Shannen Doherty, Eric Dane, and Other Charmed Stars Who Passed Away Prematurely
Charmed enthusiasts have grieved the losses of several cherished cast members throughout the years.
The supernatural drama series — which aired from 1998 to 2006 — revolved around sisters Prue (Shannen Doherty), Piper (Holly Marie Combs), and Phoebe Halliwell (Alyssa Milano) wielding their magical powers as the “Power of Three” to safeguard the innocent. Rose McGowan subsequently joined Charmed as Paige Matthews, the half-sister of Piper and Phoebe, after Doherty’s exit at the conclusion of season 3.
Despite the series’ infamous behind-the-scenes turmoil, the Charmed community united to mourn Doherty, who passed away at 53 in July 2024 after a battle with cancer.
“A true lion heart. What a warrior,” McGowan expressed on Instagram in tribute to Doherty. “Your daddy is holding his best girl now. Love to your mama, your dog, and all who love you fiercely.”
Throughout the years, the Charmed fanbase also faced the deaths of Eric Dane and Julian McMahon, who portrayed Jason Dean and Cole Turner, respectively.
Continue reading for a retrospective on stars from the original Charmed who we lost too soon.
Shannen Doherty
Shannen Doherty was one-third of the original “Power of Three” alongside Alyssa Milano and Holly Marie Combs. She departed Charmed after season 3 amid reports of backstage conflicts with Milano.
The Beverly Hills, 90210 star revealed her breast cancer diagnosis in March 2015, initially going into remission before the disease recurred in 2020. In June 2023, Doherty disclosed that the cancer had spread to her brain.
On July 13, 2024, Doherty’s publicist Leslie Sloane confirmed to Us Weekly that the actress had passed away at 53.
“I confirm with a heavy heart the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after years of fighting the illness,” Sloane told Us. “The loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend was surrounded by loved ones and her dog, Bowie. The family requests privacy at this difficult time.”
All of the Charmed actresses who were part of the original “Power of Three,” including Milano, paid tribute to Doherty after her passing.
“Shannen and I had a complicated relationship, but at its core, there was someone I deeply respected and admired,” Milano shared with Us after Doherty’s death. “She was an immensely talented actress, cherished by many, and the world is dimmer without her. My condolences to all who loved her.”
Rose McGowan reflected on Doherty as a “warrior” with a “lion heart,” while Holly Marie Combs expressed her disbelief at losing Doherty so soon.
“I’ve had a little time to reflect, and it’s sad how it all turned out,” Combs stated on her “House of Halliwell” podcast in July 2024. “We believed we had more time to make big plans this year. She didn’t anticipate leaving us anytime soon.”
Doherty was married three times — to Ashley Hamilton from 1993 to 1994, then Rick Salomon from 2002 to 2003, and Kurt Iswarienko from 2011 to 2024 — but did not have children.
Eric Dane
Future Grey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane achieved early fame with a recurring role on Charmed as Phoebe’s boss-turned-boyfriend Jason Dean.
In April 2025, Dane revealed his ALS diagnosis. According to the Mayo Clinic, ALS is a disease affecting the nervous system, leading to progressive muscle control loss.
“I have been diagnosed with ALS,” he shared with People. “I’m thankful for my loving family as we navigate this new chapter together.”
Dane was honored as the Advocate of the Year at the ALS Network’s Champions for Cures and Care Gala in January 2026 but could not attend in person “due to the challenges of ALS,” the organization stated. A spokesperson confirmed to Us Weekly on February 19, 2026, that the Charmed alum passed away at age 53, leaving behind his two daughters, Billie and Georgia, from his marriage to Rebecca Gayheart.
“[Eric] will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered,” his representative stated. “He cherished his fans and was forever grateful for their love and support. The family requests privacy during this unimaginable time.”
Alyssa Milano, who co-starred with Dane on Charmed and briefly dated him, reflected on their friendship after his death announcement.
“I can’t forget that spark in Eric’s eye right before he’d say something that would either make you laugh or rethink everything you thought,” Milano shared via Instagram. “He had a sharp sense of humor and enjoyed the absurd.”
Milano noted that everything about Dane softened when he spoke of his daughters.
“He carried them in his heart, even when they weren’t present,” she reminisced. “You could feel it in the way his voice changed when he mentioned their names. A beautiful family. The mischief, the tenderness he kept guarded but never fully hidden.”
