australian actor Julian mcmahon, celebrated for his captivating performances in hit television series like Charmed and Nip/Tuck, has passed away. He died on Wednesday, July 2nd, in Clearwater, Florida, at the age of 56 following a private battle with cancer. His wife, Kelly Paniagua, confirmed the deeply saddening news on Friday. McMahon left an indelible mark on Hollywood and entertained millions worldwide throughout his extensive career.
A Career Defined by Iconic Roles
Julian McMahon built a dynamic career spanning decades on both sides of the Pacific. He became widely known for inhabiting complex and often morally ambiguous characters, captivating audiences with his charisma. His path to international fame began after a successful modeling career in Australia led him into acting. Early roles in popular Australian television shows paved the way for his move to the United States.
From Australian Soaps to Hollywood Success
Born in Sydney on July 27, 1968, Julian McMahon came from a prominent Australian family. He was the son of former Australian Prime Minister Sir William “Billy” McMahon and philanthropist Lady Sonia McMahon. Before acting, he initially gained prominence as a model. He notably starred in a series of iconic Levi’s jeans commercials in Australia during the 1980s. This success helped open doors into acting upon returning home to Australia following his father’s funeral.
He appeared in early Australian shows like Rafferty’s Rules and the short-lived soap opera The Power, The Passion in 1989. McMahon then landed a significant role in the long-running and popular soap opera Home and Away. He played Ben Lucini, appearing in an estimated 150 episodes starting in 1990 before departing in 1991. Following an appearance in the 1992 Australian-American film Wet and Wild Summer! (also known as Exchange Lifeguards), he relocated to the United States to further pursue his acting career. His early US television work included a role in the NBC soap opera Another World.
Breakthroughs in Television Drama
McMahon’s career took a major turn with the supernatural fantasy series Charmed. He joined the show in 2000 as Cole Turner. This complex character was a half-human, half-demon prosecutor who became romantically involved with one of the main characters. He appeared in the series for three seasons, through 2003, and made a brief return in 2005. This role established him as a recognizable face in American television and is often cited as one of his breakout performances.
He later took on perhaps his most famous role in Ryan Murphy’s critically acclaimed medical drama Nip/Tuck. From 2003 to 2010, he starred as the charismatic and often ethically questionable plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Troy. His compelling performance in this defining role earned him significant critical acclaim. It also led to a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Television Drama in 2005. This seven-year run solidified his reputation for playing captivating and complex antiheroes.
Cinematic Ventures and Later TV Success
Julian McMahon also made his mark on the big screen. He notably portrayed the iconic Marvel villain Doctor Doom. He played the character in the 2005 film Fantastic Four. He reprised the role in the 2007 sequel, Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer. He also lent his voice to the character in the 2005 Fantastic Four video game. Beyond superhero films, he appeared in other movies like Premonition.
Later in his career, he took on a leading role in the CBS procedural drama FBI: Most Wanted. He starred as special agent and team leader Jess LaCroix. He led the series for its first three seasons, from 2020, before departing in March 2022. His recent work included roles in the Netflix miniseries The Residence. In this show, released earlier this year, he played a fictional Australian prime minister, a role that mirrored his own famous family background. He also appeared in the 2024 psychological thriller The Surfer alongside Nicolas Cage. Film critic Jamie Tram praised his performance in The Surfer for its “well-observed balance of supreme arrogance, laddish joviality and domineering menace.”
The Allure of the Complex Character
Throughout his career, Julian McMahon developed a distinct niche for himself. He excelled at portraying charming yet often dark, villainous, or morally ambiguous figures. This included roles like a demonic prosecutor in Charmed, a womanizing plastic surgeon in Nip/Tuck, and the supervillain Doctor Doom. Entertainment journalist Andrew Hornery suggested McMahon seemed to relish these complex roles. This inclination perhaps drew on his unique background and extensive experience navigating the entertainment industry. This tendency to take on darker roles continued in his more recent work. Playing roles like the Australian Prime Minister in The Residence and the intense surfer Scally in The Surfer showcased his versatility and ability to bring depth to challenging characters. His performances resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Tributes Pour In for the Beloved Actor
News of Julian McMahon’s passing prompted an outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes from colleagues across his career. His wife, Kelly Paniagua, issued a poignant statement shared by Deadline and other outlets. “Julian loved life,” she said in the statement. “He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans.” Paniagua added that his deepest wish was “to bring joy into as many lives as possible.” She confirmed Julian passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 2nd. He made a “valiant effort to overcome cancer,” she stated, having reportedly dealt with his illness privately. The family requested privacy during this difficult time but expressed gratitude for shared memories.
Remembering a Charismatic Presence
Co-stars from his most famous shows shared personal memories and condolences. Dylan Walsh, his long-time co-star in Nip/Tuck, expressed his shock and sadness. “We rode this wave together and I loved him,” Walsh told Deadline. He added a touching personal note about their bond. “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.”
