Doherty died last July 2024 at the age of 53. Photo / Getty Images
Doherty died last July 2024 at the age of 53. Photo / Getty Images
Shannen Doherty’s representatives were “really disappointed” she was not part of the In Memoriam segment at the Oscars.
The Charmed actress died in July 2024 at the age of 53 following a long battle with cancer but was not one of the famous faces who made it into the Academy Award ceremony’s annual segment acknowledging those who have died in the past 12 months.
A rep for the Beverly Hills, 90210 star told TMZ it was “really disappointing” to see Shannen had been left out, especially “since she had been a part of the Hollywood community for over 45 years”.
Instead, Morgan Freeman opened the segment by paying tribute to his Unforgiven co-star Gene Hackman who, along with wife Betsy Arakawa, was found dead at home towards the end of February at the age of 95.
Morgan Freeman opened the segment by paying tribute to Gene Hackman. Photo / Getty Images
Morgan remembered his pal as a “generous performer” who had “won the hearts of film lovers all over the world”.
Speaking on stage at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre, he said: “This week, our community lost a giant. And I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman.
“I had the pleasure of working alongside Gene on two films, Unforgiven and Under Suspicion; and like everyone who ever shared a scene with him, I learned he was a generous performer and a man whose gift elevated everyone’s work.
The In Memoriam segment featured a montage of those from the film world who have passed away over the last year. Photo / Getty Images
“Gene always said, ‘I don’t think about legacy, I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work’. So I think I speak for us all when I say, Gene, you will be remembered for that, and for so much more. Rest in peace, my friend.”
A montage of those from the film world who have died over the past year then played, beginning with Dame Maggie Smith, and also recognising the likes of Bob Newhart, Kris Kristofferson, Shelley Duvall, James Earl Jones, M. Emmet Walsh, Teri Garr, Joan Plowright, John Amos, Bill Cobbs, Donald Sutherland, plus producers, directors, and others working behind the scenes, including David Lynch.
