Julian McMahon, Beloved Actor Known for 'Nip/Tuck' and 'Fantastic Four,' Passes Away at 56

Julian McMahon, the talented actor celebrated for his memorable roles as Dr. Doom in the early 2000s Fantastic Four films and Dr. Christian Troy in the critically-acclaimed series Nip/Tuck, has sadly passed away at the age of 56. McMahon's wife, Kelly McMahon, confirmed the news, revealing that he died peacefully this week after a courageous battle with cancer.
In a heartfelt statement, Kelly expressed the depths of her husband’s love for life, stating, "Julian loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans." She added that his greatest aspiration was to bring joy to as many lives as possible. "We ask for support during this time to allow our family to grieve in privacy," she continued. "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." This poignant message encapsulates the warmth and kindness that McMahon exuded throughout his life.
McMahon's death was also acknowledged by the team behind Nip/Tuck, which was created by the renowned writer Ryan Murphy. A post on the show’s official Facebook page featured a touching tribute, stating, "Warner Bros. Television mourns the loss of our friend Julian McMahon. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues, and fans." Accompanying the message was a photo of McMahon that encapsulated his charismatic presence.
Known for his complex portrayal of Dr. Christian Troy, McMahon's performance in Nip/Tuck earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Television Drama Series. The show, which aired on FX from 2003 to 2010, was groundbreaking in its exploration of the medical and personal lives of plastic surgeons. In addition to his role in Nip/Tuck, McMahon also starred in two Fantastic Four films, establishing himself as a formidable presence in the action and superhero genres.
McMahon's career took off in the popular supernatural series Charmed, where he played the character Cole Turner alongside actresses Shannon Doherty and Alyssa Milano from 2000 to 2005. Milano shared her grief on Instagram, posting a heartfelt tribute along with a picture of the duo. Describing him as a "dear friend," she expressed her heartbreak over his passing, reminiscing about how he made her feel empowered as an actress, saying, "He made me feel safe as an actor. Seen as a woman. He challenged me, teased me, supported me. We were so different, and yet somehow we always understood each other."
Born on July 27, 1968, in Sydney, Australia, McMahon hailed from a prominent family. His father, Sir William McMahon, served as the Prime Minister of Australia from 1971 to 1972, while his mother, Sonia McMahon, was a well-known socialite and fashion icon. In an interview with Jimmy Kimmel in 2007, McMahon reflected on his childhood experiences, noting that he did not recall much about his father's political career due to his young age at the time. He shared, "It's a little different there because Australia's a smaller country; it was the 70s, everything wasn't so public. It was a little easier. You weren't growing up in the spotlight. Paparazzi weren't following you around."
In 2018, McMahon returned to Australia to star in the comedy-drama film Swinging Safari, which featured another Australian icon, Kylie Minogue. Interestingly, McMahon's connection to Minogue extends beyond their professional collaboration; he was previously married to her younger sister, Dannii Minogue, in the 1990s.
More recently, McMahon showcased his versatility by starring in the murder mystery series The Residence, which premiered on Netflix this year. In this role, he portrayed an Australian prime minister, perhaps drawing from his limited memories of his father's political tenure.
Julian McMahon is survived by his beloved wife, Kelly, whom he married in 2014, as well as his daughter Madison from his previous marriage to model Brook Burns. His legacy as a talented actor and a loving family man will undoubtedly resonate with the many lives he touched during his time in the entertainment industry.