Fantastic Four and Nip/Tuck actor Julian McMahon dies aged 56 as tributes pour in
Julian McMahon, the Australian-born actor known for his memorable roles in Nip/Tuck, Charmed, FBI: Most Wanted, and the Fantastic Four films, has died at the age of 56 following a private battle with cancer.
He passed away peacefully on July 2 in Clearwater, Florida.
His wife, Kelly McMahon said in a statement: “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.
“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.”
She added: “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.”
Born in Sydney on July 27, 1968, Julian was the son of former Australian Prime Minister Billy McMahon.
He began his career as a model before moving into acting with a leading role in the Australian soap The Power, the Passion in 1989.
From there, he appeared on Home and Away before making his feature debut opposite Elliott Gould in the 1992 film Wet and Wild Summer!
After relocating to the US, McMahon broke into American television on NBC’s daytime drama Another World and quickly transitioned to primetime with a regular role on the crime series Profiler.
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His profile rose significantly with his portrayal of Cole Turner in the supernatural hit Charmed, where he played the conflicted demon-turned-love-interest over three seasons.
His most iconic role came as the charming yet morally complex Dr. Christian Troy in Ryan Murphy’s Nip/Tuck.
The FX drama, which ran for six seasons, earned him a Golden Globe nomination and cemented his status as a television leading man.
“I’m stunned,” said co-star Dylan Walsh. “We rode this wave together and I loved him… my god, we laughed. My heart is with you. Rest in peace.”
McMahon continued to lead on-screen, starring in CBS’s FBI: Most Wanted as team leader Jess LaCroix. He departed the show in 2022 after three seasons.
“What shocking news,” executive producer Dick Wolf told Deadline. “All of us at Wolf Entertainment are deeply saddened by Julian’s passing.”
In film, McMahon is best remembered for playing the villainous Dr. Doom in Fantastic Four (2005) and its sequel Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007).
His movie credits also include Premonition, RED, Paranoia, Swinging Safari, and 2024’s The Surfer alongside Nicolas Cage.
“Julian is one of my favorite people,” Cage shared. “Our scenes together on The Surfer were among my favorites I have ever participated in. He was a kind and intelligent man.”
McMahon’s final role was in Netflix’s upcoming mystery series The Residence, in which he played the Australian Prime Minister.
He is survived by his wife Kelly and daughter Madison “Maddy” McMahon.