Australian actor Julian McMahon is known for his magnetic screen presence throughout films and television, including credits such as Fantastic Four, Nip/Tuck, Charm Med, and FBI: Most Wanted, but passed away at the age of 56.
McMahon passed away on July 2nd in Clearwater, Florida, and followed his private battle with cancer.
My beloved husband and performer
The news was confirmed by his wife, Kelly McMahon, in a deadline and an inspiring statement shared.
“I want to open up and share with the world that my beloved husband, Julian McMahon, passed away peacefully this week after a brave effort to overcome cancer,” she said. “Julian loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, he loved his fans, and his deepest wish was to bring joy to as many lives as possible.
From Sydney to Hollywood
Born in Sydney on July 27, 1968, McMahon came from political pedigree. His father, Sir William McMahon, served as Australia’s prime minister from 1971 to 1972, but rather than following in those footsteps, McMahon chose a completely different stage. After an early stint in modeling, he moved to acting in Australian soapland, power, passion, home and away roles. A few years later, he took a chance in the US – and it paid off.
One of his first American gigs followed another world of NBC, followed by the key role of profilers. However, it seemed that McMahon first became famous was Cole Turner (a half-smoldering human, half-demon’s love interest). Its popularity only grew when he took on the role of Dr. Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck in FX. His work in the series won him a Golden Globe nomination and solidified his position as a leading man on American television.
Remembered by co-stars
“I’m shaky,” NIP/Tuck co-star Dylan Walsh said in a deadline statement. “We rode this wave together and I loved him. My heart goes to Kelly and Maddie. Jules! I want you to say something to make you smile.
McMahon then joined CBS’s FBI. As the most desired special agent Jess Lacroix, he led the cast for three seasons before leaving in 2022. “We all at Wolf Entertainment are deeply saddened by Julian’s passing, and our pathetic dol is directed at all his family.”
Charming co-star Rose McGowan called him “a brilliance, a wild talent, and the power of humor” in his Instagram story, while Holly Marie Combs wrote:
Kelly Carlson, who played McMahon’s on-off wife in Nip/Tuck, shared a video of him reflecting on the time together. “He was all about energy, charisma, humor, looks, nip/tuck.
On the big screen: From fate to Cannes
McMahon’s film career included many outstanding roles as Victor Fondoom in the 2000s Fantastic Four films. Ioan Graffod, who played Reed Richards on the other side of him, wrote:
Michael Chikris added: “I am devastated to hear of the death of my friend Julian. Life is so precious and fragile. My pathetic dol to his family.
Other screen credits include Preminition, Red, you are not you, Paranoia, Swinging Safari. Earlier this year, he appeared on Surfer across from Nicholas Cage. Nicholas Cage premiered in the midnight screening section of Cannes and is Earl’s All Can Et’s best drama in ensemble drama.
“This deeply saddening news,” Nicholas Cage shared in a deadline statement. “I spent six weeks with Julian and he was the most talented actor. Our scene in surfer was one of my favorites I’ve ever been involved in, and Julian is one of my favourites. He was a kind and intelligent man. It was my love for his family.”
A career-closed role linked to his roots
McMahon’s final screen appearance was in Netflix’s The Residence, where he portrayed the Australian prime minister. The role arrived shortly after his appearance at Cannes, marking a graceful deadline chapter of his career spanning continents and genres.
Julian McMahon was survived by his wife Kelly and daughter Madison. He leaves behind a diverse legacy of work across television and film, and a long list of colleagues and fans who remember him with praise, laughter and love.
