Australian actor Julian McMahon, famed for his roles in Nip/Tuck and Fantastic 4, has died peacefully at the age of 56 after a private fight with cancer. His passing was confirmed by his wife, Kelly McMahon, who released a heartfelt statement on behalf of the family, requesting privacy as they mourn his loss.
How Did Julian McMahon Die? Julian McMahon’s Cause of Death
Julian McMahon cause of death was due to his battle with cancer. According to his wife, he died “peacefully…after a valiant effort to overcome cancer,” though specific details about the cancer type or diagnosis timeline were not disclosed .
In addition to battling cancer, McMahon had previously revealed a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, which he publicly shared in December via social media. However, Parkinson’s was not cited as the cause of death.
Early Life and Career
Born on July 27, 1968, in Sydney, Australia, Julian Dana William McMahon was the son of former Australian Prime Minister Sir William McMahon and Lady Sonia McMahon . Before pursuing acting, McMahon studied law and economics, later transitioning to modeling and acting. He began his career in the Australian soap opera Home and Away and later appeared in American series such as Another World and Profiler.
Breakthrough Roles
McMahon gained international fame with his portrayal of Cole Turner in Charmed and as Dr. Christian Troy in the Emmy-winning series Nip/Tuck, where he earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama in 2004 . He also played the villainous Doctor Doom in the 2005 and 2007 Fantastic Four films.
Recent Work and Final Days
In recent years, McMahon starred as Jess LaCroix in FBI: Most Wanted and appeared in Netflix’s The Residence. His final public appearance was in March 2025 at the SXSW Festival, promoting his film The Surfer alongside Nicolas Cage . Details about his cancer diagnosis and the type of cancer he had remain undisclosed.
Tributes and Legacy
Tributes have poured in from fans and colleagues alike. Skye Leckie, a friend from Sydney’s social circles, described McMahon as “magnetic, warm, and kind,” noting the grace and strength he inherited from his mother, Lady Sonia McMahon . His wife, Kelly, expressed gratitude for the memories and asked for privacy during this time of mourning.
Julian McMahon’s passing marks the end of a remarkable career in television and film. He is remembered for his charismatic performances and contributions to the entertainment industry. His legacy continues to inspire both fans and fellow actors.
