Back in the 2000s, Charmed was considered to be one of the best fantasy dramas thanks to its talented cast and dynamic characters. Airing on the WB Network between 1998 and 2006, Charmed followed the lives of the Halliwell Sisters (known as the Charmed ones), who come from a family of witches and spend most of their lives trying to save the world from the demonic underworld. While the battle between good and evil is always at the heart of most stories, the writers made sure that the series wasn't completely dark as they included elements of romance and comedy.
While Shannen Doherty, Hollie Marie Combs, Alyssa Milano, and Rose McGowan often stood out among the Charmed cast due to the fact that they got the most screen time, the show also featured several other talented stars too who either played warlocks, demons, whitelighters, or Elders. Their characters may not have been at the forefront of the show, but their amazing performances did help them get more recognition in the industry and provide them with new opportunities and roles.
Shannen Doherty as Prue Halliwell
From seasons 1 to 3, Prue Halliwell was seen as the backbone of the family as she protected her siblings and took care of them from a very young age. Sadly, Prue was killed in the Charmed season 3 finale after Shannen Doherty quit the show. While it was heartbreaking to see the effect Prue's death had on the family overall, Doherty's decision did give her a chance to explore other opportunities. As well as reprising her role as Brenda Walsh in 90210 and BH90210, Doherty appeared as Alexandra Hudson in North Shore, voice numerous characters in Mari-Kari, and Diana Carroll in the 2021 drama List of a Lifetime.
Holly Marie Combs as Piper Halliwell
After Prue's death, the Halliwell family dynamics changed as the witty and caring Piper became the most responsible Charmed One. She was played by the talented Hollie Marie Combs for 8 seasons, who shined in the role as it allowed her to show her emotional and comedic talents. While some may remember her best for playing Kimberley Brock in the American Family drama Picket Fences, Combs has also received acclaim for playing Aria's mother, Ella Montgomery, in the teen mystery show Pretty Little Liars. In 2019, Combs worked with Milano again in one episode of Grey's Anatomy, where they played two sisters reunited by a tragedy.
Alyssa Milano as Phoebe Halliwell
Playing the wise and compassionate Phoebe Halliwell for 8 seasons was Alyssa Milano. Like many of the Charmed cast, Milano already had an established career in film and TV as she had appeared in several notable projects as a child actor. Between 1984 and 1992, Milano joined the cast of Who's The Boss? as Samantha Micelli, the daughter of Tony. During this time, Milano also featured in Commando with Arnold Schwarznegger as Jenny Matrix. Her other notable credits also include 1996's Fear, the comedy series My Name Is Earl, tv drama Mistresses, 2018's rom-com Little Italy, and Netflix's Insatiable.
Rose McGowan as Paige Matthews
After Shannen Doherty's departure at the end of season 3, Rose McGowan joined the cast in season 4 as Paige Matthews, the newest Charmed One. Unlike her sisters, Paige was a half-witch/half-whitelighter and would use her healing abilities to help Phoebe and Piper protect innocent lives. After the show ended, McGowan went on to star as Sheryl Saddon in The Black Dahlia, Dr. Teddy Rowe in Nip/Tuck, Marique in Conan the Barbarian, Josie Acosta in Chosen, and Kelly Johansen in Paranormal Activity: White Noise.
Brian Krause as Leo Wyatt
Playing Leo, the Charmed Ones' loyal whitelighter and later, Piper's caring husband, is Brian Krause. While many consider Leo to be his best role, Krause has gone to feature in several other memorable shows, playing Robert in Cypher and Max Chandler in 2023's Breakout; he has also made a few appearances in Mad Men, Castle, Dynasty, and S.W.A.T. After the show finished, Krause explored several other mediums too, lending his voice to the video games Fallout 76 and L.A. Noire (which also used his likeness).
Dorian Gregory as Darryl Morris
Although he didn't get as much screen time as the other Charmed cast members, that didn't stop Dorian Gregory's Darryl from becoming a fan-favorite character as he provided much comic relief in the darkest of moments. While Darryl is considered to be his most recognizable role, Gregory has also made a name for himself as a presenter, hosting the American musical variety show, Soul Train, for 3 years. Unfortunately, Gregory left the Charmed cast in season 7.
Julian McMahon as Cole Turner
Although Cole Turner is considered to be one of the worst demons on Charmed, Julian McMahon did manage to entertain fans for years thanks to his charismatic and multi-layered performance. His character was a great addition to the Charmed as it led the sisters to consider whether some "evil beings" could be redeemed or not. After departing the show at the end of season 5, McMahon then played Victor Von Doom in the Fantastic Four movies, McCarthy in Hunters, and Special Agent Jess LaCroix in FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted. He also reunited with Charmed's Rose McGowan in Nip/Tuck, where he played the main character, Dr. Christian Troy.
