Shannen Doherty’s role on Charmed is one of her most iconic performances, though her time on the show was also marked by behind-the-scenes drama.
Doherty starred as Prue Halliwell, the eldest of the three Halliwell sisters, in the first three seasons of Charmed (1998-2001).
The series, created by Constance M. Burge, follows three sisters who discover they are powerful witches known as the “Charmed Ones” and are destined to protect the world from evil forces.
Prue was portrayed as the strongest, most responsible, and protective of her younger sisters, Piper (Holly Marie Combs) and Phoebe (Alyssa Milano).
Prue Halliwell, embodies the archetype of the eldest sibling burdened with responsibility and trauma. As the oldest Halliwell sister, Prue carries the weight of protecting and leading her sisters, Piper and Phoebe, often putting aside her own needs in the process. Her trauma is deeply rooted in her family’s history, the sudden loss of their mother, and the complex dynamics that come with being the eldest child in a family fractured by tragedy.
Her trauma as the eldest sister speaks to a broader narrative about the pressures placed on older siblings, particularly in families that have experienced loss or dysfunction.
Doherty portrayed Prue’s journey on Charmed and complexities of dealing with grief, responsibility, and the difficulty of balancing personal needs with the needs of family in an honest and raw way that resonated with many fans.
Doherty’s departure from Charmed at the end of Season 3 was sudden and shocking for many fans. Her character, Prue, was killed in the season finale, marking a major turning point for the series.
Behind the scenes, there were rumors of tension between Doherty and Alyssa Milano, leading to the decision to write her character off the show.
Doherty’s exit paved the way for the introduction of a new sister, Paige Matthews (played by Rose McGowan), in Season 4, to continue the “Power of Three” storyline.
Despite the abrupt departure, Shannen Doherty’s portrayal of Prue Halliwell remains a fan favorite, and her time on Charmed is remembered as an important part of the show’s early success.
Fans appreciated her strength and leadership, and the dynamic among the original trio of sisters is often seen as a high point in the series’ history.
Like many fans of the show I’ve been rewatching the early seasons since Doherty’s tragic passing just a month ago and watching the characters react to Prue’s passing definitely hits different now.
Combs has stated on her podcast that while she knew Shannen didn’t have much time left due to her cancer diagnosis, she thought they had more time and that the two had planned trips together that they will now never take.
As well as her role on Charmed, Doherty is also known for her roles in films such as Heathers and Mallrats, along with hit show 90210 and its needless to say that she has left her mark on pop culture history and will be greatly missed.