Julian McMahon, the acclaimed Australian actor known for his captivating roles in Charmed, Nip/Tuck, and FBI: Most Wanted, has died aged 56. His wife, Kelly Paniagua, confirmed he passed away on Wednesday in Clearwater, Florida, after a battle with cancer.
In a heartfelt statement shared through Deadline, Paniagua remembered McMahon as a man full of life and love. “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,” she said.
McMahon, the son of former Australian Prime Minister Sir William McMahon, first gained recognition for his role as Cole Turner in the supernatural hit Charmed, where his brooding performance won him a devoted fanbase. His fame soared with his portrayal of the charismatic yet troubled plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck, a role that earned him a Golden Globe nomination and cemented his place in American television history.
His Nip/Tuck co-star Dylan Walsh paid tribute, saying he was “stunned” by the news. “We rode this wave together and I loved him. Jules! I know you’d want me to say something to make you smile all the inside jokes. All those years you had my back, and my god, we laughed. My heart is with you. Rest in peace.”
McMahon also played the iconic villain Doctor Doom in the 2005 and 2007 Fantastic Four films and starred in FBI: Most Wanted across three seasons. Series producer Dick Wolf described the news as “shocking” and praised McMahon’s dedication to his craft.
In one of his final screen appearances, McMahon portrayed an Australian prime minister in Netflix’s The Residence, a poignant echo of his own political lineage.
McMahon was married three times, including a brief marriage to Australian pop star Dannii Minogue, sister of Kylie Minogue.
Julian McMahon leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and a career marked by charisma, versatility, and a deep connection with his audience.
