Who Is Shannen Doherty’s Ex-Husband? All About Kurt Iswarienko

The 'Heathers' star and photographer Kurt Iswarienko married in 2011 and split in 2023

Charmed star Shannen Doherty split from her husband of over 11 years, Kurt Iswarienko, in January 2023 and shared the news three months later.

At the time, her rep told PEOPLE, “Divorce is the last thing Shannen wanted. Unfortunately, she felt she was left with no other option."

Prior to their split, Doherty shared about how Iswarienko supported her on her journey with breast cancer. The Beverly Hills, 90210 star was diagnosed in 2015 and was in remission as of 2017 before the disease returned in 2020.

Related: The Cast of 'Charmed': Where Are They Now?

In June 2024, as their divorce proceedings continued, Doherty alleged that Iswarienko was withholding financial documentation needed for the legal process to move forward, in part, she said, due to her terminal sickness. Her former husband denied the allegations.

So, who is Shannen Doherty's ex-husband? Here's everything to know about celebrity photographer Kurt Iswarienko and his former relationship with the actress.

He’s a photographer

Like his ex-wife, Iswarienko works in the entertainment industry, but he prefers to be behind the camera, not in front of it.

Iswarienko is a photographer who has worked with major stars like Ryan Gosling, Chris Pine and Kumail Nanjiani. He’s also filmed short segments for beauty companies like Estée Lauder and Chanel, and worked on the set of movies like Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.

Iswarienko also shoots photos for movie posters, including The Woman King and the Ana de Armas and Chris Evans film Ghosted. In 2020, he even directed Doherty and her friend Sarah Michelle Gellar for a Funny or Die skit.

Doherty and Iswarienko married in 2011

Doherty and Iswarienko tied the knot in Malibu, Calif. in October 2011.

The actress wore a white ballgown for the occasion, which marked her third marriage. Doherty was previously married to Ashley Hamilton from 1993 to 1994 and Rick Salomon from 2002 to 2003.

Their wedding was filmed for a reality show

Doherty and Iswarienko’s wedding was broadcast as part of their WE TV reality series, Shannen Says, which centered on the couple planning their dream wedding alongside famed wedding planner David Tutera.

The series included an episode where Doherty questioned her future with the photographer when he left for a work engagement without letting her know. Another centered on Iswarienko finding the perfect gift for his bride. The eight-episode series ended in May 2012.

Iswarienko was by Doherty's side when she announced her cancer diagnosis

Doherty was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and the actress shared that the difficult moment actually strengthened her bond with Iswarienko.

“My marriage was always strong, but it’s made my marriage a thousand times stronger,” Doherty told Entertainment Tonight in 2016. “I could not have gotten through this without my husband.”

The Young Artist Award winner initially wanted to wait to share the news with Iswarienko in person after hearing it from her doctor, but she ended up calling him. When she got home, Iswarienko was waiting for her in their driveway.

“[He] hugged me and said, ‘We are going to get through this. You are going to be okay,’ ” she said. ”‘We are going to get through this, you’re strong and you’re powerful and you’re not going anywhere. You have so much to do in your life. We are going to get through it as a family.’ ”

Doherty and Iswarienko separated in January 2023

Doherty officially filed for divorce from Iswarienko in April 2023, citing “irreconcilable differences," after separating in January.

Shortly after announcing their divorce, Doherty shared a cryptic Instagram post that read, “The only people who deserve to be in your life are the ones who treat you with love, kindness and total respect.”

Doherty requested spousal support but asked that it not be rewarded to Iswarienko.

Their divorce proceedings are ongoing

In June 2024, Doherty alleged that Iswarienko was delaying their divorce proceedings by refusing to turn over financial documentation. Files obtained by PEOPLE showed that the actress had not received the requested information about her former husband's “archive” of original photography work.

“It is simply not right that Kurt be permitted to prolong our divorce in hopes that I die before he is required to pay me while he continues to live his life and shirk his responsibilities to his dying wife of more than 11 years," the documents read.

Iswarienko’s lawyer, Katherine Heersema, denied this claim and said he had offered a settlement deal in October 2023, but Doherty refused it. The actress explained her denial, saying the settlement “skirted around the issues of his original works created during marriage” and “his earning capacity.”

“Kurt is not ‘simply wait[ing] for Shannen to die,’ ” Iswarienko's attorney said. “He wants the best for Shannen and he wants both of them to be able to put this case behind them and move forward.”

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