Last week's news of Julian McMahon's death sent shockwaves through Hollywood, as the charismatic Australian actor, renowned for his captivating performances in Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and the Fantastic Four films, passed away on July 2, 2025, at the age of 56. The cause of death for the acclaimed actor has been officially confirmed. According to documents obtained by People, McMahon died from lung metastasis stemming from head and neck metastatic cancer. The information comes from a Cremation Approval Summary Report issued by the Pinellas County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Kelly Paniagua, McMahon’s wife of over a decade, announced his passing in a poignant 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.” She emphasized his love for his family, friends, work, and fans, noting that his “deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible.” Paniagua requested privacy for their family, including McMahon’s daughter, Madison, from his previous marriage to Brooke Burns, and his sisters, Melinda and Debbie.
McMahon’s death was attributed to cancer, a battle he fought privately until his final days. The report from People revealed that his remains were cremated, with his death ruled as natural. His private struggle was not publicly known until after his passing, a testament to his desire to keep his personal life out of the spotlight. This discretion mirrored the quiet dignity he brought to his roles, whether portraying a conflicted antihero, a diabolical villain, or a steadfast lawman.
Born in Sydney, Australia, as the son of former Australian Prime Minister William McMahon, Julian McMahon carved a unique path in the entertainment industry. Initially rising to prominence as a model in the 1980s, he transitioned seamlessly into acting, beginning with roles in Australian soap operas such as Home and Away and The Power, The Passion. His early career also included a stint on the American daytime soap Another World in 1993, which marked his entry into Hollywood. McMahon's charm and versatility quickly propelled him into primetime television, where he became a household name.
McMahon's breakthrough came with his role as Cole Turner, the enigmatic demonic love interest, in the supernatural drama Charmed. From 2000 to 2005, he captivated audiences as the complex character opposite Alyssa Milano’s Phoebe Halliwell, earning a devoted following for his portrayal of a man torn between good and evil. Milano, reflecting on their time together, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, stating, “Charmed fans/accounts! I love and appreciate you so much but please stop using AI to fabricate emotion from Julian McMahon’s death. It is totally unessessary when there are real moments you can use from his nearly 35 years in the public eye. And please be considerate to Julian’s grieving family and friends during this difficult time.”
Following Charmed, McMahon delivered a career-defining performance as Dr. Christian Troy in the provocative medical drama Nip/Tuck. His portrayal of the morally ambiguous plastic surgeon earned him a Golden Globe nomination and solidified his status as a leading man. The series, created by Ryan Murphy, showcased McMahon’s ability to blend charm, intensity, and vulnerability, making Dr. Troy one of television’s most memorable characters.
On the big screen, McMahon brought the iconic Marvel villain Dr. Victor Von Doom to life in Fantastic Four (2005) and its 2007 sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. His commanding presence as the menacing antagonist opposite Ioan Gruffudd’s Mister Fantastic and Jessica Alba’s Invisible Woman left a lasting impression on superhero fans. Gruffudd paid tribute on Instagram, noting McMahon’s “immense talent and warmth” on set. Michael Chiklis, who played The Thing, shared a touching tribute on Instagram, writing, “I’m heartbroken over the loss of my dear friend Julian McMahon. His talent was matched only by his kindness and infectious smile, which I’ll always remember from our time together on Fantastic Four.”
McMahon’s television career continued to flourish with roles such as FBI agent Jess LaCroix in FBI, FBI: International, and FBI: Most Wanted, where his authoritative yet empathetic performance resonated with viewers. He also appeared as Jonah in Hulu’s Marvel’s Runaways, further showcasing his range. His final roles included appearances in the 2024 film The Surfer, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, and the Netflix miniseries The Residence, released earlier in 2025. Despite his illness, McMahon remained dedicated to his craft, with his The Surfer co-star Nicolas Cage praising their collaboration, saying, “Our scenes together were among my favorites. Julian was a kind and intelligent man.”
McMahon’s final public appearance at the SXSW festival in March 2025, where he promoted The Surfer, left an indelible mark. Despite his gaunt appearance, he faced the cameras with courage, embodying the resilience that defined his life and career. His work continues to inspire, with The Surfer and The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat standing as his final contributions to cinema.
Julian McMahon’s legacy endures through his powerful performances and the lives he touched. As Kelly Paniagua urged, those who cherished his work are encouraged to “continue to find joy in life,” a fitting tribute to an actor whose talent brought joy to so many.
