Top 10 Stars You Forgot Were on Charmed
#10: Misha Collins
Known for his long running portrayal as the angel Castiel on “Supernatural,” Misha Collins had a more down to Earth role on “Charmed.” Collins played Eric Bragg, a mortal man whose father was researching records of all past and future events, until he was rendered catatonic by demonic hunters hoping to gain the knowledge for themselves. Bragg ends up turning to the Charmed Ones for help, especially Phoebe, whom he has a brief connection with. While we’re sad that Collins couldn’t have brought his comedic timing and charisma to a recurring part, we wouldn’t trade his time on “Supernatural” for anything. Also note, that's Dean Norris, Hank from “Breaking Bad,” as one of the guys hunting him!
#9: Billy Zane
Billy Zane, in addition to starring in movies like “Titanic” and being an all-around cool dude, also appeared in a brief recurring role on “Charmed.” Zane portrayed Drake dè Mon, a demon turned mortal who teaches literature at the magic school Paige runs and who romances Phoebe. A demon named 'dè Mon', what subtle wordplay! Anyhoo, dè Mon’s whirlwind romance with Phoebe sees him lose a bet with a sorcerer and losing his powers after believing himself to be Robin Hood ... helping Phoebe learn to love again, and eventually dying and going to heaven. Contrary to his part as “Titanic”’s antagonist, Zane proves a thoroughly charming character here.
#8: Daniel Dae Kim
Best known for starring on island bound series like “Lost” and “Hawaii Five-O,” Daniel Dae Kim made an appearance on the mainland of “Charmed.” Kim played Yen Lo, a member of a group of magic users called Zen Masters. Angered that his former teacher chose a different successor, Yen Lo seeks revenge on his master as well as planning to kill others of his order and trap them in Limbo. However, with help from the Charmed Ones, Yen Lo is defeated. Kim takes a familiar villain archetype and makes it feel fresh and watchable.
#7: John Cho
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Before he went on strange trips like helming the Enterprise or hunting down hamburgers, John Cho first appeared in “Charmed” in another otherworldly role. Cho starred in one episode as Mark Chao a student who becomes a ghost after he is murdered. Desperate to find someone who can see him, Chao runs into the Charmed trio, forming a connection with Piper. With their help, his killer gets his just desserts and Chao is able to move on to the afterlife. Cho’s easy performance as an everyman dealing with extraordinary circumstances is relatable and makes for a great one-off character.
#6: Jenny McCarthy
This model, actress, and hostess drummed up trouble on “Charmed.” Jenny McCarthy portrayed Mitzy Stillman, one of a trio of somewhat ditzy, yet evil, witch sisters who use magic to steal the lives and powers of the Charmed Ones. While Mitzy and her sisters are initially successful, despite their faults , their in-fighting proves their undoing; allowing the real destined trio of witch sisters to take back their powers and defeat the Stillmans. McCarthy has a gift for comedy and she manages to help make Mitzy an entertaining villainess.
#5: Zachary Quinto
Arguably best known for playing Spock in the rebooted “Star Trek” films, Zachary Quinto is also famous on television for playing decidedly creepier roles on TV, on shows like “Heroes” and “American Horror Story.” It’s the latter specialty Quinto tapped into on “Charmed,” where he places an unnamed warlock who specializes in hunting witches’ familiars. Quinto’s character comes into conflict with the Charmed Ones after going after their former familiar, Kit, a.k.a. Katrina. Although the Hunter briefly succeeds, albeit in a memory, he is ultimately vanquished by the sisters. Quinto already displays the innocuous creepiness that helps make him such a great villain in his future roles here.
#4: Rainn Wilson
Rainn Wilson’s character on “Charmed” had powers Dwight Schrute would have envied. Wilson played Kierkan, a demonic alchemist whose hunt for his rogue creation, Terra, brings him across the path of the Charmed Ones. Although not directly opposed to them, Terra possesses Piper; unbeknownst to the others and while he tries to warn them, he is still vanquished by them. Although Wilson was embarrassed by his performance, enough that he redid part of it on “Late Night,” we quite enjoy seeing him in the part.
#3: Norman Reedus
Before he took on the walking dead, Norman Reedus first appeared on this supernatural program. Reedus himself was a fairly normal guy compared to most of the love interests on “Charmed,” playing Nate Parks, who owns a piano bar that Paige sings at once they start dating. Her first attempt suffers from some magical interference before getting it right the next time. Worried that he won’t accept that she’s a witch, Paige uses a spell to get him to tell her the truth, and while he’s accepting of that, she’s less than thrilled with the revelation that he’s married. If nothing else, the role is proof that Reedus can play both standup guys and scumbags.
#2: Jon Hamm
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Jon Hamm is most definitely best known for playing the drastically flawed Don Draper on “Mad Men.” However his role on “Charmed” is not quite so debonair…or self-destructive. Hamm plays Columbia professor Jack Brody. Jack’s son Kyle is dating Paige when the pair of them travel back in time to learn more about the death of Jack and Kyle’s mother. While there, Jack and his wife are murdered by a group of demons after uncovering a powerful Egyptian artifact. Fans of Hamm’s more charismatic and prominent roles may be surprised to learn he can do well in a supporting one too. Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: Janice Dickinson Bruce Campbell Charisma Carpenter Jason Lewis Robert Englund
#1: Amy Adams
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While she may be fortunate and talented enough to be a world renowned and award winning actress today, even Amy Adams started out doing guest spots on TV. On “Charmed,” she plays Maggie Murphy an absolute saint of a woman who suddenly becomes suicidal, due to the machinations of a villain who turns her many good deeds on their heads by cursing her with bad luck. However, thanks to Prue, her luck turns around. Adams brings a wholesome likability and sincerity to Maggie that few actors can pull off well.
