Australian actor Julian McMahon passed away on Tuesday, July 2. 2025. According to his wife, Kelly, the 56 year old actor had been privately battling cancer. Julian was best known for his roles in Charmed, Nip/Tuck, FBI: Most Wanted, and for his role of Dr. Doom in the Fantastic Four movies. He had nearly four dozen credits – mostly acting and several for producing. The gifted actor got his start in Australian TV series Home and Away.
Julian McMahon’s Career Start
In the late 1980s, McMahon broke into daytime television. He portrayed Ben in long-running Australian soap opera Home and Away during its early years. After that, Julian gained attention in the U.S. by playing Ian in the soap Another World. This lead him on to other roles, such as Detective Grant in crime procedural Profiler, opposite Ally Walker.
Later McMahon made himself marketable to a slightly younger viewing demographic when he starred as Cole, the handsome warlock in Charmed. This led him to landing the role of Victor Von Doom in the Fantastic Four films. Julian established himself as a leading man with his portrayal of Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck.
Julian McMahon’s Later Career
The talented actor was cast as Supervisory Special Agent Jess LaCroix in the FBI franchise. In 2024 McMahon played opposite Nicolas Cage in The Surfer. His most recent role was Stephen in TV miniseries The Residence.
Remembering Julian McMahon
His wife, Kelly, made a statement to Deadline shortly after his passing. She said in part:
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.
Actor Nicolas Cage, devastated by the news, said that he was “the most talented of actors” and sent love to his family. Julian was an amazing actor who had earned nominations for his work on Nip/Tuck. He is survived by wife Kelly Paniagua and daughter Madison McMahon.
