Australian actor Julian McMahon, widely known for his iconic roles in Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and the Fantastic Four film series, has died at the age of 56. He passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida, following a private battle with cancer.
A Statement from His Wife
McMahon’s wife, Kelly McMahon, confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement released on July 4:
“With an open heart, I wish to share with the world that my beloved husband, Julian McMahon, died peacefully this week after a valiant effort to overcome cancer. Julian loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans. His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible. We ask for support during this time to allow our family to grieve in privacy. And we wish for all of those to whom Julian brought joy to continue to find joy in life. We are grateful for the memories.”
Early Life and Rise to Stardom
Julian Dana William McMahon was born on July 27, 1968, in Sydney, Australia. He was the son of William McMahon, who briefly served as Australia’s Prime Minister from 1971 to 1972. Julian began his career as a model before making the leap into acting, first starring in Australian soap operas and television dramas.
He gained international attention in 1993 after joining the American daytime soap Another World. This marked the beginning of a successful transition into Hollywood.
Breakthrough Roles in Television
McMahon became a household name for his portrayal of Cole Turner on the hit WB supernatural series Charmed from 2000 to 2005. His character, a tormented demon who falls in love with Phoebe Halliwell (played by Alyssa Milano), remains one of the most memorable in the show’s history.
In 2003, McMahon took on what would become his most critically acclaimed role—as Dr. Christian Troy in Ryan Murphy’s plastic surgery drama Nip/Tuck. The series ran for six seasons until 2010 and earned him a Golden Globe nomination for his performance. His portrayal of the morally complex, charismatic surgeon cemented his status as a leading man in American television.
Superhero Villain in Fantastic Four
Marvel fans know McMahon best as the iconic villain Victor Von Doom, a.k.a. Doctor Doom, in Fantastic Four (2005) and its sequel Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007). While the films received mixed reviews, McMahon’s portrayal of Doom left a lasting impression on the superhero movie landscape.
Leading Role in FBI: Most Wanted
In 2020, McMahon took on the role of Jess LaCroix in the CBS crime drama FBI: Most Wanted. He led the show for three seasons and described the experience as one of the highlights of his professional career. When he announced his departure in January 2022, McMahon expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating:
“I’m extremely proud of the work we have done together and put the development of this show, and my character Jess, at the top of my professional experience list.”
Final Appearance and Recent Work
McMahon’s last red carpet appearance was on March 10, 2025, at the SXSW Film & TV Festival in Austin, Texas. He attended the premiere of his film The Surfer, starring alongside Nicolas Cage.
His final television role was a poignant one—he portrayed the Australian Prime Minister in Netflix’s The Residence, which was canceled after one season.
Personal Life and Legacy
Julian McMahon married author and television personality Kelly Paniagua in 2014. He had previously been married to singer Dannii Minogue and actress Brooke Burns. He shared a daughter, Madison Elizabeth McMahon, now 25, with Burns.
Known for his striking screen presence, magnetic performances, and dedication to his craft, Julian McMahon leaves behind a legacy of complex characters, memorable performances, and a deep connection with his fans around the world.
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