Actor Julian McMahon's life and legacy mourned after his passing

Julian McMahon, the charismatic actor celebrated for his roles in "Nip/Tuck" and the "Fantastic Four" films, has died at the age of 56.

According to the New York Post, McMahon succumbed to cancer on July 2, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida, with his wife, Kelly, confirming the news two days later.

Born in Sydney, Australia, on July 27, 1968, McMahon was the son of a political icon, Billy McMahon, who served as Australia’s prime minister from 1971 to 1972. Following his father's legacy might have seemed likely, but Julian chose a different path—one of entertainment and artistry. He began his career in front of the camera as a model before transitioning to the small screen in 1989 with the Australian soap "The Power, the Passion."

From Sydney to Hollywood Stardom

In 1992, McMahon made his film debut in "Wet and Wild Summer!" and soon after, in 1993, joined the cast of the NBC soap opera “Another World.” This marked the beginning of his journey onto American television. His big break came with roles in the primetime series "Profiler" and "Charmed," broadening his reach and showcasing his versatility as an actor.

However, it was his portrayal of the suave and troubled Christian Troy on the acclaimed series “Nip/Tuck” from 2003 to 2010 that solidified McMahon’s reputation in Hollywood. This role earned him a Golden Globe nomination in 2005, recognizing his ability to blend charm and complexity in character portrayals.

During this period, McMahon also took on the role of Victor von Doom/Doctor Doom in the blockbuster "Fantastic Four" movies released in 2005 and 2007. These films catapulted him into the realm of superhero cinema and introduced him to an even larger global audience.

Courageous Private Battle with Illness

Quietly and privately, McMahon battled cancer, a fight only a few knew about until his passing. While Kelly McMahon didn’t disclose the specifics about his illness, her statement reflected Julian's positive outlook on life.

In a heartfelt statement, Kelly shared, "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."

She depicted a man who cherished life passionately, saying, “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.”

Tributes from Colleagues and Friends

McMahon's talent and warm personality have left a lasting impression on those who knew him, as evidenced by an outpour of tributes following his death.

Dorian Gregory, his co-star in “Charmed,” paid homage to McMahon by describing him as “Kind, Warm, Witty, and Beautifully Talented,” sentiments that resonate with many who had the pleasure of working alongside him.

“I send my most heartfelt loving regards to his family and all those who loved and cherished him,” Gregory said, reflecting the widespread affection for McMahon. His presence on and off-screen will undoubtedly be missed.

Final Projects and Discussion of Legacy

In recent years, McMahon continued to leave his mark on television and film. He was a lead in the CBS series “FBI: Most Wanted” from 2020 to 2022 and appeared in the 2024 film “The Surfer” alongside Nicolas Cage.

His final acting role was particularly poignant, as he portrayed the Prime Minister of Australia in the Netflix series "The Residence" in 2025, coming full circle back to his roots.

As Julian McMahon’s family and fans mourn his passing, Kelly McMahon has asked for privacy during this difficult time and encourages everyone to remember the joy he brought into their lives. “We are grateful for the memories,” she stated, inviting all to cherish the legacy he left behind.