{"id":224083,"date":"2026-02-20T21:27:59","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T21:27:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/20\/shannen-doherty-eric-dane-and-more-charmed-actors-who-died-too-soon\/"},"modified":"2026-02-20T21:27:59","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T21:27:59","slug":"shannen-doherty-eric-dane-and-more-charmed-actors-who-died-too-soon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/20\/shannen-doherty-eric-dane-and-more-charmed-actors-who-died-too-soon\/","title":{"rendered":"Shannen Doherty, Eric Dane and More Charmed Actors Who Died Too Soon"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Charmed<\/em><\/a> fans have mourned the deaths of some of the show\u2019s most beloved cast members over the years.<\/p>\n

The supernatural drama series \u2014 which aired between 1998 and 2006 \u2014 was centered around sisters Prue (Shannen Doherty<\/strong><\/a>), Piper (Holly Marie Combs<\/strong>) and Phoebe Halliwell (Alyssa Milano<\/strong>) using their magical abilities as the \u201cPower of Three\u201d to protect innocents. Rose McGowan<\/strong> later joined Charmed<\/em> as Piper and Phoebe\u2019s half-sister Paige Matthews, following Doherty\u2019s departure at the end of season 3.<\/p>\n

Despite the show\u2019s notorious behind-the-scenes drama<\/a>, the Charmed<\/em> community came together to mourn Doherty when she died at age 53<\/a> in July 2024 after battling cancer.<\/p>\n

\u201cA true lion heart. What a warrior,\u201d McGowan wrote via Instagram in tribute to Doherty at the time. \u201cYour daddy is holding his best girl now. Love to your mama, your dog and all who love you fiercely.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n Shannen Doherty and Eric Dane<\/span> Getty Images (2)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Over the years, the Charmed<\/em> fanbase has also experienced the deaths of Eric Dane<\/strong><\/a> and Julian McMahon<\/strong>, who played Jason Dean and Cole Turner, respectively.<\/p>\n

Keep scrolling for a look back at stars from the original Charmed who we lost too soon.<\/p>\n

Shannen Doherty<\/h2>\n
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\"Shannen<\/div>
Viacom\/Courtesy Everett Collection<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shannen Doherty was one-third of the original \u201cPower of Three\u201d trio along with Alyssa Milano and Holly Marie Combs. She left Charmed<\/em> at the end of season 3 amid reports of backstage conflict between her and Milano<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Beverly Hills, 90210<\/em> alum announced her breast cancer diagnosis<\/a>\u00a0in March 2015 and initially went into remission before the disease returned in 2020. Doherty shared in June 2023 that the cancer had spread to her brain.<\/p>\n

On July 13, 2024, Doherty\u2019s publicist Leslie Sloane<\/strong> confirmed to Us Weekly<\/em> that the actress had died at age 53.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease,\u201d Sloan told Us<\/em>. \u201cThe devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie. The family asks for their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace.\u201d<\/p>\n

All of the Charmed<\/em> actresses who were part of the \u201cPower of Three\u201d in the original series \u2014 including Milano \u2014 paid tribute to Doherty following her death.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s no secret that Shannen and I had a complicated relationship, but at its core was someone I deeply respected and was in awe of,\u201d Milano told Us<\/em> at the time. \u201cShe was a talented actress, beloved by many and the world is less without her. My condolences to all who loved her.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n Related: <\/span>Remembering Julian McMahon and Shannen Doherty’s Romance After Deaths<\/span><\/a>
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\n\t\t\tJulian McMahon and Shannen Doherty briefly dated during the making of their classic TV series Charmed. Tragically, the Charmed costars died within one year of each other after they both battled cancer. Doherty passed away at 53 in July 2024, while McMahon\u2019s death was confirmed nearly one year later on July 4, 2025. The actor [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Rose McGowan remembered Doherty as a \u201cwarrior\u201d with a \u201clion heart\u201d while Holly Marie Combs admitted that she never expected to lose Doherty so soon<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had a little bit of time to reflect on that and how everything worked out,\u201d Combs said on her\u201cHouse of Halliwell\u201d podcast in July 2024. \u201cI think she did as much as she could in the time that she had, but we did think we had more time. That\u2019s the really sad part. We had big, big plans for this year. She didn\u2019t think she was going anywhere anytime soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Doherty was married three times \u2014 to Ashley Hamilton<\/strong> from 1993 to 1994, then to Rick Salomon<\/strong> from 2002 to 2003 and Kurt Iswarienko<\/strong> from 2011 to 2024 \u2014 but had no children.<\/p>\n

