The entertainment world is mourning the loss of acclaimed actor julian McMahon, who passed away at the age of 56. Known for his captivating roles across television and film, McMahon died on July 2, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida, following a private and courageous battle with cancer. His death marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned decades and left an indelible mark on fans worldwide.
McMahon’s passing was confirmed by his wife, Kelly McMahon. In a heartfelt statement shared with media outlets, she conveyed the profound sense of loss. “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,” her statement read. “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.” The family has requested privacy during this difficult time, expressing gratitude for shared memories and encouraging others to continue finding joy in life, just as Julian wished.
Early Life and Australian Beginnings
Born Julian William McMahon in Sydney, Australia, on July 27, 1968, he came from a prominent family. His father, Sir William “Billy” McMahon, served as the Prime Minister of Australia from 1971 to 1972. Julian initially pursued a career in modeling in the late 1980s, achieving significant success in Australia and internationally.
He transitioned into acting in 1989 with a role on the Australian daytime soap opera The Power, the Passion. He later gained wider recognition in his native country for his stint on the popular long-running series Home and Away, appearing in over 150 episodes between 1990 and 1991. His feature film debut came in 1992 with the Australian-American production Wet and Wild Summer! (also known as Exchange Lifeguards).
Making His Mark in American Television
Seeking broader opportunities, McMahon moved to Hollywood. His American acting career began in a familiar genre: daytime television. He joined the NBC soap opera Another World in 1993. This led to roles in primetime, including a four-season run as a series regular on NBC’s crime drama Profiler.
A pivotal moment arrived when he joined The WB’s hit supernatural drama Charmed. From 2000 to 2003, and returning for a brief appearance in 2005, McMahon starred as Cole Turner, a complex half-human, half-demon character who became a major figure in the show’s mythology and a love interest for Phoebe Halliwell, played by Alyssa Milano.
Tributes from Co-Stars and Colleagues
News of Julian McMahon’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from those who worked alongside him. Alyssa Milano shared her grief on social media, calling him “magic.” She highlighted his memorable smile, laugh, talent, and presence, describing him as a “dear friend.” Milano added that Julian was the kind of friend who checked in, remembered important things, and shared honestly, even when it was uncomfortable, but always with love. Losing him felt “unreal. Too soon. Too unfair,” she wrote, vowing to carry his laugh with her.
His status as a leading man in television was cemented when he starred in Ryan Murphy’s acclaimed FX drama Nip/Tuck. From 2003 to 2010, McMahon played the charismatic yet morally ambiguous plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Troy alongside Dylan Walsh’s Dr. Sean McNamara. His performance garnered widespread praise and earned him a Golden Globe nomination.
Dylan Walsh expressed his shock and sadness over his co-star’s passing. “I’m stunned,” Walsh told Deadline. “We rode this wave together and I loved him.” He extended his heart to Kelly and Madison. Walsh shared personal anecdotes, recalling inside jokes and how Julian “had my back” over their many years working together, emphasizing how much they laughed. “My heart is with you. Rest in peace,” Walsh concluded.
Julian McMahon continued his leading man trajectory by starring as Special Agent Jess LaCroix, the head of the FBI’s Most Wanted Unit, in the CBS series FBI: Most Wanted. He led the show for three seasons before his departure in March 2022. Dick Wolf, the prolific producer behind the FBI franchise, described the news as “shocking.” He expressed deep sadness on behalf of Wolf Entertainment and sent condolences to McMahon’s family.
McMahon’s television work also included a recurring role on Hulu’s Marvel series Runaways.
Significant Film Roles and Recent Work
While widely known for his television presence, Julian McMahon also made notable appearances on the big screen. He is perhaps best recognized by film audiences for his portrayal of the iconic Marvel supervillain Victor Von Doom, also known as Doctor Doom, in Tim Story’s Fantastic Four films in 2005 and the sequel Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer in 2007. He also voiced the character in the accompanying 2005 video game.
His filmography includes roles in thrillers like Premonition, action-comedies such as RED, dramas like Paranoia and You’re Not You, and the Australian film Swinging Safari. More recently, McMahon appeared in the 2024 film The Surfer, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. He shared the screen with Nicolas Cage in the movie.
Nicolas Cage spoke highly of his experience working with McMahon on The Surfer. “Such deeply saddening news,” Cage stated. “I spent six weeks working with Julian, and he was the most talented of actors.” Cage described their scenes together as among his favorites he had ever participated in and called Julian “one of my favorite people.” He characterized McMahon as a “kind and intelligent man,” extending his love to his family. McMahon’s other recent film credit was The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat.
In a poignant full-circle moment, Julian McMahon’s final credited acting role was in the Netflix murder mystery series The Residence. In the show, he fittingly played a character who serves as the Prime Minister of Australia, echoing his own father’s real-life political career.
A Legacy of Memorable Characters
Julian McMahon was married three times. His first marriage was to Australian singer and actress Dannii Minogue. He later married American actress and game show host Brooke Burns, with whom he had a daughter, Madison. He married his third wife, Kelly Paniagua, in 2014. He is survived by Kelly and his daughter Madison.
Reflecting on his extensive career, particularly his time in Hollywood, Julian McMahon once described it as a “funny town.” He noted that a “last man standing theory” often seemed to apply, recalling moments early on where he felt he wasn’t succeeding and was perhaps the “wrong person” for certain roles. However, he attributed his longevity and continued passion for acting to the “commitment” he learned from early experiences like The Power, the Passion and Nip/Tuck. He believed this dedication, willingness to evolve, and enjoyment of his work were crucial to his success.
From Australian soaps and American daytime television to iconic primetime dramas and major film franchises, Julian McMahon’s versatility allowed him to inhabit a wide range of characters. Whether playing a charming plastic surgeon, a complex demonic figure, a determined federal agent, or a formidable supervillain, he consistently brought intensity and charisma to his roles.
His ability to portray compelling, sometimes morally gray characters earned him a dedicated fanbase. Julian McMahon leaves behind a rich body of work that will continue to entertain audiences for years to come, a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Julian McMahon’s cause of death?
Julian McMahon died on July 2, 2025, at the age of 56, following a private battle with cancer. His death occurred peacefully in Clearwater, Florida, as confirmed by his wife, Kelly McMahon, who stated he made a “valiant effort to overcome cancer.”
What are Julian McMahon’s most famous acting roles?
Julian McMahon was best known for several prominent roles across television and film. In television, he starred as Dr. Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck, the demonic Cole Turner in Charmed, and Special Agent Jess LaCroix in FBI: Most Wanted. His most recognized film role was portraying the villain Doctor Doom in the 2005 Fantastic Four movie and its 2007 sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.
Was Julian McMahon related to an Australian Prime Minister?
Yes, Julian McMahon was the son of a former Australian Prime Minister. His father, Sir William “Billy” McMahon, served as the Prime Minister of Australia from 1971 to 1972. In a notable connection, Julian’s final acting role in the Netflix series The Residence saw him portray the Prime Minister of Australia.
Julian McMahon’s passing leaves a void in the entertainment community. His contributions through memorable performances in highly popular series and films solidified his place as a respected actor. As colleagues and fans remember his work and impact, his legacy through characters like Dr. Christian Troy, Cole Turner, and Doctor Doom will undoubtedly endure.
