Julian McMahon, ‘Nip/Tuck’ Star, Dies at 56 After Private Cancer Battle
CLEARWATER, FL — Julian McMahon, the Australian-American actor whose smoldering intensity and razor-sharp charm electrified screens in Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and as Marvel’s Dr. Doom, died Wednesday, July 2, at his Florida home. He was 56. His wife, Kelly McMahon, confirmed his death followed “a valiant effort to overcome cancer” — an illness he battled privately until the end.
McMahon passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones, his family requesting privacy while urging fans to honor him by “continuing to find joy in life” — a reflection of his lifelong mission to uplift others through his artistry.
Private Battle, Public Legacy
McMahon’s cancer diagnosis was never publicly disclosed, a choice underscoring his fierce commitment to family privacy. In her statement, Kelly McMahon emphasized her husband’s unwavering spirit: “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”.
Born in Sydney on July 27, 1968, McMahon was the son of Sir William “Billy” McMahon, Australia’s 20th Prime Minister. His privileged upbringing contrasted sharply with the gritty, morally complex characters he’d later embody — from the demonic Cole Turner in Charmed to the hedonistic Dr. Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck.
From Soap Operas to Supervillains
Julian McMahon’s career began unconventionally: as a Levi’s jeans model in iconic Australian commercials. “Because of this commercial, I was asked to come in for a TV script,” he recalled in a 2016 interview 4. His breakout role came on the soap Home and Away (1990–1991), where he filmed 150 episodes and met his first wife, Dannii Minogue.
After relocating to Hollywood, McMahon’s trajectory soared:
- Cole Turner (Charmed, 2000–2005): A half-demon antihero whose wit and menace made him a fan favorite.
- Dr. Christian Troy (Nip/Tuck, 2003–2010): A Golden Globe-nominated role FX called “a vagina-seeking missile”.
- Dr. Doom (Fantastic Four, 2005/2007): A defining Marvel villain before the MCU era.
- Jess LaCroix (FBI: Most Wanted, 2020–2022): A gritty procedural lead proving his versatility
Triumph in Twilight : His Final Roles
Even while ill, Julian McMahon delivered career-best work. In 2024’s The Surfer, he starred opposite Nicolas Cage as “Scally,” a menacing surf-gang leader. Cage later mourned him as “one of my favorite people,” adding: “Our scenes together were among my favorites ever”.
His final role in Netflix’s The Residence (2025) was a poignant full-circle moment: McMahon played an Australian Prime Minister — a nod to his father’s legacy.
Hollywood Remembers a “Fearless” Force
Tributes poured in globally:
- Dylan Walsh (Nip/Tuck co-star): “We rode this wave together… All those years you had my back. Rest in peace”.
- Rose McGowan (Charmed): “Oh Julian, you force of brilliance, wild talent and humour”.
- Dick Wolf (FBI producer): “Shocking news… deeply saddened”.
Director Stephan Elliott, a childhood friend, recalled McMahon’s rebellious spirit: “He was a wild child who led ASIO agents on chases after school. His exotic looks and fearlessness made acting inevitable”.
Beyond the Screen: Family and Citizenship
McMahon held dual Australian-American citizenship, calling himself “Australian on the inside, American on the outside”. He is survived by his wife Kelly, daughter Madison (with ex-wife Brooke Burns), and two sisters. His brief marriage to Minogue (1994–1995) remained amicable, with Minogue later calling it a whirlwind they “rushed into”
A Legacy of Light in Dark Roles
McMahon’s gift was humanizing darkness — whether as a demon, a narcissistic surgeon, or a surf-thug. As The Guardian noted, he balanced “supreme arrogance, laddish joviality and domineering menace” like no other. His final wish, per his family? To keep joy alive. For fans worldwide, his performances — now immortal — will ensure it does.