Beloved Actor julian mcmahon Dies at 56 After Cancer Battle
Julian McMahon, the charismatic australian actor known for captivating audiences in hits like “Charmed,” “Nip/Tuck,” and the “Fantastic Four” films, has died. He passed away this week at the age of 56. His death followed a private battle with cancer. The news was confirmed by his wife, Kelly McMahon. She shared a statement provided to The Associated Press by his publicist in Beverly Hills, California. McMahon died peacefully on July 2, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida.
His wife’s statement offered a glimpse into the actor’s life and spirit. “Julian loved life,” Kelly McMahon said. “He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans.” She added that Julian’s “deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible.” The family has requested privacy during this difficult time. They also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and memories shared by fans and colleagues.
A Career Defined by Iconic Roles
Julian McMahon built a diverse career spanning decades. He became a familiar face to millions through his memorable roles in both television and film. His on-screen presence ranged from heroic figures to compelling villains and complex dramatic characters.
From Sydney to Stardom: Early Career
Born on July 27, 1968, in Sydney, Australia, Julian McMahon had a unique background. He was the son of Billy McMahon, who served as the Prime Minister of Australia from 1971 to 1972. Julian initially began his professional life as a model. He later transitioned into acting in his native Australia. His early acting credits included a lead role in the 1989 daytime soap “The Power, the Passion.” He also appeared on the long-running Australian soap opera “Home and Away” from 1990 to 1991. His feature film debut came in the 1992 Australian-American movie “Wet and Wild Summer!,” where he starred opposite Elliott Gould.
Following his success in Australia, McMahon moved to Hollywood. He quickly found work in American television. He joined the cast of the NBC daytime soap “Another World” in 1993. This role helped launch his career in the competitive US market.
TV Dominance: Charmed, Nip/Tuck, and FBI
McMahon soon made the leap to primetime television. He landed a series regular role on the crime drama “Profiler.” He remained with the show for its entire four-season run. However, he gained significant mainstream recognition for his role as the demonic character Cole Turner on The WB’s popular supernatural series “Charmed.” He starred in the show for three seasons. Fans were drawn to his complex portrayal of the demon struggling with his human side and his tumultuous relationship with Phoebe Halliwell.
His status as a television leading man was solidified by his role in Ryan Murphy’s acclaimed plastic surgery drama “Nip/Tuck.” McMahon co-headlined the FX series with Dylan Walsh. He played the charming, handsome, yet morally ambiguous Dr. Christian Troy. His performance over six seasons earned him a Golden Globe nomination.
More recently, McMahon starred as team leader Jess LaCroix in the CBS crime drama “FBI: Most Wanted.” He led the FBI’s Most Wanted Unit for three seasons. His unexpected departure from the show occurred in March 2022. Dick Wolf, the executive producer of the “FBI” franchise, expressed deep sadness upon hearing the news of McMahon’s passing. Wolf conveyed the condolences felt by everyone at Wolf Entertainment.
Battling Heroes: The Fantastic Four Films
In the world of superhero cinema, Julian McMahon took on the role of a formidable villain. He played Doctor Doom in the 2005 film “Fantastic Four.” He reprised the role in the 2007 sequel, “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.” His portrayal brought the classic Marvel Comics villain to life on the big screen.
Beyond the Blockbusters: Diverse Roles
McMahon’s diverse acting credits extended beyond his most famous roles. He had a series regular role on Hulu’s “Marvel’s Runaways.” His film appearances included titles such as “Premonition,” “RED,” “Paranoia,” and “You’re Not You.” He also appeared in the 2018 Australian comedy “Swinging Safari.”
Julian McMahon remained active in film until his passing. Two films he completed were released in 2024. He appeared in “The Surfer,” which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. He also had a role in “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat.” Nicolas Cage, who worked with McMahon on “The Surfer,” paid tribute. Cage described him as “the most talented of actors” and “one of my favorite people.” He called McMahon a “kind and intelligent man.” Cage also praised their scenes together.
His final role saw him return to his Australian roots in a significant way. McMahon played the Australian Prime Minister in Netflix’s murder mystery series “The Residence.”
Remembering Julian: Tributes from Colleagues
News of Julian McMahon’s death prompted heartfelt tributes from those who knew and worked with him. His impact on their lives and careers was clear.
Alyssa Milano, who played Phoebe Halliwell, his on-screen wife on “Charmed,” shared her grief on social media. “Julian was more than my TV husband,” Milano wrote. She described him as “magic.” Milano highlighted his “smile,” “laugh,” “talent,” and “presence.” She noted that he would “walked into a room and lit it up — not just with charisma, but with kindness.” Milano added that he possessed “mischief” and “soulful understanding.” She concluded by calling him a “dear friend” and expressing that losing him “feels unreal” and “too soon.”
Dylan Walsh, his co-star on “Nip/Tuck,” also shared his shock. He recalled their time together on the acclaimed FX series. Walsh mentioned their many inside jokes. “We rode this wave together and I loved him,” Walsh stated, reflecting on their partnership on the show.
Legacy and Survivors
Julian McMahon leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances across television and film. His ability to portray complex characters, whether heroic, villainous, or simply flawed and human, resonated with audiences. He is survived by his loving wife, Kelly McMahon. He is also survived by his daughter, Madison “Maddy” McMahon, from a previous marriage. His contributions to the entertainment world will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Julian McMahon’s cause of death and age?
Julian McMahon died at the age of 56. His death followed a private battle with cancer. His wife, Kelly McMahon, announced that he passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025.
What were Julian McMahon’s most famous acting roles?
Julian McMahon was widely recognized for several key roles. In television, he starred as Cole Turner on “Charmed,” Dr. Christian Troy on “Nip/Tuck,” and Jess LaCroix on “FBI: Most Wanted.” He also played Doctor Doom in the films “Fantastic Four” (2005) and “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” (2007).
Where can I read tributes to Julian McMahon from his co-stars?
Within this article, you can find tributes shared by some of Julian McMahon’s colleagues. Alyssa Milano, who co-starred with him on “Charmed,” described him as “magic” and a “dear friend.” Dylan Walsh, his co-star from “Nip/Tuck,” shared his shock and memories of their time together on the show. Nicolas Cage, who worked with him on his recent film “The Surfer,” called him “the most talented of actors” and “one of my favorite people.”
Remembering a Talented Performer
Julian McMahon’s passing is a significant loss to the entertainment industry. From his early days in Australian soaps to his time as a leading man in American primetime and a Marvel movie villain, he consistently delivered compelling performances. His work brought joy and entertainment to countless viewers around the world. As friends and fans mourn his death, they also celebrate the rich body of work he leaves behind and the positive impact he had on those he met.