Australian actor Julian McMahon has sadly passed away at the age of 56 after a private battle with cancer. His wife, Kelly McMahon, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement shared with Deadline. She said Julian “died peacefully” after fighting the disease with strength and courage.
“Julian loved life. He loved his family, his friends, his work, and his fans,” she said. “His deepest wish was to bring joy to as many lives as possible. We ask for privacy during this time of grief and hope people will continue to find joy, as Julian always did.”
Julian McMahon was best known for his roles in the popular TV series Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and FBI: Most Wanted. He also appeared in the 2000s Fantastic Four movies, where he played the villain Doctor Doom. Most recently, he starred in the Netflix political drama The Residents, playing an Australian Prime Minister — a role that mirrored his real-life connection, as Julian was the son of former Australian Prime Minister Billy McMahon.
Julian was born into a well-known Australian family. His father, Billy McMahon, was Prime Minister in the early 1970s, and his mother, Lady Sonia McMahon, was a famous socialite. Despite his high-profile upbringing, Julian carved his own path in the entertainment world, beginning as a model and later acting in Australian TV soaps like Home and Away.
Entertainment journalist Andrew Hornery spoke about Julian’s passing and his impact on the entertainment world. He described Julian as a kind and charming person who was well-liked in both Australia and the United States. “He was always popular, always friendly — a really nice guy,” Hornery said.
Julian began his career in Australia, but moved to the U.S. where he built a successful career in Hollywood. In Nip/Tuck, he played a plastic surgeon with a wild personal life. The show was known for its bold, edgy storylines and Julian’s performance received high praise. He also starred in Charmed, where he played a demon named Cole Turner. Though he often used an American accent in his roles, many viewers didn’t realize he was Australian.
Though Julian was a household name in the U.S., he maintained close ties to his roots in Australia. He was married three times — his first marriage was to singer and actress Dannii Minogue, whom he met on the set of Home and Away. Their wedding in 1994 was a media sensation, with paparazzi and magazine deals, but the marriage ended after 18 months.
Julian’s family in Australia — including two sisters — is mourning his loss. Both of his parents have passed away. Recent photos of Julian had sparked concern, as he appeared noticeably thinner. Still, his illness was not widely known, making news of his death a shock to many fans and colleagues.
As news spreads, tributes are beginning to pour in from around the world. Fellow actors and friends in Hollywood have expressed their shock and sadness. Hornery said that while many people had noticed Julian looked unwell, few knew the seriousness of his condition.
Julian wasn’t known as a “serious” actor in the traditional sense — he preferred roles that allowed him to show personality and humor. He liked characters that were flashy, complex, or a little over-the-top. But he played them with charm and confidence. His fans loved him for it, and he clearly enjoyed bringing those characters to life.
Despite his Hollywood fame, Julian never forgot where he came from. His life and career were a mix of glamour, heart, and hard work. He brought joy to millions through his work on screen and left a lasting mark on TV and film.
Julian McMahon’s death is a huge loss, not just to the entertainment world, but to everyone who admired his talent, his warmth, and his love for life. He will be deeply missed.