Australian-American actor Julian McMahon passed away on July 2, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida, after a private battle with cancer. He was 56 years old.
McMahon’s wife, Kelly McMahon, confirmed the news to the media, noting his love for life, family, friends, work, and fans. In her statement, she said, “Julian McMahon died peacefully this week after a valiant effort to overcome cancer.” Kelly highlighted his wish to bring joy to many lives.
McMahon was well-known for his lead roles in notable television series and films. He starred as Dr. Christian Troy in the FX medical drama “Nip/Tuck,” which aired for six seasons from 2003 to 2010. This performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination. He also portrayed Cole Turner in the supernatural series “Charmed” from 2000 to 2005.
In cinema, McMahon gained fame for playing Dr. Victor Von Doom in the “Fantastic Four” movies, appearing in the 2005 original and the 2007 sequel “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.” More recently, he appeared as FBI team leader Jess LaCroix in CBS’s “FBI: Most Wanted” for three seasons, departing in March 2022.
Born on July 27, 1968, in Sydney, Australia, McMahon was part of a politically prominent family. His father, Sir William McMahon, was Australia’s 20th Prime Minister from 1971 to 1972, while his mother, Sonia Hopkins, was a socialite and fashion icon. McMahon chose to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
Starting his career as a model, McMahon transitioned to acting with roles in Australian television, including “The Power, the Passion” in 1989 and “Home and Away” from 1990 to 1991. He moved to Hollywood, initially appearing in the daytime soap “Another World” in 1993 before moving to primetime TV with “Profiler.”
During his career, McMahon’s health challenges impacted his work commitments. He took a break from “FBI: Most Wanted” to focus on his health, highlighting the difficulty of balancing his career with his cancer treatment. Despite these challenges, he completed the Netflix thriller “The Surfer” in 2025, one of his last projects.
Following his death, tributes from co-stars and colleagues in the entertainment industry were widespread. Alyssa Milano, his “Charmed” co-star, remembered McMahon as magical, emphasizing his talent and kindness. She referred to him as a dear friend beyond their television roles.
Dylan Walsh, who worked with McMahon on “Nip/Tuck,” expressed shock at the news and told Deadline about their shared journey and friendship. He reflected on the inside jokes and support they shared over the years.
Producer Dick Wolf of the FBI franchise described McMahon’s passing as shocking and conveyed condolences from Wolf Entertainment. Nicolas Cage, who collaborated with McMahon on “The Surfer,” praised him as a talented actor and cherished their scenes together, noting McMahon’s kindness and intelligence.
Holly Marie Combs, another “Charmed” co-star, recalled McMahon’s zest for life and humor. Rose McGowan described him as a force of brilliance and talent. Ioan Gruffudd, who acted alongside him in “Fantastic Four,” spoke of their enjoyable interactions and the lightness McMahon brought to their work.
McMahon’s final role was in Netflix’s series “The Residence,” where he portrayed the Australian Prime Minister. He is survived by his wife Kelly, whom he married in 2014, and his daughter Madison from a previous marriage to model Brooke Burns. He had been married three times, including to Australian singer-actress Dannii Minogue in the 1990s.
Warner Bros. Television issued a statement mourning McMahon’s passing and extended condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and fans. He is remembered for his contributions to the entertainment industry and the personal connections he made throughout his career.
