July 05, 2025
For many of us growing up in the early 2000s, Charmed wasn’t just another television show — it was a magical sanctuary, a place of wonder, empowerment, and deep emotional stories. Among the witches and warlocks, there was one character who stood apart — the half-demon, half-human Belthazor, better known as Cole Turner. And it was Julian McMahon who breathed life into him, in a way none of us would ever forget.
News of Julian’s passing strikes at the heart of a generation. He was more than just an actor — he was a symbol of complexity, vulnerability, and the eternal hope for redemption. As Belthazor, Julian gave us a character we were never supposed to trust — but ended up loving completely.
His chemistry with Alyssa Milano’s Phoebe Halliwell was nothing short of electric. Together, they portrayed one of the most powerful and tragic love stories in television history. Theirs was a tale of light and shadow, of love that fought against fate, of heartbreak that still lingers in memory. Julian’s performance made us believe that even the darkest souls could long for the light.
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There was a quiet sadness in Cole’s eyes, a longing in his voice, a desperation in his struggle to be good — and Julian carried it all with astonishing depth. He made us care for the demon, not because we should, but because we couldn't help it. He made us understand that sometimes the battle inside a person is far more gripping than any spell or curse.
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Outside of Charmed, Julian McMahon built an impressive career across film and television — but for many, he will always be Belthazor: the tormented soul we hoped would find peace, the enemy we prayed would turn hero, the villain who made us cry. He turned a supernatural storyline into something deeply human, and in doing so, he became part of who we were.
This loss is more than just the end of a life — it’s the goodbye to a piece of our youth. To late-night episodes under the duvet. To rewinding scenes just to hear him say one more line. To the heartbreak we felt when Cole disappeared in a cloud of vanquishing flames, and the hope that maybe, somehow, he’d return.
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Julian McMahon will never be just a name in the credits. He is part of the reason so many of us believed in the power of redemption, in the pain behind the villain, and in the love that could change even the darkest heart.
Rest well, Julian. Thank you for showing us the demon who dared to love, and for reminding us that no one is ever beyond saving.
Forever cherished. Deeply missed. Always remembered.
