old continues to battle stage four breast cancer; she was diagnosed in 2015 then went into remission in 2017. 

In February 2020 Shannen revealed the devastating news that her cancer had returned – three years after she was given the all-clear. 

She has long been an advocate for promoting awareness around the disease, and in 2017 she shared a heartbreaking picture showing the extent of her hair loss during chemotherapy. 

Shannen Doherty shaves off her hair after cancer diagnosis© Instagram
Shannen Doherty shaves off her hair after cancer diagnosis

"This image is so personal to me," she wrote in the caption.

"I had started chemo. Was using a cold cap in hope to not lose my hair. End result was clumps in my hands. I was sick, felt like I was losing myself. Gained people and lost people. Got weak and got strong. Felt ugly and yet more beautiful inside than I had ever felt before."

Shannen and husband Kurt on their wedding day in 2011© Instagram
Shannen and husband Kurt on their wedding day in 2011

Shannen has also publicly praised Kurt for his support; on their five-year wedding anniversary in 2016 she wrote: "Our wedding was exceptional and not for the big event it was. It was exceptional because we committed for better or worse, in sickness or in health to love and cherish one another. Those vows have never meant more than they do now.

"Kurt has stood by my side thru sickness and makes me feel more loved now than ever. I would walk any path with this man. Take any bullet for him and slay every dragon to protect him. He is my soul mate. My other half. I am blessed."

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