Julian McMahon, the actor originally from Australia, renowned for his performances in Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and Marvel’s Fantastic Four, has passed away at the age of 56 after a private and brave struggle with cancer. He died peacefully on July 2 at his residence in Clearwater, Florida, surrounded by his loved ones.
His wife, Kelly McMahon, issued a touching statement to confirm the news. “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 stated in a message to Deadline.
“Julian cherished life. He adored his family. He valued his friends. He was passionate about his work, and he appreciated his fans. His greatest desire was to bring happiness to as many lives as possible. We request support during this period to allow our family to mourn in privacy. We hope that all those whom Julian brought joy to will continue to find happiness in life. We are thankful for the memories.”
In recent years, McMahon had quietly withdrawn from the public eye, stepping down from his role as Agent Jess LaCroix on CBS’s FBI: Most Wanted in 2022—a decision that now carries a deeper significance in light of his health.
Born into a political family—his father, Sir William McMahon, was Australia’s prime minister in the early 1970s—Julian chose a distinctly different path, winning the hearts of American audiences with his unique intensity and commanding screen presence.
He gained recognition for his portrayal of the half-demon Cole Turner on Charmed, a beloved character whose tumultuous relationship with Alyssa Milano’s Phoebe Halliwell became a cultural phenomenon. Following the announcement of his death, Milano—who portrayed his on-screen wife—honored McMahon with a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
“Julian McMahon was magic. That smile. That laugh. That talent. That presence,” Milano expressed. “Julian was more than my TV husband. He was a cherished friend. Losing him feels surreal. Too soon. Too unfair. Rest, my friend. I will carry your laughter with me. Forever Cole. Forever Julian.
However, it was Nip/Tuck, the early FX drama created by Ryan Murphy, that established McMahon as a household name. In the role of Dr. Christian Troy, McMahon depicted a deeply flawed yet captivating plastic surgeon whose edge contributed to the definition of prestige television in the early 2000s.
Subsequently, he transitioned to the big screen, portraying Victor Von Doom in the Fantastic Four films—one of Marvel’s most iconic villains long before the Marvel Cinematic Universe gained prominence. Tributes began to flood in from various corners of the entertainment industry.
His final film, The Surfer, was quietly released earlier this year, serving as a poignant farewell to a man whose on-screen presence was rivaled only by his character.
“Such deeply saddening news. I spent six weeks working with Julian, and he was the most talented of actors,” Nicholas Cage expressed to Deadline. “Our scenes together in The Surfer were among my favorite experiences, and Julian was one of my favorite individuals. He was a kind and intelligent man. My love goes out to his family.”
McMahon is survived by his wife, Kelly; his daughter, Madison; and his stepdaughter, Iliana.
