Australian actor Julian McMahon, known for his magnetic screen presence across film and television with credits including Fantastic Four, Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and FBI: Most Wanted, has died at the age of 56.
McMahon passed away on July 2 in Clearwater, Florida, following a private battle with cancer.
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A Beloved Husband and Performer
The news was confirmed by his wife, Kelly McMahon, in a touching statement shared with Deadline.
“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 said. “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. 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.”
From Sydney to Hollywood
Born in Sydney on July 27, 1968, McMahon came from political pedigree — his father, Sir William McMahon, served as Australia’s Prime Minister from 1971 to 1972. But rather than follow in those footsteps, McMahon chose a different stage entirely. After an early stint in modelling, he transitioned into acting with roles in Aussie soaps The Power, the Passion and Home and Away. A few years later, he took his chances in the U.S. — and it paid off.
One of his first American gigs was on NBC’s Another World, followed by a key role on Profiler. But it was as Cole Turner — the smouldering half-human, half-demon love interest in Charmed — that McMahon first became a household name. That popularity only grew when he took on the role of Dr. Christian Troy in FX’s Nip/Tuck, a slick, provocative plastic surgeon who quickly became the show’s centre of gravity. His work on the series earned him a Golden Globe nomination and cemented his status as a leading man on U.S. television.
Remembered by Co-Stars
“I’m stunned,” said Nip/Tuck co-star Dylan Walsh in a statement to Deadline. “We rode this wave together and I loved him. My heart goes out to Kelly and Maddy. Jules! I know you’d want me to say something to make you smile — all the inside jokes. All those years you had my back, and my god, we laughed. My heart is with you. Rest in peace.”
Later, McMahon joined CBS’ FBI: Most Wanted as Special Agent Jess LaCroix, where he led the cast for three seasons until his departure in 2022. “What shocking news,” said franchise creator Dick Wolf. “All of us at Wolf Entertainment are deeply saddened by Julian’s passing and our condolences go out to his entire family.”
Charmed co-star Rose McGowan called him a “force of brilliance, wild talent and humour” in an Instagram story, while Holly Marie Combs wrote: “Your unyielding zest for life and crazy making sense of humor will be sorely missed. The joy and laughter you were the direct cause of will always be remembered.”
Kelly Carlson, who played McMahon’s on-and-off wife in Nip/Tuck, shared a video reflecting on their time together: “He was the energy, the charisma, the humor, the looks and everything of Nip/Tuck… I wish him a peaceful journey.”
On the Big Screen: From Doom to Cannes
McMahon’s film career included a number of standout roles, most notably as Victor Von Doom in the 2000s Fantastic Four movies. Ioan Gruffudd, who played Reed Richards opposite him, wrote: “Even though we played each other’s nemeses, there was always so much lightness and laughter working together… My heart goes out to his wife and family. God speed Julian.”
Michael Chiklis added: “I’m devastated to hear of the passing of my friend Julian. Life is so precious and fragile. My condolences to his family. RIP Jules.”
Other screen credits included Premonition, RED, You’re Not You, Paranoia, and Swinging Safari. Earlier this year, he appeared in The Surfer opposite Nicolas Cage — which premiered in the Midnight Screenings section at Cannes — and in the ensemble drama The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat.
“Such deeply saddening news,” Nicolas Cage shared in a statement to Deadline. “I spent six weeks working with Julian, and he was the most talented of actors. Our scenes together on The Surfer were amongst my favorites I have ever participated in, and Julian is one of my favorite people. He was a kind and intelligent man. My love to his family.”
A Career-Closing Role Tied to His Roots
McMahon’s final screen appearance came in Netflix’s The Residence, where he portrayed the Australian Prime Minister — a fitting nod to his real-life lineage. The role arrived not long after his Cannes appearance and marked a graceful closing chapter in a career that spanned continents and genres.
Julian McMahon is survived by his wife Kelly and daughter Madison. He leaves behind a diverse legacy of work across television and film — and a long list of colleagues and fans who remember him with admiration, laughter, and love.