Kaley Cuoco as Billie Jenkins
Although Kaley Cuoco joined the Charmed cast in season 8, she was seen to shine as Billie Jenkins - a powerful and promising witch that the sisters take under their wing while she is getting used to her newfound abilities. While Cuoco was already known for playing Connie Reinhardt in 1992's Quicksand: No Escape and Bridget Hennessy in 8 Simple Rules...For Dating My Teenage Daughter, she has since received critical acclaim for playing Penny in the Emmy-winning tv comedy, The Big Bang Theory, Cassie Bowden in The Flight Attendant, and voicing the DC anti-hero Harley Quinn in the Harley Quinn series.
Charmed Supporting Cast & Characters
James Read as Victor Bennett: Piper, Phoebe and Prue's father, Victor Bennett, was played by the talented James Read. He is best recognized for playing Elle's father in Legally Blonde, Clyde Weston in Days of Our Lives, and Ken Davis on Wildfire.
Jennifer Rhodes as Penny Halliwell: Known as Grams to the Charmed Ones', Jennifer Rhodes played the stubborn and wise Penny Halliwell. She is best known for playing Veronica's mother in Heathers, Mrs. Sumner in 3rd Rock from the Sun, and Leilani in The Young and the Restless. Like several of her Charmed cast members, she also had a brief stint on Grey's Anatomy.
Finola Hughes as Patty Halliwell: The Charmed Ones cheerful mother, Patty Halliwell, was portrayed by Finola Hughes. As well as having a successful dance career, she is known for playing Carol in Blossom, Anna Devane in General Hospital and All My Children, and Laura in 1983's Stayin' Alive.
Wes Ramsey as Older Wyatt Halliwell: Piper and Leo's son, Wyatt, was portrayed by several actors. While brothers Kristopher and Jason Simmons played Wyatt in his younger years, Wes Ramsey played the future version. Like Finola Hughes, he joined the cast of General Hospital as Peter August and played Dave Benton in CSI: Miami.
Drew Fuller as Chris Halliwell: Drew Fuller joined the cast of Charmed in season 5 as Leo and Piper's second son, Chris Halliwell. He is best known for playing Trevor LeBlanc in Army Wives and Jason Stevens in 2006's The Ultimate Gift.
Ted King as Andy Trudeau: Playing the police officer and Prue's childhood sweetheart, Andy Trudeau, was Ted King. After he was killed off in season 1, Trudeau went on to star in General Hospital as Lorenzo Alcazar, in One Life to Live as Tomas Delgado, and Jack Finnegan in The Bold and the Beautiful.
Ivan Sergei as Henry Mitchell: Portraying parole officer and Paige's husband, Henry Mitchell, is Ivan Sergei. He is best known for playing Agent Connolly in Night Train, Nate in BH90210, Roy Milligan in Granite Flats, and Jack Taylor in Twisted.
Victor Webster as Coop: Playing Coop, who is a Cupid and Phoebe's husband, is Victor Webster. After the show ended, he played Carlos Fonnegra in Continuum, Blanton Silver in Fort Salem, and Mike Bolinski as Workin' Moms.
Marnette Patterson as Christy Jenkins: Christy, Billie's oldest sister who had been corrupted by the Triad, was played by Marnette Patterson. While she did have a brief role alongside Bradley Cooper in 2014's American Sniper as Sarah, she is best known for portraying Lori Lansford in Movie Stars and Nicole Farrell in the comedy, Something So Right.
Sandra Prosper as Sheila Morris: Joining the Charmed cast in season 5 as Darryl's wife and the sisters' close friend, Shiela Morris, was Sandra Prosper. She is also known for playing Kayla Turner in First Monday, Doctor Alcott in The Young and The Restless, and Anne Levin in the 2021 horror mystery, Aftermath.
Oded Fehr as Zankou: Appearing in season 7 as the ancient and powerful demon Zankou is Oded Fehr. Before joining the Charmed cast, Fehr had already received critical acclaim for his role in The Mummy movies as Ardeth Bay. Since the show ended, he has continued to lead a successful career, playing Faris al-Farik in Sleeper Cell and Admiral Charles Vance in Star Trek: Discovery.
Kerr Smith as Kyle Brody: Playing Avatar hunter turned Whitelighter, Kyle Brody, was Kerr Smith. While he is best known for playing Jack McPhee in the teen drama Dawson's Creek, his other credits include Carter Horton in 2000's Final Destination, Ryan Thomas in Life, Unexpected, Robert Quinn in The Fosters, and Principal Holden Honey in the outlandish teen drama Riverdale.
Rebecca Balding as Elise Rothman: Rebecca Balding portrayed Phoebe's boss and editor-in-chief, Elise Balding. She is best known for playing Mary McBride in the drama Paradise, Carol David in the comedy Soap, and Doris Ann in Kiss My Grits. Sadly, the actor passed away in 2022 at the age of 73.
Gildart Jackson as Gideon: Although Gildart Jackson was introduced as the headmaster of Magic School and a mentor in season 6 of Charmed, he was soon revealed to be a villain when the Charmed Ones discovered the Elder was trying to kill Wyatt. Jackson certainly put in an interesting performance as Gideon, but since then, he has mainly lent his voice to animated shows and games (such as Castlevania, Hellsing Uprising, and Star Wars: The Old Republic - Shadown of Revan).