News has broken that actor Julian mcmahon, widely recognized for his compelling roles in hits like the acclaimed FX series Nip/Tuck and the Fantastic Four films of the 2000s, has passed away. Reports indicate the Australian-American star was 56 years old. His death followed a private struggle with cancer.
Julian McMahon reportedly died peacefully this week, specifically on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. His wife, Kelly McMahon, confirmed the sad news in a statement shared with several media outlets, including Deadline and Fox News Digital. She conveyed the immense love Julian had for life, his family, friends, his work, and his dedicated fans. Kelly McMahon noted his sincere desire was always to bring joy into the lives of others. The official Nip/Tuck Facebook page and Warner Bros. television also shared their condolences and confirmed his passing.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Julian McMahon was born into a prominent family in Sydney, Australia, on July 27, 1968. His father, Billy McMahon, served as the Prime Minister of Australia from 1971 to 1972, making Julian the son of a former head of state. His mother was Sonia McMahon, a notable figure in Australian society. Growing up, he had limited recollections of his father’s time in office, as he mentioned in a 2007 interview with Jimmy Kimmel.
Australian Roots and Family Background
Coming from a family with a public profile, Julian initially explored a different path before acting. He began his professional life working as a model. This early career saw him gain exposure, but his true passion lay in performance.
Transition from Modeling to Acting
McMahon successfully transitioned from the world of fashion to the dramatic arts. He started gaining recognition in Australian television productions. His early acting credits included roles in daytime soap operas.
Early TV Roles
He landed a lead role in the short-lived Australian soap The Power, the Passion in 1989. Following this, he joined the cast of the long-running and popular Australian series Home and Away, appearing from 1990 to 1991. His feature film debut came in the 1992 Australian-American movie Wet and Wild Summer!. Seeking broader opportunities, McMahon eventually made the move to Hollywood.
Breakthrough Roles in Television
Upon arriving in the United States, McMahon quickly found work in American television. His career gained significant traction through several key roles that showcased his versatility. He first joined the cast of the American daytime soap opera Another World in 1993.
Profiling Success
Julian McMahon became a series regular on the NBC crime drama Profiler. He remained with the show for its entire four-season run, establishing his presence in American primetime television. This role helped solidify his dramatic acting capabilities.
Supernatural Fame on Charmed
From 2000 to 2005, McMahon starred in The WB’s popular supernatural drama Charmed. He portrayed Cole Turner, a complex demonic character who became a central love interest and later husband to the character Phoebe Halliwell, played by Alyssa Milano. This role endeared him to a wide audience and showcased his ability to embody mysterious and intense characters.
Nip/Tuck’s Golden Age
Julian McMahon landed his first lead series role in the critically acclaimed FX drama Nip/Tuck. Created by Ryan Murphy, the show followed the lives and work of two plastic surgeons in Miami. McMahon starred alongside Dylan Walsh, portraying the charismatic and morally ambiguous Dr. Christian Troy. The series ran for six seasons from 2003 to 2010. McMahon’s performance as Christian Troy was highly praised and earned him a prestigious Golden Globe nomination for best actor in a television drama series. His work on the show became a defining point in his career.
Impact in Film
While television brought him widespread recognition, Julian McMahon also made notable appearances on the big screen, most memorably within the superhero genre. His portrayal of a classic comic book villain introduced him to a global film audience.
Becoming Doctor Doom
McMahon took on the iconic role of Doctor Victor Von Doom in the 2005 film adaptation of Fantastic Four. He reprised the role in the 2007 sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. These appearances solidified his presence in major studio films and made him recognizable to a different set of fans. Dr. Doom is slated to be portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. in the upcoming film “Avengers: Doomsday,” highlighting the character’s continued importance.
Other Film Appearances
Beyond the superhero realm, McMahon appeared in various other films throughout his career. His filmography includes titles such as Premonition, RED, Paranoia (2013), You’re Not You (2014), and the Australian comedy-drama Swinging Safari (2018), where he appeared alongside Kylie Minogue, the sister of his first wife.
