Losing a friend is never easy! The death of Julian McMahon has deeply saddened actor Alyssa Milano. She mourned the loss of her longtime “Charmed” co-star and dear friend, who passed away at age 56 following a private battle with cancer.
(Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for The Surfer)The actress, 52, shared a deeply personal tribute via Instagram on Friday, July 4, just one day after news of McMahon’s death was made public by his wife to Deadline.
Julian’s wife, Kelly McMahon, confirmed the actor’s death in a public statement to Deadline on Friday. “With 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,” she wrote.
Alyssa Milano Recalls Deep Bond With Julian McMahon On and Off Set
In her heartfelt tribute, Milano reflected on the bond she shared with McMahon during their time on “Charmed” and beyond.
(Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)“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,” she wrote.
“We were so different, and yet somehow we always understood each other.”
She added, “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 Honors McMahon’s Deep Love for His Family
Milano also extended her heartfelt condolences to McMahon’s family, including his wife Kelly, daughter Madison, and stepdaughter Iliana.
(Photo by John Sciulli/Getty Images for RS/TV, Inc.)“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,” she shared. “He was a family man above all, and he loved deeply.”
Milano concluded her deeply moving tribute with final words: “Losing him feels unreal. Too soon. Too unfair. Rest, my friend. I’ll carry your laugh with me. Forever Cole. Forever Julian.”
Julian McMahon and Alyssa Milano Met in Paris for a Fan-Favorite “Charmed” Reunion in 2023
Just two years before his passing, McMahon and Milano reunited publicly for the first time in years.
The two made an appearance together in Paris in September 2023 for the Empire Convention’s For the Love of Fandoms 2 event.
“Just a couple of pals in Paris,” Milano captioned a smiling selfie with McMahon on Instagram.
Fans quickly flooded the comments with love for the duo’s onscreen chemistry as Cole and Phoebe.
One fan shared: “Best TV couple next to Dylan & Brenda!!!!❤️ @julianmcmahonofficial @milano_alyssa“
“My favorite TV couple I swear I rewatch Charmed just for the Cole episodes 😂😂😂” one fan wrote.
“My favorite couple on charmed even if they were not always good for each others. They really loved each other” shared a third.
“Charmed” ran from 1998 to 2006, telling the story of three sisters who discover they’re powerful witches destined to protect the world from dark forces.
Shannen Doherty played Prue, Holly Marie Combs played Piper, and Alyssa Milano brought Phoebe to life. Rose McGowan later joined the cast as Paige, their long-lost half-sister.
Julian McMahon’s portrayal of Cole Turner—a demon torn between love and darkness—left a lasting mark on fans. His complex, emotional connection with Phoebe made him one of the show’s most unforgettable and heartbreaking characters.
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