Australian actor Julian McMahon, loved for Nip/Tuck, Charmed and Fantastic Four, dies at 56 after a private cancer battle. Read his story and the tributes.
Quick Facts
Age: 56
Date of death: Week of 30 June – 4 July 2025 (peacefully at home in Florida)
Cause: Private fight against cancer, confirmed by his wife Kelly
Best‑known roles:
Dr Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck (Golden Globe‑nominated)
Cole Turner in Charmed
Dr Victor Von Doom in Fantastic Four films
Family: Son of former Australian PM Sir William McMahon and style icon Sonia McMahon
Survived by: Wife Kelly (m. 2014) and daughter Madison
1. A Sad Farewell
Julian McMahon’s passing was announced by his wife, Kelly, who said he “died peacefully … after a valiant effort to overcome cancer” and “always wished to bring joy into as many lives as possible.”
Warner Bros. Television and the Nip/Tuck team led tributes, calling him a cherished friend and colleague
2. Early Life in an Influential Household
Born in Sydney on 27 July 1968, McMahon grew up with both privilege and privacy. His father briefly led Australia (1971–1972), yet paparazzi culture was mild in 1970s Australia, letting young Julian avoid the limelight.
3. TV Breakthroughs and Global Recognition
Australian roots: Soap‑opera stints (Home and Away, Another World) prepared him for bigger stages.
Supernatural success: Playing half‑demon Cole Turner in Charmed (2000‑2005) earned cult status.
Career‑defining turn: As smooth plastic surgeon Dr Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck (2003‑2010), he won a Golden Globe nod and global fame.
Big‑screen villainy: Marvel’s Dr Doom in Fantastic Four (2005) and its 2007 sequel made him a household name with comic‑book fans.
4. Recent Projects and Home‑Country Return
McMahon never slowed down:
Crime drama FBI: Most Wanted (2020‑2022)
Surf thriller The Surfer (premiered March 2025 at SXSW)
Netflix mystery The Residence (2025), where he portrayed—fittingly—an Australian prime minister.
He also headlined Aussie ensemble comedy Swinging Safari in 2018, sharing the screen with Kylie Minogue.
5. Tributes from Co‑Stars and Friends
Alyssa Milano called him a “dear friend” who made her feel “safe as an actor … and seen as a woman.”
Fans flooded social media with memories of his generosity at conventions and charity events.
6. Personal Life and Family
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1994 – 1995 | Married singer Dannii Minogue |
| 1999 – 2001 | Married actress / model Brooke Burns (daughter Madison born 2000) |
| 2014 | Married Australian‑American screenwriter Kelly Paniagua |
Despite a busy schedule, McMahon often spoke of surfing, photography and “quiet time with family” as his greatest joys.
7. Legacy: Charisma, Craft & Kindness
Julian McMahon’s blend of effortless charm and willingness to play flawed, complex men won him lasting respect in both Hollywood and his native Australia. His death leaves a gap, but his work continues to entertain new generations of TV‑and‑film fans.
References
CBS News: “Julian McMahon, Nip/Tuck and Charmed actor, dies after cancer battle at 56,” 5 July 2025. cbsnews.com
People: “Julian McMahon, Nip/Tuck and Fantastic Four actor, was 56,” 5 July 2025. people.com
Guardian: “Julian McMahon, Fantastic Four, Nip/Tuck and Charmed actor, dies,” 5 July 2025. theguardian.com
ABC News (US): “Actor Julian McMahon dies at 56: Tributes pour in,” 5 July 2025. abcnews.go.com
Decider: “R.I.P. Julian McMahon,” 5 July 2025