Milano attributed her iconic pixie cut to Dane’s encouragement during the period of Charmed.
“He was with me when we rescued Lucy, my beloved chihuahua. He called me ‘Milano’ as if it was the only important part of my name,” she concluded. “My heart is with those lucky enough to have called him home.”
Julian McMahon
Julian McMahon made a lasting impact on Charmed viewers as Cole Turner, a clever and charming demon whose initial intent was to destroy the “Power of Three.” His character gained such popularity that McMahon became a permanent cast member and Cole emerged as Phoebe’s love interest, while he dated Shannen Doherty off-screen.
In July 2025, Julian’s wife, Kelly McMahon, announced his death at 56 following a private battle with cancer. (Julian shared a daughter, Madison Elizabeth McMahon, with ex-wife Brooke Burns.)
“With an open heart, I’m sharing that my beloved husband, Julian McMahon, passed peacefully this week after valiantly fighting cancer,” Kelly informed Deadline. “Julian loved life, his family, friends, and work, as well as his fans.”
She continued, “His ultimate wish was to bring joy to as many lives as possible. We ask for support during this time to allow our family to grieve privately and hope that all who were touched by Julian’s life continue to find joy.”
Alyssa Milano reflected on Julian’s “magic” during their time on Charmed and expressed her heartbreak at losing him.
“That smile, that laugh, that talent, that presence. He entered a room and lit it up—not only with charisma but with kindness and mischief,” Milano shared on Instagram. “We spent years together on Charmed—years filled with scenes, stories, and moments in between. He made me feel safe as an actor and seen as a woman. He challenged, teased, and supported me. We were different, yet we understood each other.”
Milano described Julian as “more than my TV husband… he was a dear friend.”
“He was the kind who checks in, remembers, shares, and tells the truth with love.” she recounted. “My heart is with Kelly, Madison, and Iliana—his world, his family. He adored them and it was evident in every conversation, every story, every text. He was a family man above all else.”
Milano concluded, “Losing him feels surreal. Too soon. Too unfair. Rest now, my friend. I’ll carry your laughter with me. Forever Cole. Forever Julian.”
Rose McGowan honored Julian as a “force of brilliance, wild talent, and humor.”
“For you, your family, and loving fans worldwide, I pray for your comfort,” McGowan shared via her Instagram Story.
Holly Marie Combs added, “One of a kind doesn’t begin to capture it. Your unyielding zest for life and your humor will be missed. The joy and laughter you brought will always be remembered. I hope you find our lady friend [Shannen Doherty] and dance among those rose petals.”
James Avery
While James Avery is primarily known for playing Uncle Philip Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, he made a guest appearance on Charmed. The veteran actor portrayed Zola, a member of the Council of Elders, in the season 7 episode “A Call to Arms.”
Avery passed away at 68 due to complications from open-heart surgery on December 31, 2013. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Barbara Avery, and his stepson, Kevin Waters.
Billy Drago
Veteran character actor Billy Drago appeared in multiple Charmed episodes as Barbas, the demon of fear. He also starred in The Untouchables, The X-Files, and Moonlighting.
Variety reported that Drago passed away at 73 on June 24, 2019, due to complications from a stroke. He is survived by two sons, Darren and Derrick Burrows.
Rebecca Balding
Rebecca Balding made recurring appearances in the later seasons of Charmed as Elise Rothman, the newspaper editor employed by Phoebe. She also starred in the classic sitcoms Soap, Melrose Place, and 7th Heaven.
Her husband, James L. Conway, confirmed to People in July 2022 that Balding passed at age 73 after battling ovarian cancer. She is survived by her daughters, Sarah and Kathleen, as well as multiple grandchildren.
David Carradine
Kill Bill star David Carradine guest-starred in the Charmed season 1 episode “Deja Vu All Over Again” as the time-altering sorcerer Tempus.
Carradine was found dead under mysterious circumstances at the age of 72 while in Thailand filming a movie in May 2009. Us Weekly reported that a family-hired medical examiner concluded Carradine died from asphyxiation, not suicide as initially suspected.
He is survived by his three children — daughters Calista and Kansas, and son Tom — and his fifth wife, Annie Bierman, along with her four children.
