The entertainment world is mourning the loss of julian mcmahon, the charismatic Australian actor known for his memorable roles across hit television series like Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and FBI: Most Wanted. McMahon passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida, at the age of 56. His death followed a private battle with cancer.
The news was confirmed in a heartfelt statement shared by his wife, Kelly McMahon. She described her beloved husband’s passing as occurring after a “valiant effort to overcome cancer.” Kelly McMahon highlighted Julian’s immense love for life, his family, friends, work, and particularly his fans. His “deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible,” she shared. The family has requested privacy during this incredibly difficult time while expressing gratitude for the many cherished memories.
A Career Spanning Continents and Iconic Roles
Born Julian Dana William McMahon in Sydney, Australia, on July 27, 1968, he carried a notable lineage as the son of Sir William “Billy” McMahon, who served as Australia’s Prime Minister from 1971 to 1972. Julian initially carved out a career in the modeling world during the 1980s before shifting his focus to acting. His early acting experiences began in Australian television.
He secured roles in daytime soap operas, starting with the short-lived series The Power, the Passion in 1989. Following this, he joined the popular and long-running Australian drama Home and Away. His tenure on the show spanned from 1990 to 1991, allowing him to hone his acting skills before making a significant move.
Transitioning to American Television Stardom
Seeking new opportunities, McMahon relocated to the United States. He embarked on his American acting journey in a similar vein, landing a role on the NBC daytime soap opera Another World in 1993. This transition proved successful, quickly propelling him towards primetime television.
He joined the cast of the NBC crime drama Profiler as a series regular. Playing the character of Agent John Grant, he was a prominent figure throughout the show’s entire four-season run. This role established his presence in American episodic television and showcased his ability to handle complex characters.
Cult Following with Charmed and Breaking Out in Nip/Tuck
A pivotal moment in Julian McMahon’s career arrived when he was cast in The WB’s immensely popular supernatural drama Charmed. From 2000 to 2003, he portrayed Cole Turner, a complex character who was initially a half-human, half-demon prosecutor but evolved into a major love interest and sometimes antagonist for the Halliwell sisters. His portrayal of the conflicted Cole earned him a dedicated fanbase and demonstrated his range.
However, it was his role as Dr. Christian Troy in Ryan Murphy’s groundbreaking FX drama Nip/Tuck that truly cemented Julian McMahon’s status as a leading man in American television. Starring alongside Dylan Walsh, McMahon played the charismatic, often arrogant, and morally ambiguous plastic surgeon Christian Troy. The series, which ran for six seasons from 2003 to 2010, allowed McMahon to deliver a performance filled with wit, charm, and depth. His work on Nip/Tuck earned him a Golden Globe nomination in 2005 for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama. This role became synonymous with his ability to play captivating characters with darker edges.
Leading the Charge in the FBI Universe
A decade after Nip/Tuck premiered, Julian McMahon took on another significant television lead role. In 2020, he was cast as Supervisory Special Agent Jess LaCroix in the CBS procedural drama FBI: Most Wanted. As the leader of an elite Fugitive Task Force, McMahon brought a quiet intensity and gravitas to the role.
He starred in the series for three seasons, leading the cast until his departure in March 2022. His presence was a key factor in establishing the show within Dick Wolf’s successful FBI television universe. Wolf himself expressed profound sadness upon hearing the news of McMahon’s passing. In a statement, he called it “shocking news” and conveyed that “All of us at Wolf Entertainment are deeply saddened by Julian’s passing and our condolences go out to his entire family.”
Memorable Turns on the Big Screen
Beyond his extensive and impactful television work, Julian McMahon also made his mark in film. He is widely recognized for portraying the iconic Marvel supervillain Victor von Doom, also known as Doctor Doom. McMahon took on this role in director Tim Story’s two Fantastic Four film adaptations: the 2005 movie and its 2007 sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. His portrayal captured the character’s intellect and villainous charm.
His filmography also includes appearances in other notable movies such as Premonition, RED, Paranoia, You’re Not You, and the Australian comedy Swinging Safari. More recently, he appeared in the 2024 films The Surfer and The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat. McMahon also returned to the Marvel world for a series regular role in the Hulu series Marvel’s Runaways.
A Final Role with Poignant Significance
In a remarkable full-circle moment, Julian McMahon’s final credited acting role saw him step into a role with significant personal resonance. He appeared in the Netflix murder mystery series The Residence, released earlier this year. In the series, he played Stephen Roos, the Prime Minister of Australia.
This role echoed his real-life background, being the son of a former Australian Prime Minister. It provided a poignant symmetry to a career that began in Australia and achieved global recognition. He also recently attended SXSW in March 2025 to promote his film The Surfer, showcasing his continued commitment to his craft.
Remembering His Impact and Legacy
Julian McMahon possessed a unique talent for playing complex characters, often blending charm with intensity or vulnerability. Whether he was portraying a morally grey plastic surgeon, a conflicted demon, a dedicated FBI agent, or a formidable supervillain, he consistently delivered compelling performances that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Industry colleagues have shared their grief and memories. Dorian Gregory, who co-starred with McMahon on Charmed, paid tribute to him as “beautifully talented,” “Kind Warm Witty,” and expressed that his presence would be deeply missed. Warner Bros. Television, producers of Nip/Tuck, also posted a remembrance, highlighting his impact on the show and its fans. His legacy is defined by the diverse range of characters he brought to life and the joy he aimed to share through his work, as his wife so lovingly stated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the cause of Julian McMahon’s death?
Julian McMahon died following a private battle with cancer. His wife, Kelly McMahon, confirmed that he passed away peacefully after a “valiant effort to overcome” the illness. The specific type of cancer was not publicly disclosed.
Where did actor Julian McMahon die?
Julian McMahon passed away in Clearwater, Florida, on July 2, 2025. His wife’s statement confirmed the location of his peaceful passing.
What TV shows and movies was Julian McMahon known for?
Julian McMahon was widely recognized for starring roles in popular television series such as Dr. Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck, Cole Turner in Charmed, and Special Agent Jess LaCroix in FBI: Most Wanted. In film, he was known for portraying Doctor Doom in the 2005 and 2007 Fantastic Four movies.
A Lasting Impression
Julian McMahon’s passing at 56 is a significant loss to the entertainment industry and the countless fans who admired his work. His ability to embody captivating and often complex characters left an indelible mark on television and film. From Australian soaps to leading major US network dramas and portraying iconic villains, his career was marked by versatility and talent. As friends, family, and fans remember him, the roles he played will continue to bring joy, fulfilling the wish his wife highlighted as his deepest desire. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this time of profound grief.
