Julian McMahon Dies At 56 After Private Battle With Cancer

Australian actor Julian McMahon dies at 56 following a private battle with cancer, his family has confirmed.

The star, best known for his performances in Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and Fantastic Four, passed away peacefully on Wednesday in Clearwater, Florida. His wife, Kelly Paniagua, shared the heartbreaking news in a statement released Friday.

“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,” she said. “Julian loved life, his family, his friends, his work, and his fans. His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible.”

Julian McMahon dies at 56, leaving behind a legacy of iconic roles and memorable performances that captivated audiences around the world. Born in Sydney in 1968, he was the son of former Australian Prime Minister Sir William “Billy” McMahon. He began his career as a fashion model before entering the world of acting, starting with the Australian soap Home and Away in 1990.

McMahon made his film debut in Exchange Lifeguards (also known as Wet and Wild Summer! in the U.S.) and transitioned quickly to American television with appearances in Another World, Profiler, and Will & Grace. However, it was his portrayal of Cole Turner in Charmed and Dr. Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck that cemented his status as a TV heartthrob and talented actor.

As news that Julian McMahon dies at 56 spreads, fans and colleagues alike are paying tribute to the actor’s remarkable talent and charm. He famously took on the role of Victor Von Doom in Fantastic Four (2005) and its sequel, a part he also voiced in the video game adaptation. Later, he starred as FBI agent Jess LaCroix in FBI: Most Wanted, appearing for three seasons before his departure.

Producer Dick Wolf described the news as “shocking,” adding, “All of us at Wolf Entertainment are deeply saddened by Julian’s passing. Our condolences go out to his entire family.”

Australian director Stephan Elliott, who attended school with McMahon, remembered him as a “wild child” with undeniable charisma. The two later worked together on Swinging Safari, where McMahon played a satirical version of his own parents. “He never had so much fun on a film,” Elliott said. “He went to town and left us crying with laughter after every take.”

Even in his final years, McMahon remained active in film and television, with recent roles including Netflix’s The Residence, The Surfer alongside Nicolas Cage, and The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat.

Julian McMahon dies at 56, survived by his wife Kelly, his daughter from a previous marriage to actress Brooke Burns, and an enduring body of work that continues to entertain and inspire.