Julian McMahon, Star of ‘Nip/Tuck’ and ‘Fantastic Four,’ Dies at 56 After Battle with Cancer
Julian Dana William McMahon, an Australian-American actor beloved for roles in Nip/Tuck, Charmed, Fantastic Four, and more, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, at his home in Clearwater, Florida, after a private battle with cancer. He was 56
His wife, Kelly McMahon, shared:
“With an open heart… he died peacefully this week after a valiant effort to overcome cancer. Julian loved life… family… friends… work… and his fans. His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible.”
🌟 Career Highlights
Television
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Dr. Christian Troy on FX’s Nip/Tuck (2003–2010), where he earned a Golden Globe nomination and captured global attention
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Cole Turner, the charismatic demon on Charmed (2000–2005), earning him a devoted fanbase .
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Jess LaCroix on FBI: Most Wanted (2020–2022), plus strong performances in Profiler, Another World, and Runaways
Film
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Iconic portrayal of Victor Von Doom in Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)
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Roles in Premonition (2007), Red (2010), Paranoia (2013), Faces in the Crowd (2011), and Australian titles like Swinging Safari (2018) and Bait 3D (2012)
Final Years
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In 2024, he co-starred with Nicolas Cage in The Surfer, and in 2025, starred in Netflix’s The Residence as Australia’s prime minister — echoing his real-life political heritage
👨👩👧 Personal Life & Legacy
Born in Sydney on July 27, 1968, he was the son of former Australian Prime Minister Sir William McMahon and Lady Sonia McMahon
Julian started as a model before transitioning to acting on Australian soaps like Home and Away and Another World
He is survived by his wife Kelly Paniagua and daughter Madison Elizabeth McMahon, born during his marriage to Brooke Burns .
His family shared heartfelt memories of his support for his daughter—words captured in touching Instagram exchanges—as well as his warmth, humor, and unwavering devotion
💔 Tributes & Community Response
Celebrities and colleagues from Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and beyond described Julian as magnetic, warm, deeply kind, and an enormous creative presence
Co-star Kelly Carlson, along with Rose McGowan, Ioan Gruffudd, and Holly Marie Combs, shared emotional tributes, expressing sorrow over a colleague they admired as much as a friend
🕊️ Closing Reflections
Julian McMahon’s passing marks the end of a luminous chapter in entertainment. From Hollywood stardom to nuanced roles on Australian screens, he embodied charisma, depth, and humanity. Whether villain or hero, his characters reflected his complexity and passion.
He leaves behind a legacy speaking to resilience, transformation, and the transformative power of storytelling. As his loved ones grieve, fans worldwide remember his kindness, talent, and the joy he brought into so many lives.