"Labels are boring and often have nothing to with the person; it is just the way others perceive you, or choose to perceive you." —Shannen Doherty
I'm writing this partly as therapy, because I need to find a way to process this unexpected loss, but also in hopes that it might help other Charmed fans cope, too.
We lost Prudence Halliwell all over again.
It was unbearable enough the first time on-screen, seeing the invulnerable Prue go and knowing the show that brought magic into our lives would never be the same.
Because let's face it—Prue was the witch we all aspired to be. Not just the most powerful, but also the bravest. She consistently stepped up, willing to sacrifice herself for her loved ones (which she's done multiple times)...and somehow lookin' damn good doing it.
Whenever my friends and I played Charmed in the schoolyard, she brought out my inner tough girl as I waved my arms around, squinting like I could actually move soccer balls with my mind.
FYI, I wasn't tough, not in the least. But when I was Prue, I felt invincible. And bold, and funny, and cool, and snarky. It was a package deal.
I'd channel her whenever I felt I needed a new perspective; whenever I wanted to cease being labelled the shy little girl, which was one of the reasons why I wanted a superpower so freaking badly.
I wanted my life to have meaning, like Prue's did.
There was something about being a witch. Something about being able to whisper an intention (never for personal gain, of course!) and will it to happen. There was something about gathering herbs, writing catchy incantations, and waiting for the right moon phase to make magic happen. The idea that our ancestors had ancient wisdom about the elements and how we can work with them to self-reflect, to heal, to divinate, was utterly fascinating to me.
The secret's out (though, it was hardly a secret): Charmed is what ignited my passion for writing about witches. It was my gateway into exploring the supernatural, filling empty doorways with invisible trolls, faeries in every in-between, and goddesses in neighbouring planes. Even deceased loved ones lent a helping hand (because they were always listening...ahem Grams), crystals held mystic powers, salt formed protective barriers, rhymes built intention, and cats held deep secrets.
I loved the idea of this. It was decided—I was going to create worlds where all of this was undeniably real. And when I think about it, my protagonist Mckenna is quite like Prue: headstrong, witty, impulsive, sometimes reckless, falls for bad boys, and willing to do anything for those she loves.
Charmed's lessons on love, family, and self-acceptance have profoundly shaped me. My childhood friends and I grew even closer through countless sleepovers, bonding over marathon DVD sessions, and our friendship remains just as strong today. We were Prue, Piper, and Phoebe then, and we still are now.
Losing Shannen feels like losing my favourite part of myself—the badass who conquered all in the schoolyard, who was not afraid to speak up, be a boss, and believe in the impossible.
But you, Shannen, you truly conquered all, from false rumours and public scrutiny to real-life demons like cancer. I've always admired your strength and your voice, especially in recent years through your brutally honest podcast.
And I don't stand alone. I've no doubt your spirit hears these words echoing across the world from your most loyal fans, seeking to connect and express how much you mean to them:
Hear these words
Hear our cry
Spirit from the other side...
You know the rest.
I imagine you smiling at this. You'd probably want to answer the call to show that you're more than okay, but I hope you don't. I hope you rest now, knowing your ass-kicking demon days are finally over. You can hang with the Elders—I wouldn't be surprised if they've already made you one!
Shannen Doherty, forever our Prue—the witch who embodied true courage, who whisked us away weekly to realms where anything felt possible, and who showed us the meaning of sisterhood. Your spirit will live on in our hearts and in the magic you inspired in each of us.
P.S. Holly, I'm thinking of you and sending the biggest hug from afar ♥︎
Enjoyed this inspiring read? Subscribe to K.T. Anglehart's mystical news and updates.
Comments