The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Julian mcmahon, the charismatic Australian actor best known for his captivating roles in hit television series like Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and FBI: Most Wanted, as well as playing the iconic villain Doctor Doom in the Fantastic Four films. McMahon passed away this week at the age of 56, his family confirmed, following a private battle with cancer. His wife, Kelly McMahon, shared that he “died peacefully” after a “valiant effort” to overcome the illness.
Born into a prominent Australian political family, McMahon built a successful career spanning decades in both television and film, captivating audiences with his versatile performances, often portraying complex or alluring characters. His passing marks the end of an era for many fans who grew up watching his memorable turns on screen.
A Life Defined by Iconic Roles
Julian McMahon’s journey to Hollywood stardom was unique, beginning far from the soundstages of Los Angeles. Born on July 27, 1968, in Sydney, Australia, he was the son of Sir Billy McMahon, who served as Prime Minister of Australia from 1971 to 1972, and Lady Sonia McMahon, a well-known socialite. Despite his privileged background, Julian initially pursued a career in modeling before turning his attention to acting.
From Australian Soaps to Hollywood Primetime
McMahon’s acting career began in Australian television, starting with roles in daytime soap operas. He appeared in The Power, the Passion in 1989 and later gained recognition for his role in the popular series Home and Away from 1990 to 1991. His first lead film role came in the 1992 Australian-American production Wet and Wild Summer!. This early success paved the way for a move to the United States, where he quickly landed a role on the American daytime soap Another World in 1993.
His transition to primetime television came when he joined the cast of the crime drama Profiler. McMahon was a series regular on the show for its entire four-season run, establishing his presence in the competitive U.S. television landscape. This role served as a springboard for the projects that would truly make him a household name.
Television Stardom: Charmed, Nip/Tuck, and FBI
One of McMahon’s early defining roles was as Cole Turner in the supernatural drama Charmed. From 2000 to 2005, he portrayed the complex character, a demonic entity who becomes a love interest for Alyssa Milano’s character, Phoebe Halliwell. His captivating performance in Charmed garnered him a significant fanbase and showcased his ability to play morally ambiguous, yet charming, characters.
McMahon achieved widespread critical acclaim for his starring role as plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Troy in Ryan Murphy’s groundbreaking series Nip/Tuck. From 2003 to 2010, he anchored the hit FX drama alongside Dylan Walsh, earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Television Drama Series for his portrayal of the charismatic, often morally questionable, doctor. The role cemented his status as a television leading man.
More recently, McMahon led the cast of the CBS crime series FBI: Most Wanted. He starred as Jess LaCroix, the head of an elite Fugitive Task Force, for three seasons before announcing his departure from the show in March 2022. His consistent presence in successful network dramas highlighted his enduring appeal and talent. He also had a series regular role in Hulu’s Marvel’s Runaways.
Film Career: Stepping into Dr. Doom’s Boots
While primarily known for his television work, Julian McMahon also made notable appearances on the big screen. His most recognizable film role was portraying the iconic Marvel villain Victor Von Doom, also known as Dr. Doom, in the 2005 film Fantastic Four and its 2007 sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Taking on a role previously inhabited by other actors, McMahon brought his own distinct intensity to the character.
His other film credits include roles in thrillers like Premonition (2007) and Paranoia (2013), as well as RED (2010), You’re Not You (2014), and the Australian comedy-drama Swinging Safari (2018), where he starred alongside Kylie Minogue, his former sister-in-law. His final completed film role was in the 2024 movie The Surfer, co-starring Nicolas Cage, which premiered at SXSW in March 2025, marking one of his final public appearances.
Beyond the Screen: Family Life and Legacy
Julian McMahon’s personal life included several notable relationships. He was married to Australian singer Dannii Minogue, sister of pop star Kylie Minogue, from 1994 to 1995. He later married actress Brooke Burns in 1999, with whom he shares a daughter, Madison Elizabeth McMahon, born in 2000. The couple divorced in 2001. Madison, now 25, followed in her parents’ footsteps, pursuing a modeling career. McMahon married his current wife, Kelly Paniagua, in 2014. He is survived by Kelly and his daughter, Madison.
