Julian McMahon, ‘Nip/Tuck’ and ‘Fantastic Four’ actor, dies at 56

Remembering Julian McMahon

Julian McMahon, the Aussie‑American actor we all loved, passed away at the age of 56 on July 2, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida. He lost a private battle with cancer, which his wife Kelly announced, saying he died peacefully and surrounded by loved ones.

He was known far and wide for roles on Nip/Tuck and in the movies “Fantastic Four,” but he remained humble and appreciative of his fans. His wife asked for family privacy, and tributes have been pouring in from all his co-stars and comrades.

Early Life & Famous Dad

Born on July 27, 1968, in Sydney, Australia, Julian was the second child of Sir William (Billy) McMahon, who served as Australia’s Prime Minister from 1971–1972. The McMahon household was one where education and public service mattered, and that helped shape Julian’s character and drive.

He attended Sydney Grammar School and briefly studied law and economics at top universities, but soon found modeling far more exciting—it helped him land early acting gigs in Europe.

Modeling into Acting

Julian began modeling in fashion capitals like Milan and Paris, where he built confidence in front of cameras and audiences. That experience proved a springboard into acting, landing him roles back in Australia in soaps like The Power, the Passion and Home and Away.

In Home and Away, he played Ben Lucini from February to December 1990, where he met his future wife Dannii Minogue. That early TV exposure showed he could handle emotions and dramatic scenes with ease.

Heading to Hollywood

Julian moved to the U.S. in the early ’90s and landed a big break as Ian Rain on Another World (1993–1995), a daytime soap in which he debuted with a dramatic pool scene. This role was his Hollywood stepping stone and helped him get noticed in the industry.

He didn’t stop there—he went on to co‑star in Profiler as Detective John Grant from 1996 to 2000, showing his ability to play serious, intelligent characters well.

Charmed & Magic

In 2000, Julian joined the hit show Charmed as Cole Turner, a charming sorcerer who stole hearts on screen. His character became a fan favorite, and his relationship with Alyssa Milano’s Phoebe created magical chemistry.

Not only did Julian’s role boost the show’s popularity, but it also helped the actor show his range, moving from police dramas to supernatural tales with ease.

Breakout in “Nip/Tuck”

From 2003 to 2010, Julian played Dr. Christian Troy on Nip/Tuck, a dramatic series about plastic surgeons. His performance was intense, charismatic, and earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Drama Series.

Critics and fans praised his portrayal of a complex character who was confident, vulnerable, and sometimes reckless—all at once. That role became one of his defining career highlights.

Entering the Marvel Universe

In 2005, Julian took on the iconic villain Doctor Victor von Doom in Fantastic Four, followed by the sequel Rise of the Silver Surfer in 2007. He brought a serious, dark edge to the Marvel character, earning respect even from co‑stars like Ioan Gruffudd.

Those films gave Julian major action‑movie credentials and cemented his status as a versatile actor who could handle both TV drama and big-screen blockbusters.

Continued Screen Success

Julian didn’t stop after Fantastic Four. He took leads in films like Faces in the Crowd, Paranoia, and You’re Not You, showing he could headline indie thrillers and dramas. In 2024, he starred with Nicolas Cage in The Surfer, which was one of his final movies.

His range stretched over decades—from TV serials to gripping films—always reinventing himself and keeping viewers hooked.

Netflix & Later Roles

In TV’s next chapters, Julian co‑starred in shows like Runaways, Hunters, FBI: Most Wanted, and, most recently, Netflix’s The Residence. His last screen role was as Australia’s Prime Minister in The Residence (2025).

Although the show was later canceled, his presence was impactful, and he showed he still had the talent and dedication to take on fresh characters at the end of his career.

Private Battle with Cancer

Julian’s family revealed that he passed away after a private struggle with cancer, though the public had no idea he was fighting the illness. His wife, Kelly, shared that he didn’t want the news to overshadow his work or life and that he passed away peacefully.

The family’s request for privacy has been respected, and tributes have been heartfelt and deeply emotional across the industry.

Tributes from Co‑Stars

Alyssa Milano, his Charmed co‑star, described Julian as more than a TV husband—she called him pure magic. Ioan Gruffudd from Fantastic Four praised their on‑set friendship and named working with him a joy.

Dylan Walsh from Nip/Tuck and Rose McGowan from Charmed also shared warm memories, celebrating his humor and warmth. The outpouring showed how much he meant to those he worked closely with.

Family at the Heart

Julian is survived by his daughter Madison (born in 2000) from his marriage to Brooke Burns, and by his wife, Kelly McMahon, whom he married in 2014. He had two earlier marriages: to Dannii Minogue (1994–1995) and Brooke Burns (1999–2001).

His family remembers him for his passion, kindness, and the joy he found in being both a father and partner, highlighting that he truly cherished his loved ones above anything else.

A Social Moment with Madison

One of Julian’s most touching memories was a social media exchange with his daughter Madison when she started teaching yoga in Miami earlier this year. She wrote, “Taught my first yoga class today,” and he replied, “No YOU’RE awesome!”.

That sweet back‑and‑forth showed how proud and supportive he was as a dad—his affectionate words warmed many hearts this year and highlighted the close bond they shared.

Final Projects & Legacy

Julian’s last acting work included The Surfer (2024) and The Supremes at Earl’s All‑You‑Can‑Eat (2024), wrapping up a career that spanned over 35 years. His last TV role was on Netflix’s The Residence (2025), where he portrayed a fictional Australian Prime Minister.

His career path illustrates growth, versatility, and endless passion—he made people laugh, think, and feel alongside him in so many genres and stories.

Awards & Recognition

Julian earned a Golden Globe nomination in 2005 for Best Actor in a TV Drama for Nip/Tuck, along with other award nods from Satellite and Saturn Awards. Even without stacking trophies, he left a mark through performances that audiences will remember and discuss for years.

His Dr. Doom also stands out as one of Marvel’s most memorable villains of the 2000s—his legacy lives on in that iconic portrayal.

In other news, Lalo Schifrin, the legendary composer behind the ‘Mission: Impossible’ theme, has passed away at 93—discover how his iconic music shaped Hollywood.

His Lasting Legacy

Julian McMahon leaves behind a versatile legacy—from soaps and dramas to superhero blockbusters and Netflix mysteries. His storytelling ranged from caring to chilling, showing one actor truly can do it all.

Even in his absence, his laughter, powerful performances, and the warmth he shared shine on. His wish was to bring joy to as many lives as possible—and that wish lives on in every role he played.

As the world remembers Madsen’s legacy, fans are also remembering fellow icon Bobby Sherman—another star whose impact went far beyond the stage.

Like this post to honor Michael Madson’s memory, and drop a heartfelt comment below.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and with human editing.