
Julian McMahon stars in ‘The Surfer’. Photo: Saturn Films.
Preview:
- ‘Nip/Tuck’ and ‘Fantastic Four’ actor Julian McMahon has died at the of 57.
- The Australian actor rose to fame on American television and movies.
- McMahon built a career playing men who were seductive and morally ambiguous.
Julian McMahon, whose career spanned soap operas, primetime thrillers, and superhero blockbusters, who had been privately battling cancer, has died. He was 57.
McMahon became best known for his role as Dr. Christian Troy on FX’s groundbreaking series ‘Nip/Tuck’ — a performance that defined early 2000s prestige TV with its unflinching exploration of vanity, identity, and friendship.

“Tell me what you don’t like about yourself…?”
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7 SeasonsJuly 22nd, 2003
Earlier, he gained a devoted fanbase as the demon Cole Turner on ‘Charmed,’ where his chemistry with Alyssa Milano’s character made him a cult figure in genre television.
Behind the confident persona and polished Hollywood exterior, McMahon was described by friends as thoughtful, humble, and deeply loyal.
His wife, Kelly McMahon, shared the sad news of his passing from cancer in a statement:
“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. 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.”
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Julian McMahon: Early Life

(L to R) Dylan Walsh and Julian McMahon in ‘Nip/Tuck’. Photo: Warner Bros. Television.
Julian Dana William McMahon was born July 27th, 1967, in Sydney, Australia. He was the son of Sir William McMahon, Australia’s 20th Prime Minister, and Lady Sonia McMahon, a fashion icon and philanthropist.
Raised in the public eye, McMahon initially pursued a career in law before modeling took him abroad. He worked in London and Milan before turning to acting, finding his first screen success in the Australian soap ‘Home and Away’.
His breakout in the US came in the late ’90s with the NBC daytime drama ‘Another World’, which led to higher-profile roles in primetime.
Julian McMahon: TV and Movie Career

Julian McMahon as Victor Von Doom / Doctor Doom in 2005’s ‘Fantastic Four.’ Photo: Fox.
McMahon’s most iconic role came in 2003 with ‘Nip/Tuck’, which ran for six seasons and helped redefine cable television drama. His portrayal of Christian Troy captured both the seductiveness and spiritual emptiness of superficial perfection.
In parallel, McMahon continued to build his resume with genre roles, most notably on ‘Charmed.’
In later years, McMahon led the procedural ‘FBI: Most Wanted’ from 2020 to 2022, showcasing his ability to anchor mainstream television with subtle charisma and steeliness.
On the big screen, he stepped into the role of Victor Von Doom — arch-nemesis to the Fantastic Four—in two mid-2000s 20th Century Fox/Marvel films. Though the movies had mixed critical reception, McMahon’s performance added gravitas to the early wave of superhero cinema.
Other movie work included 2007’s ‘Premonition’, action comedy ‘RED’, 2013’s conspiracy thriller ‘Paranoia’ and most recently, Nic Cage thriller ‘The Surfer.’ His final performance, in comedy drama ‘The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat,’ will be in theaters next month.
Julian McMahon: Legacy and Final Years

Julian McMahon stars in ‘FBI: Most Wanted’. Photo: Universal Television.
While he often portrayed men wrestling with darkness, McMahon was widely regarded as generous, affable, and committed to his craft.
He kept a relatively private personal life but was known to be close with his family and loyal to longtime collaborators.
Outside acting, he had a passion for surfing, philosophy, and the natural world — interests that reflected a deeper, quieter side to the performer.
He is survived by his wife, Kelly, and his daughter, Madison.

Julian McMahon stars in ‘The Surfer’. Photo: Saturn Films.