Julian McMahon and Shannen Doherty, iconic stars from the beloved TV series Charmed, shared a brief romantic relationship during the show’s third season in 2001. This period coincided with Doherty’s exit from the series, which was marked by on-screen turmoil as her character, Prue Halliwell, was killed off. Their real-life romance added complexity to an already tense set atmosphere, as it was compounded by Doherty’s conflicts with her co-star Alyssa Milano, who played Phoebe Halliwell. McMahon’s role as Cole Turner, who was romantically linked to Milano’s character, further complicated the dynamics. At the time, McMahon was navigating his own personal hardships, including a divorce from his first wife, Brooke Burns, a former Baywatch star.
In a December 2023 podcast interview with Holly Marie Combs, Doherty shed light on the tension during the Charmed filming. Combs reminisced about the underlying romantic entanglements among the cast, mentioning that she and other cast members were oblivious to the unfolding drama. Doherty’s relationship with McMahon experienced strains due to both their high-profile roles and the pressure of the show’s internal conflicts. During this tumultuous time, both actors found solace in each other, but it was also fraught with challenges that likely contributed to the eventual end of their romance.
Following their time on Charmed, McMahon and Doherty worked together again in the TV movie Another Day in 2001, where they played lovers dealing with the emotional ramifications of a time-travel storyline. Despite their shared history and on-screen chemistry, their romantic relationship reportedly ended before the movie’s premiere. During this period, Doherty had a tumultuous personal life, with a series of brief marriages, including one to poker player Rick Salomon, which ended in an annulment the following year. Her final marriage to photographer Kurt Iswarienko began in 2011 but concluded shortly before her death from breast cancer in July 2024.
McMahon also dealt with the complexities of marriage, with a brief first marriage to Australian pop star Dannii Minogue and a later marriage to Kelly Paniagua in 2014. His family confirmed that he passed away on July 4, 2025, after a private battle with an unspecified type of cancer. The shared experiences of both actors revealed the highs and lows of their careers in Hollywood, as well as the personal struggles they faced in their lives. McMahon’s death came nearly a year after Doherty’s passing, deepening the sense of loss felt by fans and friends alike.
Holly Marie Combs expressed her sorrow at McMahon’s death through social media, remembering him as a vibrant presence whose humor and zest for life would be sorely missed. In her heartfelt message, she fondly referenced Doherty, reminiscing about the deep bond formed during their years on Charmed. Combs’s touching tribute reflected the enduring impact that both actors left on the people around them, transcending the challenges and personal conflicts of their shared experiences.
The legacies of Julian McMahon and Shannen Doherty extend beyond their romantic involvement and on-screen personas. Their battles with cancer and the circumstances surrounding their deaths have resonated deeply with fans, reminding many of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing those we love. McMahon is survived by his wife Paniagua and their daughter Madison, who represent his lasting legacy, while Doherty’s influence continues through the indelible mark she left on the hearts of her fans and friends. Together, their stories encapsulate the bittersweet journey of love, loss, and resilience in the face of adversity.
