The entertainment world is mourning the passing of Australian actor Julian mcmahon, a beloved star known for captivating audiences in hit series like Nip/Tuck and Charmed. McMahon died peacefully on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida, at the age of 56. His death followed a private battle with cancer, a diagnosis not widely known publicly.
Confirmation of his passing came via a heartfelt statement from his wife, Kelly Paniagua McMahon, released on Friday. She described Julian as someone who profoundly loved life, his family, his friends, his work, and his devoted fans. His deepest desire, she shared, was to bring joy into countless lives. The family has respectfully requested privacy during this incredibly difficult time and expressed gratitude for the many cherished memories people hold of him.
A Career Defined by Memorable Roles
Julian McMahon built a distinguished career across television and film, often portraying characters with intense charisma, whether heroic, villainous, or complex. While he gained international fame later in his career, his journey began far from Hollywood. Born in Sydney, Australia, on July 27, 1968, Julian was the son of Sir William “Billy” McMahon, who served as Australia’s Prime Minister from 1971 to 1972.
He initially started his professional path as a model in the late 1980s before transitioning to acting in his native Australia. His early acting credits included significant roles in Australian soap operas. He appeared in The Power, the Passion in 1989 and later joined the iconic Home and Away from 1990 to 1991, featuring in 150 episodes. His first feature film role was in the 1992 Australian-American movie Wet and Wild Summer!
Transition to American Television
McMahon soon set his sights on Hollywood, making the move to the United States. He first appeared on American screens in the US daytime soap opera Another World in 1993. His career in primetime television took a significant step forward when he secured a series regular role in the crime drama Profiler, staying with the show for its entire four-season run. This laid the groundwork for his ascent in US television.
A pivotal role that solidified his place in popular culture was joining The WB’s smash-hit supernatural series Charmed. From 2000 to 2003, he starred as the enigmatic and often morally ambiguous character Cole Turner, a half-demon, half-human assassin who became a central figure in the show’s drama for three seasons, with a brief return appearance in 2005.
The Iconic Christian Troy
Perhaps Julian mcmahon’s most celebrated and career-defining role came with Ryan Murphy’s acclaimed FX medical drama Nip/Tuck. Cast as the brilliant but arrogant and complex plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Troy, McMahon delivered a performance that captivated critics and audiences alike. He starred alongside Dylan Walsh, who played his partner, Dr. Sean McNamara.
The show ran for six seasons from 2003 to 2010, becoming a cultural phenomenon. McMahon’s portrayal of Christian Troy earned him widespread recognition and a prestigious Golden Globe nomination, cementing his reputation for playing compelling, charming, and sometimes morally compromised characters.
Tributes from former colleagues have highlighted the impact he had on set. Dylan Walsh, his Nip/Tuck co-star, expressed his shock and sadness at the news. “We rode this wave together and I loved him,” Walsh told Deadline, sharing personal memories. “Jules! I know you’d want me to say something to make you smile — all the inside jokes. All those years you had my back, and my god, we laughed. My heart is with you. Rest in peace.” Kelly Carlson, another co-star from Nip/Tuck, shared she was “completely shocked” and remembered him as a “good friend” and acting partner with whom she had significant fun working.
Stepping into the Superhero Universe
Beyond his success on television, Julian McMahon also made a notable foray into the superhero genre. He was cast as the iconic Marvel supervillain Victor von Doom, also known as Doctor Doom, in 20th Century Fox’s Fantastic Four film in 2005. He reprised the role in the 2007 sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, also lending his voice to the character in the 2005 video game adaptation.
Later Career and Final Roles
McMahon continued to be a prominent presence on television in recent years. He starred as the lead, Special Agent Jess LaCroix, in the CBS series FBI: Most Wanted for three seasons before departing the show in March 2022. Dick Wolf, the executive producer of the FBI franchise, described McMahon’s death as “shocking news” and extended condolences from Wolf Entertainment.
His television credits also include a series regular part in Hulu’s Marvel’s Runaways. In film, his later appearances included roles in movies like RED, Paranoia, and You’re Not You.
In a poignant turn, one of Julian McMahon’s final screen appearances was in the Netflix murder mystery series The Residence. Here, in a moment reflecting his family history, he portrayed the Australian Prime Minister. His recent film work also included roles in The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat and The Surfer, where he starred alongside Nicolas Cage. Cage paid tribute to McMahon, calling him “the most talented of actors” and “one of my favorite people,” remembering him as a “kind and intelligent man.” Ioan Gruffud, who played Reed Richards opposite McMahon’s Doctor Doom in Fantastic Four, called it an “honour” despite their on-screen rivalry, recalling McMahon’s “lightness and laughter” that made every encounter a “joy.”
Julian McMahon was married three times. His first marriage was to Australian singer and actress Dannii Minogue from 1994 to 1995. He later married actress Brooke Burns, with whom he had his daughter, Madison. His final marriage was to Kelly Paniagua, beginning in 2014, who survives him, along with his daughter Madison.
His last known public appearance was reportedly at the North American premiere of The Surfer in Austin, Texas, in March 2024. While his struggle with cancer was kept private, his impact on the screen and the memories shared by those who knew him speak volumes about his life and career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the cause of death for actor Julian McMahon?
Julian McMahon passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, following a private battle with cancer. His wife, Kelly Paniagua McMahon, confirmed that he died peacefully in Clearwater, Florida, after a valiant effort to overcome his illness. Details about the specific type of cancer were not publicly disclosed.
What major TV shows and movies was Julian McMahon known for?
Julian McMahon was widely recognized for his significant roles in popular television series such as Charmed (as Cole Turner), Nip/Tuck (as Dr. Christian Troy, a role which earned him a Golden Globe nomination), and FBI: Most Wanted (as Special Agent Jess LaCroix). In film, he is well-known for portraying the villain Doctor Doom in the 2005 and 2007 Fantastic Four movies.
What have Julian McMahon’s co-stars said about his passing?
Tributes from his co-stars have poured in. Dylan Walsh from Nip/Tuck expressed being “stunned” and remembered their shared journey and laughter. Nicolas Cage, who worked with McMahon on The Surfer, called him “the most talented of actors” and a “kind and intelligent man.” Kelly Carlson also from Nip/Tuck was “completely shocked,” remembering their fun working relationship. Ioan Gruffud from Fantastic Four highlighted McMahon’s “lightness and laughter” and called working with him an “honour.”
Julian McMahon leaves behind a legacy of memorable characters and performances across nearly four decades in entertainment. His passing at 56 is a significant loss to the industry and the many fans he touched with his work. The tributes from colleagues and the statements from his family underscore the personal impact he had on those around him and the joy he sought to bring through his craft. He will be fondly remembered for his contributions to television and film.
