“Charmed” aired for eight seasons on The WB, running from 1998 until October 2006. Now, almost two decades later, one of the stars of the beloved series, Holly Marie Combs, is opening up about why she’s no longer taking roles in Hollywood. This comes after she launched a rewatch podcast dedicated to the show in 2022.
Combs opened up about the current state of her career and her decision to take a step back from Hollywood during a recent episode of her podcast, iHeart’s “The House of Halliwell.” Notably, the “Charmed” alum revealed that multiple factors led her to essentially retire from acting.
She began, “It was a lot of family.” After that, the 52-year-old explained, “During COVID, we had three teenagers. Well, it was three teenagers and a preteen in the house, and it was just mayhem and chaos.”
Then, Combs also admitted that she hadn’t been the biggest fan of some of the roles she had been presented with. According to her, “The stuff that I was getting and coming across my desk was just nothing that I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is really great. I need to do this.’”
She added, “And being in, you know, that 40 to 50 range, the job pool gets even smaller and smaller. And I feel like the roles get a little less interesting.”
The ‘Charmed’ Alum Sometimes Misses Acting
Combs continued discussing her career, stating that her friends have attempted to “pull [her] out of retirement.” However, she leads a busy life in Washington State with her husband, Mike Ryan, and three kids. Plus, the actress also owns and operates a barbecue restaurant, Cattle Point BBQ in Friday Harbor, Washington.
Still, despite the fulfilled life, Combs admitted, “I miss it occasionally because, like you said, there’s those moments when you’re involved, and you’re acting and you’re working that are just, I think it’s like being present.”
She then said, “That’s what escapism is. And we get to escape into this different character with a different set of situations than our own life. And there is something about being in that moment that is quite peaceful, even if you’re doing something highly dramatic.”
However, she’s not ruling out a return to the screen once her kids are older. According to her, “I’ll be sitting around with a lot more time on my hands.”
Holly Marie Combs Hasn’t Appeared In A Significant Role Since 2017
Combs may be best known for her role as Piper Halliwell on “Charmed,” but she had a career before and after the series ended. Notably, several years before the WB show began, she appeared in over 80 episodes of “Picket Fences” as Kimberly Brock.
She appeared in several projects after “Charmed,” with the most significant being “Pretty Little Liars,” which ended in 2017. However, as she stated on her podcast, her career shifted in the years leading up to COVID, with her featured in only a “Grey’s Anatomy” episode in 2019, “Pretty Little Wine Moms Re-watch” in 2020, and a COVID-19 special in 2020.
Combs Paid Tribute To Shannen Doherty Following Her Passing
Shannen Doherty starred in the first three seasons of “Charmed” alongside Combs and Alyssa Milano. Sadly, the actress passed away in July 2024 following a battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was 53. Following her death, Combs took to Instagram to issue an emotional tribute to her former costar and “best friend.”
She said, “My better half of 31 years. There is a hollow in my chest, and I can’t seem to catch my breath. A part of me is missing, even though I know exactly what you would say to me right now. I know exactly what you would tell me to do right now.”
After that, Combs spoke about Doherty’s legacy, stating, “I know your undying spirit will live in me and my kids who you loved as your own. They will walk with your sense of purpose and pride. They will be truthful and stand up for what is right. No matter what, and zero f-cks given. Your fire will live on in them and the many other Charmed ones you helped raise.”
She concluded, “My most ardent champion. My loyal protector. My best friend. You taught me the meaning of family. You were and will be forevermore my sister. I love you.”
Shannen Doherty Was Set To Join Holly’s Podcast
Before her death in July 2024, Doherty was set to join the “House of Halliwell” podcast alongside Combs, Brian Krause, and Drew Fuller. The actress had managed to record five episodes, which were released after her passing.
Per Variety, Combs and the other podcast hosts said in a statement, “This show, this character, this podcast meant so much to Shannen she couldn’t wait to share it with Charmed fans everywhere. We want to honor her memory, and fulfill Shannen’s wishes by airing the first five episodes she recorded before her passing.”
It continued, “She was passionate about this project and proud to have played Prue Halliwell; we hope these episodes offer some comfort for everyone who loved her. Prue, your memory remains, and your magic lives on.”