Eric Dane<\/h2>\n
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Viacom<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Future Grey\u2019s Anatomy<\/em> star Eric Dane had an early career breakthrough with a recurring role on Charmed<\/em> as Phoebe\u2019s boss-turned-boyfriend Jason Dean.<\/p>\n

In April 2025, Dane went public with his ALS diagnosis. Per the Mayo Clinic<\/a>, ALS is a nervous system disease that impacts nerve cells in both the brain and spinal cord and causes a progressive loss of muscle control.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have been diagnosed with ALS,\u201d he told People<\/em><\/a> at the time. \u201cI am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dane was chosen as the Advocate of the Year Award at the ALS Network\u2019s Champions for Cures and Care Gala in January 2026 but could not accept in person \u201cdue to the physical realities of ALS,\u201d the organization said. A spokesperson for Dane confirmed to Us Weekly<\/em> on February 19, 2026, that the Charmed<\/em> alum died at age 53. (He was survived by his two daughters, Billie and Georgia, from his marriage to Rebecca Gayheart<\/strong><\/a>.)<\/p>\n

\u201c[Eric] will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always,\u201d his rep said. \u201cEric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he\u2019s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alyssa Milano \u2014 who costarred with Dane on Charmed<\/em> and also briefly dated him \u2014 looked back on their long friendship following the announcement of his death.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t stop seeing that spark in Eric\u2019s eye right before he\u2019d say something that would either make you spit out your drink or rethink your entire perspective,\u201d Milano wrote via Instagram<\/a>. \u201cHe had a razor-sharp sense of humor. He loved the absurdity of things. He loved catching people off guard.<\/p>\n

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\n Related: <\/span>‘Charmed’ Cast: Where Are They Now? The Halliwell Sisters and More<\/span><\/a>
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\n\t\t\tFor eight seasons, the cast of Charmed enchanted Us with their magical abilities and the power of three \u2014 and fans are still in awe of The WB series. When the show premiered in 1998, it followed three sisters, Prue (Shannen Doherty), Piper (Holly Marie Combs) and Phoebe Halliwell (Alyssa Milano). Throughout the first three [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Milano recalled that \u201ceverything in [Dane]\u201d softened whenever he spoke about his daughters.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe carried them with him even in rooms where they weren\u2019t present,\u201d she wrote. \u201cYou could see it in the way his voice changed when he said their names. A breathtakingly beautiful family. The spark. The mischief. The tenderness he kept guarded but never totally hidden.\u201d<\/p>\n

Milano credited Dane with persuading her to get her iconic pixie cut during the run of Charmed<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe also was with me on the walk when we found Lucy, my beloved rescue chihuahua. He called me \u2018Milano,\u2019 as if it was the only part of my name that mattered,\u201d she concluded. \u201cMy heart is with the people who were lucky enough to be his home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Julian McMahon<\/h2>\n

Julian McMahon left an indelible impression on Charmed<\/em> viewers as Cole Turner, a cunning and charismatic demon originally sent to destroy the \u201cPower of Three.\u201d The character became so popular that McMahon joined the cast full time and Cole became a love interest for Phoebe, while dating Shannen Doherty off set.<\/p>\n

Julian\u2019s wife, Kelly McMahon<\/strong>, announced in July 2025 that he\u2019d died at age 56 following a private battle with cancer. (Julian shared a daughter, Madison Elizabeth McMahon, with his ex-wife Brooke Burns<\/strong>.)<\/p>\n

\u201cWith an open heart, I wish to share with the world that my beloved husband, Julian McMahon, died peacefully this week after a valiant effort to overcome cancer,\u201d Kelly told Deadline<\/em>. \u201cJulian loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans.\u201d<\/p>\n