The cast of Charmed also paid tribute to their former colleague. Alyssa Milano, who played his on-screen wife, remembered him as more than just a TV husband. She described him as a “dear friend” who made her feel “safe as an actor, seen as a woman.” Holly Marie Combs recalled his “unyielding zest for life and crazy making sense of humour.” Rose McGowan hailed him as a “force of brilliance, wild talent and humour” in an Instagram tribute. Brian Krause described him as “one of the funniest, devilishly handsome and kind souls.”
Fond Memories from Set
Those who worked with him in film also shared their condolences and fond memories. Nicolas Cage, who starred alongside McMahon in the recent film The Surfer, called the news “such deeply saddening news.” Cage praised McMahon as “the most talented of actors” and “one of my favourite people,” describing him as a “kind and intelligent man.” He added that their scenes together on The Surfer were among his favourites he had ever participated in.
Ioan Gruffudd, who played Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic) opposite McMahon’s Doctor Doom in the Fantastic Four films, recalled the experience fondly on Instagram. Despite their characters’ rivalry, Gruffudd noted the “lightness and laughter” they shared while working together. He described every encounter with McMahon as a “joy” and called it an honor to play Dr Richards to his Dr Doom. Michael Chiklis, who played The Thing in the same films, echoed these sentiments, expressing his honor at having worked alongside him. Dick Wolf, the prolific producer of FBI: Most Wanted, also commented on the news, calling McMahon’s death “shocking news.” Nip/Tuck co-star Kelly Carlson also shared her shock at the news.
Beyond the Screen: Personal Life and Legacy
Julian McMahon’s life extended beyond his acclaimed acting career. He came from a highly prominent Australian family. His father, Sir William McMahon, served as the country’s Prime Minister from 1971 to 1972. His mother was the notable philanthropist Lady Sonia McMahon. His personal life, particularly early on, attracted considerable media attention. His 1994 marriage to Australian singer-actress Dannii Minogue, sister of Kylie Minogue, was described by entertainment journalist Andrew Hornery as a “huge big celebrity wedding” that garnered significant media interest. McMahon and Minogue later divorced less than two years later.
He was also married to actor and television personality Brooke Burns. They had a daughter together, Madison. McMahon later married his third wife, Kelly Paniagua, in 2014. He and Kelly had been together for 11 years before getting engaged in 2013. He is survived by Kelly and his daughter Madison. Though he maintained a high public profile, particularly early in his career in Australia, moving to Hollywood offered a degree of anonymity he couldn’t maintain at home. Colleagues, friends, and family remember him not just for his talent on screen. They also remember his humor, kindness, charm, and zest for life. Director Stephan Elliott, a childhood friend who cast him in his film Swinging Safari, recalled him as a “wild child” who kept his father “on his toes.” He noted McMahon’s unique looks and fearlessness. These qualities unexpectedly led him into acting, where he ultimately built a lasting career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the cause of Julian McMahon’s death?
Australian actor Julian McMahon passed away at the age of 56. His death occurred on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida. According to a statement from his wife, Kelly Paniagua, he died following a private battle with cancer. She stated that he made a “valiant effort to overcome” the illness. His wife confirmed that he passed away peacefully in his sleep after facing the diagnosis privately.
What were Julian McMahon’s most famous roles?
Julian McMahon was best known for several prominent and memorable roles in television and film. On TV, he gained significant recognition as the complex half-demon Cole Turner in the supernatural series Charmed. He achieved wider critical and popular fame as the charming yet morally ambiguous plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Troy in the acclaimed medical drama Nip/Tuck. His performance as Christian Troy earned him a Golden Globe nomination in 2005. He also starred as Special Agent Jess LaCroix leading the team in the first three seasons of the CBS procedural FBI: Most Wanted. In film, he was notably recognized for portraying the iconic Marvel villain Doctor Doom in the 2005 film Fantastic Four and its 2007 sequel, Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer. One of his final credited TV roles was portraying an Australian Prime Minister in the Netflix series The Residence, a nod to his own family history.
Was Julian McMahon related to anyone famous?
Yes, Julian McMahon came from a highly prominent Australian family. He was the son of Sir William “Billy” McMahon. His father served as the Prime Minister of Australia from 1971 to 1972. His mother was Lady Sonia McMahon, a notable figure in Australian society. Julian McMahon was also briefly married to Australian singer and actress Dannii Minogue, the sister of international pop superstar Kylie Minogue, in the mid-1990s.
Conclusion
Julian McMahon’s death at 56 marks the significant loss of a talented and versatile actor in the entertainment world. He consistently captivated audiences with his memorable portrayals. From the demonic Cole Turner in Charmed to the morally complex Dr. Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck and the formidable villain Doctor Doom on the big screen, he left an enduring legacy in both television and film. The numerous heartfelt tributes from his colleagues across decades underscore the positive impact he had on those he worked with, highlighting his professionalism, humor, and kindness. As his wife noted, his deepest wish was to bring joy to others through his work and his life. His distinctive performances will continue to entertain and be remembered by fans around the world for years to come.