Later Career and Recent Work
Julian McMahon continued to work prolifically in television following his success on Nip/Tuck. He took on leading roles in other popular series, showcasing his enduring appeal and acting prowess.
Leading FBI: Most Wanted
McMahon starred as the team leader Agent Jess LaCroix in the CBS crime series FBI: Most Wanted. He led the show for its first three seasons before departing in March 2022. His role in the successful Dick Wolf franchise demonstrated his capability as a compelling procedural drama lead. Dick Wolf later commented on the “shocking news” of McMahon’s death, expressing deep sadness from everyone at Wolf Entertainment.
Final Roles and Projects
In recent years, McMahon remained active in both film and television. He appeared in Hulu’s Marvel’s Runaways in a series regular role. His later film credits included The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat and The Surfer (2024), where he starred alongside Nicolas Cage. Cage praised McMahon as “the most talented of actors” and a kind, intelligent person after working with him. McMahon’s final known role was in the Netflix series The Residence, where, in a poignant reflection of his family history, he portrayed the Australian Prime Minister. He made one of his last public appearances at the SXSW Film & TV Festival on March 10, 2025, promoting “The Surfer” in Austin, Texas.
Tributes and Legacy
News of Julian McMahon’s death prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from those who knew and worked with him. His impact on colleagues and audiences alike is clear through their heartfelt messages.
Words from Family and Colleagues
His wife, Kelly McMahon, requested privacy for the family during this difficult time. She expressed gratitude for the shared memories and hoped that those whose lives Julian touched would continue to find joy. Alyssa Milano, his co-star from Charmed, shared a touching tribute on Instagram, calling him “magic” and a “dear friend.” She reminisced about how he made her feel safe and seen, challenging and supporting her professionally and personally. Dylan Walsh, his Nip/Tuck co-lead, shared his shock and sorrow, remembering years of laughter and inside jokes, stating that McMahon “had my back.” Even his former wife, Brooke Burns, with whom he shared a daughter, posted a simple “Rest in Peace” tribute alongside a photo of Julian and their daughter, Madison Elizabeth McMahon (born in 2000).
Remembering His Impact
Julian McMahon’s career spanned decades and genres, from Australian soaps to iconic American television dramas and superhero films. He brought intensity, charm, and complexity to his roles, whether playing a morally ambiguous plastic surgeon, a powerful demon, or a dedicated FBI agent. His ability to inhabit diverse characters left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. He is survived by his wife, Kelly, and his daughter, Madison. The family has asked for privacy as they mourn his loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Julian McMahon’s cause of death?
Actor Julian McMahon reportedly died after a private battle with cancer. His wife, Kelly McMahon, confirmed that he passed away peacefully this week after a valiant effort to overcome the illness. He was 56 years old at the time of his death.
What were Julian McMahon’s most famous roles?
Julian McMahon was best known for several prominent roles in television and film. These include portraying Dr. Christian Troy in the popular FX series Nip/Tuck, the demon Cole Turner in the supernatural drama Charmed, and Agent Jess LaCroix in the CBS procedural FBI: Most Wanted. In film, he was widely recognized for his role as the villain Doctor Doom in the 2005 and 2007 Fantastic Four movies.
When and where did Julian McMahon die?
Julian McMahon died on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. According to reports, he passed away in Clearwater, Florida. His death was confirmed by his wife, Kelly McMahon, through a public statement, following a battle with cancer.
Conclusion
Julian McMahon’s passing at age 56 marks the end of a dynamic acting career that captivated audiences across multiple continents and genres. From his early days in Australian television to his iconic roles as Dr. Christian Troy and Doctor Doom, McMahon consistently delivered memorable performances. Tributes from family, friends, and colleagues underscore the positive impact he had both on and off screen. His legacy lives on through his extensive body of work, which will continue to entertain and resonate with fans for years to come. As his family navigates this difficult time, the world remembers a talented actor who truly loved his craft and aimed to bring joy to others.
