Julian McMahon, Nip/Tuck Actor Dies at 56 Following Cancer Diagnosis

Julian McMahon, the Australian actor best known for his leading roles in television series such as Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and FBI: Most Wanted, has died at the age of 56. His death occurred on July 2, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida, following a private battle with cancer.

The news was confirmed by his wife, Kelly McMahon, in a public statement released to Deadline. She said:

“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. 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. We ask for support during this time to allow our family to grieve in privacy. 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.”

Julian Dana William McMahon was born on July 27, 1968, in Sydney, Australia. He was the son of Sir William McMahon, who served as Australia’s Prime Minister from 1971 to 1972, and socialite Lady Sonia McMahon. McMahon briefly studied law at the University of Sydney before pursuing a career in modeling and, later, acting.

He began his acting career on Australian television, most notably appearing in the long-running soap opera Home and Away. His early success in Australia eventually led him to the United States, where he transitioned into American television and film.

McMahon gained widespread attention in the late 1990s for his role as Cole Turner on the supernatural drama Charmed. He portrayed a conflicted half-demon character who became a central figure in the show’s storyline and was a fan favorite throughout his tenure.

His most prominent and critically acclaimed role came in 2003 when he was cast as Dr. Christian Troy on FX’s Nip/Tuck. The series, which ran for six seasons until 2010, focused on the personal and professional lives of two plastic surgeons in Miami. McMahon’s performance as the ambitious and morally ambiguous Christian Troy earned him praise from both critics and audiences and established him as a major television star.

Following Nip/Tuck, McMahon appeared in various television and film roles. In 2020, he began portraying Special Agent Jess LaCroix on CBS’s FBI: Most Wanted. He remained with the series until 2022 and was widely recognized for his portrayal of the calm, focused, and emotionally grounded team leader.

In film, McMahon is also known for his role as Victor Von Doom in the early 2000s Fantastic Four movies. His performance as the iconic Marvel villain brought him international recognition in the comic book and action film communities.

Julian McMahon had reportedly been battling cancer privately prior to his death. Details surrounding his illness were not made public during his lifetime. His wife’s statement confirmed that he died peacefully after what she described as a “valiant effort” to overcome the disease.

His passing occurred in Clearwater, Florida, and was followed by public and industry tributes recognizing his contributions to television and film over more than three decades.

He is survived by his wife Kelly McMahon and his daughter, Madison McMahon, from a previous marriage. Plans for public memorials or services have not been announced at this time.