Hollywood and fans around the globe are mourning the loss of Julian McMahon, the Australian-born actor best known for his roles in Nip/Tuck, Charmed, Fantastic Four, and FBI: Most Wanted. The versatile performer passed away on July 2, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida, following a private battle with cancer. He was 56 years old.
A Personal Farewell from His Family
In an emotional statement shared with Deadline, McMahon’s wife, Kelly McMahon, paid tribute to her beloved husband:
“Julian died peacefully this week after a valiant effort to overcome cancer. He loved life, his family, his friends, his work, and his fans. His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible.”
She added that the family is seeking privacy as they grieve, and she encouraged those touched by Julian’s work to continue finding joy in life, just as he did.
Julian is also survived by his daughter, Madison “Maddy” McMahon.
From Australian Roots to Global Stardom
Born on July 27, 1968, in Sydney, Australia, Julian McMahon was the son of Billy McMahon, who briefly served as Australia’s Prime Minister from 1971 to 1972. Initially entering the public eye as a fashion model, Julian soon found his calling in acting.
He began his television career in 1989 with the short-lived Australian soap opera The Power, The Passion, followed by a stint on the popular series Home and Away from 1990 to 1991. His film debut came in 1992 with Wet and Wild Summer!, opposite Elliott Gould.
The Hollywood Breakthrough
McMahon moved to the United States and joined the American soap opera Another World in 1993. But his real breakthrough came when he starred in NBC’s Profiler, a crime drama that ran for four seasons. His portrayal of John Grant gave him steady exposure on U.S. television.
From there, he took on one of his most iconic roles — Cole Turner — in the hit supernatural drama Charmed, where he played a complex and charismatic demon-turned-love-interest over three seasons.
The Role That Defined a Generation: Dr. Christian Troy
In 2003, Julian achieved global fame with FX’s Nip/Tuck, created by Ryan Murphy. Starring alongside Dylan Walsh, McMahon played the slick and complicated plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Troy, a role that earned him a Golden Globe nomination and widespread acclaim.
His co-star Dylan Walsh shared his grief with Deadline:
“I’m stunned. We rode this wave together and I loved him. All those years you had my back — my god, we laughed. Rest in peace, Jules.”
Big Screen Success: Dr. Doom in Fantastic Four
McMahon’s charisma translated well to film. He is best remembered by superhero fans for portraying Victor Von Doom (Dr. Doom) in Fantastic Four (2005) and its sequel Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007). His chilling portrayal remains one of the most iconic Marvel villains of the 2000s.
He also appeared in films like Premonition, RED, Paranoia, You’re Not You, Swinging Safari, and more recently, The Surfer alongside Nicolas Cage, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024.
Tributes from the Industry
Paying tribute to his co-star, Nicolas Cage said:
“He was one of the most talented actors I’ve worked with. Our scenes together in The Surfer were among my favorites. Julian was a kind and intelligent man. My love to his family.”
Final Roles and Full-Circle Moments
Julian’s final performance was in the upcoming Netflix murder mystery series The Residence, where he played — fittingly — the Australian Prime Minister, echoing his own family history. This marked a poetic close to a career that came full circle.
A Lasting Legacy
Julian McMahon leaves behind a remarkable legacy of characters that were as charming as they were complex. With a career spanning over three decades across television and film, he entertained millions and inspired countless aspiring actors.
From Australian soaps to American crime dramas and superhero franchises, Julian McMahon’s journey was one of versatility, talent, and unwavering passion. He may be gone, but his presence in Hollywood will be felt for generations to come
