Hollywood is mourning the loss of acclaimed actor julian McMahon, best known for captivating audiences as the complex half-demon Cole Turner on the hit series “Charmed” and the charismatic Dr. Christian Troy on “Nip/Tuck.” McMahon passed away at age 56 after a private battle with cancer. The news prompted an immediate outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes from his former co-stars across his celebrated career, remembering him as a uniquely talented and genuinely kind soul who left an indelible mark.
News of McMahon’s death, which occurred during the week of July 5, 2025, was confirmed by his wife, Kelly Paniagua. In a poignant statement, she revealed that Julian died peacefully in Clearwater, Florida, following a courageous effort to overcome the disease. Kelly emphasized Julian’s deep love for his life, his family, his friends, his work, and his dedicated fanbase. She shared that his greatest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible through his craft. The family has requested privacy during this profoundly difficult time, while expressing gratitude for the memories shared with Julian.
‘Charmed’ Cast Remembers their Friend and Co-Star
The cast of “Charmed,” where McMahon starred opposite Alyssa Milano, Holly Marie Combs, and Shannen Doherty from 2000 to 2005, were among the first to share their sorrow. McMahon’s portrayal of Cole Turner, the shape-shifting demon Balthazar who falls in love with Phoebe Halliwell, was a fan favorite and central to many key storylines.
Alyssa Milano Honors Her On-Screen Love
Alyssa Milano, who shared many intense scenes as Phoebe with McMahon’s Cole, expressed her heartbreak on social media. She described Julian as “magic,” highlighting his infectious smile, distinctive laugh, immense talent, and powerful presence. According to Milano, he possessed an ability to light up any room he entered, not just with charisma, but with genuine kindness, playful mischief, and soulful understanding.
Milano reflected on their years working together on the WB drama, calling them years filled with scenes, stories, and countless moments in between takes. She credited Julian with making her feel secure as an actor and truly seen as a woman on set. He challenged her, teased her affectionately, and always offered support. Despite their different personalities, she felt they always shared a unique understanding. Milano emphasized that Julian was far more than just a TV husband; he was a dear friend who consistently checked in, remembered important details, shared openly, and always told the truth with love, even when it was difficult.
She extended her deepest sympathies to his family, particularly his wife Kelly and daughters Madison and Iliana, whom he absolutely adored. Milano stated that his profound love for “his girls” was palpable in every conversation. Losing him felt unreal, she added, describing it as “too soon. Too unfair.” She promised to carry his laugh with her forever, remembering him as both “Forever Cole. Forever Julian.” Milano’s emotional tribute was accompanied by a collection of cherished photos of the pair, capturing their bond both on and off screen.
Holly Marie Combs Calls Him ‘One of a Kind’
Holly Marie Combs, who played Piper Halliwell, shared a moving tribute to McMahon, featuring a sweet video montage of moments from their time on “Charmed.” Her post included group shots with fellow cast members like Brian Krause and touching photos of McMahon alongside their late co-star Shannen Doherty.
Combs captured the sentiment for many, writing that calling Julian “one of a kind” was a significant understatement. She spoke of his “unyielding zest for life” and a “crazy making sense of humor” that she would sorely miss. The joy and laughter he brought were constant and would always be remembered, she noted. In a particularly poignant line, Combs expressed hope that Julian would find their “lady friend” (referencing Shannen Doherty, who died from cancer the previous year) and “dance in those rose petals.” She also shared a simple yet affectionate note on her Instagram Stories, calling him “Rip My favorite pain in the ass ever.”
Rose McGowan Shares Tributes and Prayers
Rose McGowan, who joined the series as Paige Matthews, also shared her grief. She reposted an illustrated image depicting McMahon with angel wings, offering a tribute filled with admiration. McGowan described Julian as a “force of brilliance, wild talent and humor.” She sent prayers for comfort to his family, his vast number of loving fans worldwide, and the entire “Charmed family.” She also shared a re-post of Brian Krause’s tribute, echoing the sentiment that the “Charmed family loves you.” McGowan added a simple “Goodbye Julian” with a broken heart emoji in another Story post.
Brian Krause Remembers a Funny, Kind Soul
Brian Krause, known for his role as Leo Wyatt on “Charmed,” took to his own social media page to pay respects. He acknowledged the sadness felt by the entire “Charmed family.” Krause remembered Julian as “one of the funniest, devilishly handsome and kind souls!” He sent prayers to Julian’s family and close friends, concluding that he would “surely be missed.”
