Alyssa Milano shared a moving remembrance to Julian McMahon following his death, writing in a lengthy tribute post that he was “more than my TV husband” and a “dear friend” who supported her professionally and personally throughout their time on The WB’s long-running fantasy drama Charmed.
“I’m heartbroken,” she began. “Julian McMahon was magic. That smile. That laugh. That talent. That presence. He walked into a room and lit it up—not just with charisma, but with kindness. With mischief. With soulful understanding.”
Milano portrayed one of three powerful witchy Halliwell sisters alongside co-stars Holly Marie Combs and the late Shannen Doherty throughout the series’ run from 1998-2006, and in Seasons 3 through 5, her character Phoebe has a turbulent relationship with McMahon’s Cole Turner, a half-human and half-demon.
“We spent years together on Charmed—years 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,” she wrote, alongside photos and selfies of the two throughout the years.
“Julian was more than my TV husband. He was a dear friend. The kind who checks in. The kind who remembers. The kind who shares. The kind who tells you the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable—but always with love,” Milano continued.
The actress concluded that her thoughts are with McMahon’s family.
“My heart is with Kelly, with Madison, and with Iliana—his 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. Losing him feels unreal. Too soon. Too unfair. Rest, my friend. I’ll carry your laugh with me. Forever Cole. Forever Julian. 🕊️💔”
Aside from Charmed, McMahon is known for his starring roles in Nip/Tuck, FBI: Most Wanted and the 2000s Fantastic Four movies. He died July 2 in Clearwater, Fla. from a private battle with cancer. Following the news of his death, tributes poured in from loved ones and co-stars, including fellow Charmed actors Marie Combs and Rose McGowan.