One poignant note in McMahon’s career came in his final television role in the Netflix murder mystery series The Residence, which premiered in 2025. In a full-circle moment, he portrayed the Australian Prime Minister, a role mirroring his father’s historical position, blending his real-life background with his on-screen work. The series was unfortunately canceled after one season.
A Peaceful Passing After a Health Battle
Julian McMahon died on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida. News of his passing was shared by his wife, Kelly McMahon, in a heartfelt statement that confirmed his death followed a “valiant effort to overcome cancer.” The statement, shared with various news outlets including Fox News Digital and Deadline, conveyed the depth of his love for those in his life.
“With an open heart, I wish to share with the world that my beloved husband, Julian McMahon, died peacefully this week after a valiant effort to overcome cancer,” Kelly McMahon’s statement read. She added, “Julian loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans. His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible.” The statement requested privacy for the grieving family and expressed hope that those who found joy through Julian would “continue to find joy in life.”
Tributes Pour In From Co-Stars and Colleagues
Following the announcement of Julian McMahon’s death, tributes from his colleagues and friends in the entertainment industry quickly began to surface, highlighting his impact and the affection he inspired.
Alyssa Milano, his co-star from Charmed, shared her heartbreak, describing him as a “dear friend.” She wrote that he was “magic” and made her feel safe and seen on set. Milano stated that despite their differences, they challenged, teased, and supported each other, always understanding one another. She will carry his laugh with her, writing, “Forever Cole. Forever Julian.”
Dylan Walsh, who starred alongside McMahon as Dr. Sean McNamara in Nip/Tuck, expressed his shock and sadness at the news. He shared personal anecdotes about their time together, noting they “rode this wave together” and that he “loved him.” Walsh recalled inside jokes and laughter, emphasizing that McMahon “always had my back.”
Dick Wolf, the creator and producer of the FBI franchise, where McMahon led FBI: Most Wanted for three seasons, called the news “shocking” and conveyed that everyone at Wolf Entertainment was “deeply saddened” by his passing. Nicolas Cage, who recently worked with McMahon on The Surfer, described him as “the most talented of actors” and “one of my favorite people,” remembering him as a “kind and intelligent man.” Brooke Burns, his ex-wife and mother of his daughter, shared a photo of McMahon and their daughter on Instagram with a simple “Rest in Peace” and a broken heart emoji, demonstrating the lasting bond within their family.
Julian McMahon leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances that spanned genres and touched audiences worldwide. His ability to inhabit characters from charming heroes to captivating villains showcased a talent that will be missed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Julian McMahon’s most famous roles?
Julian McMahon was widely recognized for several prominent roles across television and film. On television, his most famous characters include the demonic Cole Turner in the hit supernatural series Charmed, the charming and complex plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Troy in the acclaimed drama Nip/Tuck (for which he received a Golden Globe nomination), and the lead FBI agent Jess LaCroix in FBI: Most Wanted. In film, he was well-known for portraying the Marvel supervillain Victor Von Doom (Dr. Doom) in the 2005 movie Fantastic Four and its 2007 sequel.
How did Julian McMahon die?
Julian McMahon died peacefully at the age of 56 on July 2, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida. According to a statement released by his wife, Kelly McMahon, his death followed a private battle with cancer. His wife described his passing as peaceful after he made a “valiant effort to overcome cancer.”
What is known about Julian McMahon’s family and background?
Julian McMahon was born into a notable Australian family in Sydney on July 27, 1968. His father was Sir Billy McMahon, who served as the Prime Minister of Australia from 1971 to 1972, and his mother was Lady Sonia McMahon. He was married three times: first to singer Dannii Minogue, then to actress Brooke Burns, with whom he had a daughter, Madison Elizabeth McMahon, born in 2000. He married his current wife, Kelly Paniagua, in 2014, and is survived by Kelly and his daughter Madison.
Conclusion
Julian McMahon’s unexpected passing at 56 is a significant loss to the entertainment industry and the countless fans who admired his work. From his early days in Australian soaps to his defining roles on Charmed, Nip/Tuck, and FBI: Most Wanted, and his turn as Doctor Doom on the big screen, McMahon consistently delivered performances that were both captivating and complex. As colleagues and loved ones share their grief and memories, the legacy of his versatile talent and the joy he aimed to bring to others through his work will undoubtedly endure.