Tributes Pour In From Across Hollywood
Julian McMahon’s impact stretched far beyond the Halliwell sisters. His notable roles in other successful television shows and films prompted tributes from colleagues across the entertainment industry, underscoring the breadth of his talent and positive reputation.
‘Nip/Tuck’ Co-Stars Share Shock and Fond Memories
On the acclaimed series “Nip/Tuck,” McMahon starred for seven seasons as the complex and charismatic plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Troy. His co-stars from the show also shared their sorrow. Kelly Carlson, who played Christian Troy’s love interest Kimber Henry, expressed shock and sadness, mentioning she hadn’t been aware of his illness. She fondly remembered him as a “good friend” with whom she had “so much fun” during their years on the show. Carlson credited McMahon with being “the energy, the charisma, the humor, the looks and everything of Nip/Tuck,” wishing him a peaceful journey after living a “full, great life.”
Dylan Walsh, who played Christian Troy’s partner Dr. Sean McNamara, shared his stunned reaction, stating, “We rode this wave together and I loved him.” He recalled inside jokes and how McMahon always “had my back,” emphasizing the tremendous amount of laughter they shared over the years. Joely Richardson, another co-star, noted Julian’s ability to be “hysterically funny” and “hugely charismatic,” acknowledging that “most of the female population fell for him as ‘Christian Troy’.”
‘Fantastic Four’ Actors Recall Joyful Encounters
McMahon also made a significant mark in the superhero realm, portraying the iconic villain Doctor Doom in the “Fantastic Four” films released in 2005 and 2007. His co-stars from these movies shared poignant memories. Ioan Gruffudd, who played Mister Fantastic, called the news “terribly sad.” Despite their characters being nemeses on screen, Gruffudd remembered “so much lightness and laughter working together” and stated that “Every encounter with him was a joy.” He considered it an honor to have worked alongside him. Michael Chiklis, who played The Thing, simply expressed his devastation and referred to McMahon as his “friend.”
Other Esteemed Colleagues Pay Respects
The tributes continued to pour in from colleagues on various recent projects. Nicolas Cage, who recently worked with McMahon on the upcoming film “The Surfer,” shared his deep sadness. Cage praised McMahon as “the most talented of actors” and “one of my favorite people,” noting that their scenes together were among his favorites he had ever participated in. He described Julian as a genuinely “kind and intelligent man.”
Uzo Aduba, who worked with McMahon on two recent projects, “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat” and “The Residence,” remembered him not just for his talent but for possessing “so much love for life. Energy. Intelligence.” Dick Wolf, the executive producer behind the “FBI” franchise, where McMahon starred in “FBI: Most Wanted,” issued a statement expressing that everyone at Wolf Entertainment was “deeply saddened” by the news.
Julian McMahon’s career spanned several decades, showcasing his versatility and undeniable screen presence. From his captivating role as Cole Turner, navigating the complexities of good and evil on “Charmed,” to his memorable turn as the charming and often morally ambiguous Dr. Christian Troy on “Nip/Tuck,” and his portrayal of a classic comic book villain, he consistently delivered performances that resonated with audiences. The shared memories and emotional tributes from his many co-stars highlight not only his skill as an actor but also the positive impact he had on those fortunate enough to work alongside him. His absence leaves a void in the entertainment world and in the hearts of his colleagues and fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Julian McMahon die?
Actor Julian McMahon passed away at the age of 56 following a private battle with cancer. The news was confirmed by his wife, Kelly Paniagua, who stated he died peacefully in Clearwater, Florida, during the week of July 5, 2025, after a valiant effort to overcome the disease.
Which ‘Charmed’ co-stars paid tribute to Julian McMahon?
Several of Julian McMahon’s former “Charmed” co-stars shared heartfelt tributes after his death. These included Alyssa Milano (Phoebe Halliwell), Holly Marie Combs (Piper Halliwell), Rose McGowan (Paige Matthews), and Brian Krause (Leo Wyatt). They all expressed their sadness and shared personal memories remembering his talent, humor, and kindness.
What roles was Julian McMahon best known for?
Julian McMahon was best known for several prominent roles in television and film. His most iconic characters included the complex half-demon Cole Turner on the TV series “Charmed,” the charismatic and often controversial plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Troy on “Nip/Tuck,” and the villainous Doctor Doom in the “Fantastic Four” films (2005 and 2007).
The loss of Julian McMahon is deeply felt across Hollywood and by the many fans who admired his work. The heartfelt tributes from his colleagues paint a picture of a talented actor and a genuinely warm, humorous, and kind individual. As his wife noted, Julian loved bringing joy to others, and his extensive body of work ensures that legacy will endure. He will be profoundly missed by all who knew and appreciated him.
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