SYDNEY — July 5, 2025 — Beloved Australian actor Julian McMahon, known for his breakout role on Home and Away and later global fame in hit shows like Charmed and Nip/Tuck, has died at the age of 56 following a private battle with cancer.
McMahon passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 2, in Clearwater, Florida, with his wife Kelly McMahon by his side. News of his death has sent shockwaves across both Australian and international entertainment communities.
🌟 From Aussie Soaps to International Stardom
Born in Sydney on July 27, 1968, Julian Dana William McMahon was the son of former Australian Prime Minister Sir William McMahon. Despite his political heritage, Julian pursued modeling before transitioning to acting — landing his first major role in 1990 as Ben Lucini in the long-running soap Home and Away.
His good looks and charisma quickly made him a fan favorite, but it was his move to Hollywood that solidified his global reputation. He starred in the supernatural drama Charmed (2000–2005) as the complex and tormented Cole Turner, a half-demon who fell in love with a witch.
He later gained critical acclaim in Nip/Tuck (2003–2010), portraying the darkly charismatic plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Troy — a role that earned him a Golden Globe nomination in 2005.
🎬 A Versatile Film and TV Career
McMahon also found success on the big screen, most notably playing Doctor Doom in Fantastic Four (2005) and its 2007 sequel. His final roles included a co-starring part in the 2024 film The Surfer opposite Nicolas Cage and a role as the Australian Prime Minister in Netflix’s The Residence.
He also led the CBS crime drama FBI: Most Wanted from 2020 to 2022 as Jess LaCroix, winning praise for his nuanced performance.
💬 Tributes Pour In
Tributes have flooded social media from fans and colleagues alike:
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Alyssa Milano, his co-star in Charmed, called him “magic” and said he had “the rare gift of lighting up every room he entered.”
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Nicolas Cage, who worked with him most recently, said, “Julian brought grace and intelligence to everything he touched.”
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Ioan Gruffudd, who shared the screen with him in Fantastic Four, described him as “a gentleman, a talent, and a friend.”
🕊️ A Quiet Battle, A Loud Legacy
According to family sources, McMahon had been privately battling cancer for some time. He chose to keep his illness out of the public eye, continuing to work and spend time with his family until the very end.
He is survived by his wife Kelly, and his daughter Madison, 25, from a previous marriage.
📺 A Star Who Never Faded
Julian McMahon leaves behind a lasting legacy as one of Australia’s most successful acting exports. From Summer Bay to the supernatural halls of Charmed, from the surgical suites of Nip/Tuck to Marvel’s villainous realms — his career was marked by versatility, depth, and undeniable star power.
Fans around the world mourn the loss of a true screen icon. Plans for a public memorial are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Julian McMahon, 1968–2025. Gone too soon — never forgotten.