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Actress Shannen Doherty's last public picture, taken less than a month before her demise, is making the rounds on the internet. The late Beverly Hills 90210 star passed away on Saturday, July 13, 2024, following a long battle with breast cancer. She was 53.
Reportedly, the candid paparazzi photo was taken on June 16 and shows Doherty with her close friend Chris Cortazzo in Malibu, California. Cortazzo had his arms wrapped around the actress, who was carrying a brown bag in her arms.
Chris Cortazzo is a real estate agent born and raised in Malibu and Doherty's best friend. According to his website, he has been in the business for over 29 years and has amassed over $8 billion in sales throughout his career.
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Following the news of the actress's death, he took to his Instagram on July 15, to share a heartfelt tribute dedicated to his late friend. The caption of the post read:
"My beloved friend and heart. What memories and laughter we have shared through this journey. You were my protector, my best friend and my divine wife. My heart is shattered. I love you forever my sweet dear friend. Your Christopher."
"I have a best friend, a male best friend, who we joke we’re married" - Shannen Doherty about Chris Cortazzo
While it remains unclear how the pair first met, Shannen Doherty frequently shared updates on her Instagram with Chris Cortazzo. The actress shared her last post with the realtor in January 2024, showing a photo of them out for dinner together. While the post's caption read:
"Date night and really really good lighting."
In a November 2023 interview with PEOPLE, the Charmed star opened up about her close relationship with Chris and his family. She stated:
"I have a best friend, a male best friend, who we joke we’re married, and his two kids and I have had massive breakthroughs and we just love each other and hang out, and I kind of view them as my children."
As seen in the realtor's IG profile, he has two children, a 3-year-old daughter, Amore, and a 5-year-old son, Aniello. According to the realtor's biography on his website, he lives in Point Dume, Malibu, and spends his free time surfing.
Chris supports several charities and philanthropic organizations like Malibu Boys & Girls Club, Point Dume Marine Science School, UNICEF, Operation Smile, and the Elton John Aids Foundation.
Cortazzo also appeared on Shannen Doherty's podcast, Let's Be Clear, on January 15, 2024. The two friends discussed her health struggles and friendship in a heart-to-heart conversation.
Chris explained that the only time he saw fear in Shannen's eyes was when she had her brain surgery. Previously in a June 2023 cover story for People, the actress revealed she underwent surgery after the cancer had spread to her brain. He told Shannen Doherty on the podcast:
"Seeing you and seeing your mom look at you and you looking at your mom ‘cause it was the three of us and watching you look into each other’s eyes literally broke my heart. You’re so powerless as a friend cause there’s nothing you can do. It was brutal."
Shannen Doherty was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. Her longtime publicist, Leslie Sloane, announced the actress's death to People on July 14, adding that she died surrounded by her loved ones, including her dog, Bowie.
