Julian McMahon, the Australian actor who captivated audiences with his charismatic performances in "Nip/Tuck," "Charmed," and "Fantastic Four," has died at age 56 following a private battle with cancer. His wife, Kelly Paniagua McMahon, confirmed that he passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida.
A Career Defined by Versatility
Born in Sydney, Australia, in 1968 as the son of former Australian Prime Minister Sir William McMahon, Julian began his career as a model before transitioning to acting. His breakthrough came with roles in Australian soap operas, but it was his move to Hollywood that cemented his status as a versatile and compelling performer.
Career Highlights
- Dr. Christian Troy in "Nip/Tuck" (2003-2010) — McMahon earned a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of the complex, morally ambiguous plastic surgeon in the groundbreaking FX series.
- Cole Turner in "Charmed" (2000-2005) — As the half-demon love interest of Phoebe Halliwell (Alyssa Milano), McMahon became a fan favorite in the supernatural series.
- Victor Von Doom in "Fantastic Four" films (2005, 2007) — McMahon brought one of Marvel's most iconic villains to life in two major Hollywood blockbusters.
- Jess LaCroix in "FBI: Most Wanted" (2020-2022) — In his final major television role, McMahon led the CBS procedural as a skilled FBI agent.
The Impact of Dr. Christian Troy
While McMahon's filmography spans numerous genres and formats, it was his role as the narcissistic, womanizing plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Troy in "Nip/Tuck" that truly showcased his range as an actor. The series, which ran for six seasons on FX, pushed boundaries with its explicit content and dark themes, with McMahon's performance serving as its magnetic center.
The role earned him a Golden Globe nomination and established him as one of television's most compelling antiheroes, capable of balancing charm and menace in equal measure. Warner Bros. Television acknowledged his passing with a tribute on the official "Nip/Tuck" Facebook page: "Warner Bros. Television mourns the loss of our friend Julian McMahon. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues, and fans."
Did You Know?
Before becoming an actor, Julian McMahon studied law at the University of Sydney and worked as a model for fashion brands including Versace and Calvin Klein.
Tributes Pour In From Hollywood
News of McMahon's passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from his former costars and colleagues. Nicolas Cage, who recently worked with McMahon on the film "The Surfer," called him "the most talented of actors" in a statement to Deadline.
Remembrances from Colleagues
Alyssa Milano, who played McMahon's on-screen wife in "Charmed," shared that he was more than just a TV husband — he was a dear friend who "had no issue confronting a person with uncomfortable truths."
Rose McGowan, another "Charmed" costar, described McMahon as a "force of brilliance" and expressed that she was praying for comfort for his family during this difficult time.
His "Nip/Tuck" costars Dylan Walsh and Kelly Carlson, along with "Fantastic Four" castmates Ioan Gruffudd and Michael Chiklis, also shared heartfelt tributes highlighting McMahon's talent, professionalism, and kindness.
Personal Life and Legacy
McMahon is survived by his wife, Kelly Paniagua McMahon, whom he married in 2014, and his daughter Madison from his previous marriage to actress Brooke Burns. Following the announcement of his death, Burns shared a photo of Julian and their daughter on social media in his honor.
Throughout his career, McMahon maintained a relatively private personal life, focusing instead on his craft and the characters he brought to life. His ability to fully inhabit roles across genres — from supernatural drama to medical thriller to superhero blockbuster — demonstrated his remarkable range as a performer.
His final public appearance was at SXSW in March 2025, where he promoted "The Surfer" alongside Nicolas Cage. Colleagues noted that he appeared in good spirits at the event, giving no indication of his health struggles.
A Legacy of Memorable Characters
As fans and the entertainment industry mourn his loss, McMahon's legacy lives on through his body of work. From the morally complex Dr. Christian Troy to the demonic Cole Turner to the villainous Victor Von Doom, he created characters that resonated with audiences and showcased his ability to bring depth and nuance to every role.
His passing at the relatively young age of 56 cuts short a career that continued to evolve and surprise, but the impact of his performances will endure for generations of viewers.