Julian McMahon the acclaimed Australian actor best known for his roles in Nip/Tuck, Fantastic Four, and FBI: Most Wanted, has died at the age of 56. His wife, Kelly McMahon, confirmed that he passed away peacefully in Clearwater, Florida, on July 2, 2025, following a private fight with cancer.
“Julian loved life… his work, his friends, his fans,” Kelly shared in a heartfelt statement. “We ask for support and privacy as we grieve this tremendous loss.”
From Modeling in Australian to Stardom in Hollywood
Born in Sydney on July 27, 1968, Julian McMahon was the son of former Australian Prime Minister Billy McMahon. He began his career as a model before transitioning to acting with a role in the 1989 soap The Power, the Passion. His breakout in Home and Away quickly propelled him into the public eye in Australia.
After moving to the U.S., McMahon joined the NBC soap Another World in 1993, and then took on a major role in Profiler. But his breakout American TV success came as the demonic Cole Turner on Charmed, whether he gained a cult following.
Nip/Tuck Cemented Julian McMahon as a Leading Man
McMahon’s most iconic role came in FX’s Nip/Tuck, where he starred as the charismatic yet deeply flawed plastic surgeon Dr.Christian Troy. His performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination in six seasons of acclaim alongside co-star Dylan Walsh.
I’m stunned,” Walsh said. “We rode this wave together… my heart is with you. Rest in peace, Jules.”
From Marvel Villain to FBI Hero
McMahon also made his mark in Hollywood blockbusters, portraying Dr.Doom in the 2005 and 2007 Fantastic Four films. In later years, he led CBS’ FBI: Most Wanted as Hess LaCroix, a role he held for three seasons before exiting in 2022.
Dick Wolf, creator of the FBI-franchise, paid tribute:
All of us at Wolf Entertainment are deeply saddened by Julian’s passing.”
Final Roles and Tributes from Hollywood
Most recently, Julian McMahon starred alongside Nicolas Cage in The Surfer and appeared in Netflix’s The Residence, where he came full circle by portraying the Prime Minister of Australia. Cage shared,
“Julian was among the most talented actors I’ve worked with … he was kind and brilliand.”
His filmography also includes Premonition, RED, Paranoia, Swinging Safari, and The Supremes at Earl’s All You-Can-Eat.
Remembering Julian McMahon’s Legacy
Survived by his wife Kelly and daughter Maddy McMahon, Julian McMahon is remembered not only for his striking performances but also for the warmth and joy he brought to those around him.
“His deepest wish,” said Kelly, “was to bring joy into as many lives as possible.”
