Julian McMahon, Star of Charmed and Nip/Tuck, Dies at 56 After Cancer Battle

Julian McMahon, the American-Australian actor known for his roles in Charmed, Nip/Tuck, and Fantastic Four, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the age of 56 in Clearwater, Florida, following a private battle with cancer. His wife, Kelly Paniagua, confirmed the news in a statement released on Friday, July 4, 2025.

“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,” Paniagua said. “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 added, “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.”

Born in Sydney in 1968, McMahon was the son of former Australian Prime Minister Sir William “Billy” McMahon. He began his career as a model in the 1980s before landing a role in the Australian soap Home and Away, appearing in 150 episodes. His film debut came in the 1992 comedy Exchange Lifeguards (released in the U.S. as Wet and Wild Summer!) alongside Elliott Gould, followed by roles in American television shows like Another World, Profiler, and Will & Grace.

McMahon rose to prominence as Cole Turner, the half-human, half-demon assassin in Charmed from 2000 to 2003, with a brief return in 2005. He then starred as the charismatic yet morally complex plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck from 2003 to 2010, earning a Golden Globe nomination. McMahon further solidified his Hollywood presence as Victor Von Doom (Doctor Doom) in Fantastic Four (2005) and its 2007 sequel, also voicing the character in the video game adaptation.

More recently, McMahon played FBI agent Jess LaCroix in FBI: Most Wanted for three seasons before exiting the show. Producer Dick Wolf described his passing as “shocking” and extended condolences to McMahon’s family.

Australian filmmaker Stephan Elliott, a schoolmate of McMahon’s, remembered him as a “wild child” who kept security agents on their toes during his youth. Reflecting on their collaboration on Swinging Safari, Elliott said, “He went to town and left us crying with laughter after every take. He never had so much fun on a film.”

McMahon’s recent projects included roles in Netflix’s The Residence as Australian Prime Minister Stephen Roos, The Surfer opposite Nicolas Cage, and The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat, where he played the romantic lead.

McMahon was married three times—first to singer Dannii Minogue in 1994, then to actor Brooke Burns, with whom he shared a daughter, and finally to Kelly Paniagua in 2014. He is survived by his wife, daughter, family, and a legacy of unforgettable performances.

Source: African Publicity