Julian McMahon, Star of ‘Nip/Tuck’ and ‘Fantastic Four,’ Dies at 56 After Quiet Cancer Battle
Julian McMahon, the Australian actor best known for his roles in Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and Fantastic Four, has died at the age of 56. His wife, Kelly Paniagua, confirmed his passing in a heartfelt statement shared on July 4.
McMahon passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 2, in Clearwater, Florida, following a private battle with cancer.
“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,” Kelly said in her statement to Deadline.
“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. 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.”
A Career Defined by Versatility
Born in Sydney, Australia, Julian McMahon was the son of former Australian Prime Minister William McMahon. He rose to international fame through a series of memorable television and film roles.
From 2003 to 2010, he starred as the charming and complicated Dr. Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck, a groundbreaking medical drama created by Ryan Murphy. Prior to that, he gained a devoted fanbase playing Cole Turner—part-demon, part-lover—on Charmed from 2000 to 2005.
McMahon’s talents also crossed into the superhero genre, where he played the iconic villain Victor Von Doom in Fantastic Four (2005) and its sequel Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007).
Recent Work and Final Appearance
McMahon’s most recent role was in Netflix’s The Residence, which was canceled after just one season. He also led the CBS crime drama FBI: Most Wanted as Jess LaCroix until his departure in 2022.
At the time, he expressed deep gratitude for the experience:
“I’m extremely proud of the work we have done together and put the development of this show, and my character Jess, at the top of my professional experience list,” McMahon told Deadline. “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to play Jess. He is a good man.”
His final public appearance was on March 10, 2025, at the SXSW Film & TV Festival in Austin, Texas, where he promoted his film The Surfer alongside co-star Nicolas Cage.
Personal Life and Legacy
McMahon was previously married to pop star Dannii Minogue and Baywatch actress Brooke Burns, with whom he shared a daughter, Madison Elizabeth McMahon, now 25. He married author and model Kelly Paniagua in 2014.
Known for his charisma, kindness, and dedication to his craft, McMahon leaves behind a legacy of diverse and impactful performances that touched fans around the world.
As tributes pour in from friends, colleagues, and admirers, one sentiment rings clear: Julian McMahon brought joy to countless lives—and his legacy will continue to do so.
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