Julian McMahon, the celebrated Australian actor known for roles in Nip/Tuck and Charmed, has died at 56. His wife, Kelly, confirmed his passing occurred peacefully on Wednesday, July 2, in Clearwater, Florida, after a private and courageous battle with cancer. The news was officially shared on Friday, July 4, through a statement to Deadline.
A Life Lived with Passion and Purpose
In her heartfelt message, Kelly McMahon honored her late husband’s memory by sharing the essence of his spirit. “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,” she wrote. Her words reflect the emotional weight of this profound personal loss.
Devotion to Family, Friends, and Fans
“Julian loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans,” Kelly continued. Her statement painted a vivid picture of a man who found happiness in connection and meaning in relationships. “His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible,” she shared, a sentiment that defined his personal and professional journey.
A Quiet Goodbye, A Lasting Legacy
Kelly also requested space for mourning. “We ask for support during this time to allow our family to grieve in privacy. And we wish for all of those to whom Julian brought joy, to continue to find joy in life. We are grateful for the memories.” Her words gently invited fans to honor his legacy by embracing the joy he always tried to give.
Rising Star with Deep Political Roots
McMahon was born into prominence as the son of former Australian Prime Minister William McMahon. Yet he carved his own legacy far from politics, rising to fame through television and film. His career journey reflected his determination to create his own identity and impact, one project at a time.
Memorable Roles in Television History
One of his most iconic roles was as Dr. Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck, the Ryan Murphy drama that aired from 2003 to 2010. His portrayal of the charming, flawed plastic surgeon captivated audiences for seven gripping seasons. From 2000 to 2005, McMahon also starred in Charmed as Cole Turner, a complex love interest for Phoebe Halliwell, played by Alyssa Milano.
Onscreen Villain in Blockbuster Films
His talents extended into the superhero genre as well. In Fantastic Four (2005) and its sequel Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), McMahon embodied the villain Victor Von Doom. His performance added depth to the comic book antagonist, showcasing his ability to command the screen in big-budget productions.
Recent Work and Graceful Exit from Television
More recently, McMahon led CBS’s FBI: Most Wanted, where he portrayed Jess LaCroix. He exited the series in January 2022, telling Deadline, “I’m extremely proud of the work we have done together and put the development of this show, and my character Jess, at the top of my professional experience list.” He expressed sincere gratitude for the role and his colleagues.
Farewell with Appreciation and Respect
“I wish the show, and its cast and crew, the greatest success in the future. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to play Jess. He is a good man,” McMahon said. His remarks showed deep appreciation for the experience and a quiet dignity in moving on from a character he cared for deeply.
Personal Life Anchored by Love and Resilience
Julian McMahon’s personal life included previous marriages to Australian singer Dannii Minogue and Baywatch actress Brooke Burns. In 2014, he married Kelly Paniagua. With Burns, he had one daughter, Madison Elizabeth McMahon, who is now 25. His journey through relationships reflected both the joys and trials of life in the spotlight.
Final Public Appearance, Final Tribute
McMahon’s final red carpet moment came on March 10, 2025, in Austin, Texas. He appeared at the SXSW Film & TV Festival for the premiere of The Surfer, in which he starred alongside Nicolas Cage. That moment, marked by excitement and celebration, now stands as a public farewell from a man whose career spanned decades.