She went on, \u201cHis deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible. We ask for support during this time to allow our family to grieve in privacy. And we wish for all of those to whom Julian brought joy, to continue to find joy in life. We are grateful for the memories.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n Related: <\/span>Shannen Doherty Praised Alyssa Milano on \u2018Charmed\u2019 in New Podcast<\/span><\/a>
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\n\t\t\tShortly before losing her battle with cancer, Shannen Doherty praised Alyssa Milano\u2019s work on Charmed. Fans of The WB show know Milano, now 51, played the role of Phoebe Halliwell, but may not be aware that Lori Rom filmed an unaired pilot as Phoebe alongside Doherty and Holly Marie Combs as Prue and Piper Halliwell, [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Alyssa Milano remembered Julian for his \u201cmagic\u201d on the Charmed<\/em> set and acknowledged how \u201cheartbroken\u201d she was to lose him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat smile. That laugh. That talent. That presence. He walked into a room and lit it up\u2014not just with charisma, but with kindness. With mischief. With soulful understanding,\u201d Milano wrote via Instagram<\/a>. \u201cWe spent years together on Charmed<\/em>\u2014years of scenes, stories, and so many in-between moments. He made me feel safe as an actor. Seen as a woman. He challenged me, teased me, supported me. We were so different, and yet somehow we always understood each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

Milano described Julian as being \u201cmore than my TV husband \u2026 he was a dear friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c[He was the] kind who checks in. The kind who remembers. The kind who shares. The kind who tells you the truth, even when it\u2019s uncomfortable\u2014but always with love.,\u201d she reminisced. \u201cMy heart is with Kelly, with Madison, and with Iliana\u2014his girls, his world. He adored them. You could feel it in every conversation, every story, every text. He was a family man above all, and he loved deeply.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Charmed<\/em> star concluded, \u201cLosing him feels unreal. Too soon. Too unfair. Rest, my friend. I\u2019ll carry your laugh with me. Forever Cole. Forever Julian.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose McGowan eulogized Julian as a \u201c force of brilliance, wild talent and humor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor you, your family and loving fans all over the world, I pray [for] comfort,\u201d McGowan wrote via her Instagram Story.<\/p>\n

Holly Marie Combs added<\/a>, \u201cOne of a kind is an understatement. Your unyielding zest for life and crazy making sense of humor will be sorely missed. The joy and laughter you were the direct cause of will always be remembered. I hope you find our lady friend [Julian\u2019s ex-girlfriend and Charmed costar Shannen Doherty) and dance in those rose petals.\u201d<\/p>\n

James Avery<\/h2>\n
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\"James<\/div>
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While James Avery was best known for playing Uncle Philip Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air<\/em>, he followed up that classic sitcom with a guest appearance on Charmed<\/em>. The veteran TV actor played Zola, a member of the Council of Elders, in Charmed<\/em>\u2019s season 7 episode \u201cA Call to Arms.\u201d<\/p>\n

Avery died at age 68 following complications from open heart surgery on December 31, 2013. He was survived by his wife of 26 years, Barbara Avery<\/strong>, and his stepson, Kevin Waters.<\/p>\n

Billy Drago<\/h2>\n
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\"Billy<\/div>
HECTOR MATA\/AFP via Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Veteran character actor Billy Drago appeared in multiple Charmed<\/em> episodes as Barbas, the demon of fear. He also starred in The Untouchables<\/em>, The X-Files<\/em> and Moonlighting<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Variety<\/a> reported that Drago died at age 73 on June 24, 2019, due to complications from a stroke. He was survived by two sons, Darren Burrows and Derrick Burrows.<\/p>\n

Rebecca Balding<\/h2>\n
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\"Rebecca<\/div>
Paramount Television\/Courtesy Everett Collection<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Rebecca Balding made recurring appearances on Charmed<\/em>\u2019s later seasons as Elise Rothman, the editor of the newspaper where Phoebe worked. She appeared in the classic sitcom Soap<\/em>, Melrose Place<\/em> and 7th Heaven<\/em> as well.<\/p>\n

Her husband, James L. Conway<\/strong>, confirmed to People<\/em><\/a> in July 2022 that Balding died at age 73 following a battle with ovarian cancer. She was survived by her daughters, Sarah and Kathleen, and multiple grandchildren.<\/p>\n

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