Australian actor Julian McMahon, known for his roles in Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and the Fantastic Four films, has died at age 56 after a private battle with cancer. His wife, Kelly Paniagua, confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement shared with Deadline, saying, “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.”
McMahon’s illness had not been public, and the news of his death has sent shockwaves across the entertainment world. He leaves behind an impressive career spanning over three decades, a legacy of unforgettable characters, and a devoted global fan base.
Julian McMahon attended a screening of The Surfer at the South by Southwest Film Festival in March. [AP: Invision/Jack Plunkett]
From Prime Minister’s Son to International Star
Born in Sydney on July 27, 1968, Julian was the son of William McMahon, who served as Australia’s Prime Minister from 1971 to 1972, and Sonia McMahon, a prominent public figure. Despite growing up in the shadow of politics, Julian McMahon carved his own path, first as a model before finding fame in television and film.
McMahon’s breakthrough came after a Levi’s jeans commercial thrust him into the spotlight. That exposure led to a role on the short-lived Aussie soap The Power, The Passion, followed by a longer stint on Home and Away where he played Ben Lucini. In 1993, he appeared in Wet and Wild Summer!, a film that marked his transition into the international acting scene.
Success in the United States
After his early success in Australia, McMahon moved to the United States, where he gained widespread acclaim. His role as Cole Turner in the supernatural series Charmed captivated audiences. Fans flooded social media with tributes: “Thank you Julian McMahon for bringing Cole Turner to life,” one wrote. Another said, “I watched a lot of Charmed when I grew up. 56 is too young. Rest in peace.”
He later took on the iconic role of Dr. Christian Troy in Ryan Murphy’s hit medical drama Nip/Tuck. The performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination, and he became known for portraying characters that were both suave and emotionally complex.
The Guardian once described his Nip/Tuck character as “a vagina-seeking missile,” yet it was McMahon’s vulnerability on screen that made the role enduring. He told Variety in 2016, “You want to be open to new suggestions, new thoughts, new ideas, and new creativity, wherever that’s coming from.”
McMahon earned a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in Nip/Tuck.
Film Career and Final Projects
McMahon starred in two Fantastic Four films as the villainous Dr Doom, solidifying his status as a Hollywood mainstay. His other film credits include Premonition, Bait, and Swinging Safari. Most recently, he played the Australian Prime Minister in the Netflix miniseries The Residence and co-starred with Nicolas Cage in The Surfer, which premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
In The Surfer, he played Scally, the menacing leader of a beachside gang. His final performance was widely praised for its magnetic energy. In one memorable scene, he tells Cage, “Drink deep, eat your fill, turn around from this town and never come back.”
Personal Life and Relationships
Julian McMahon’s wife, Kelly Paniagua, whom he married in 2014, stood by him throughout his private cancer battle. He also leaves behind a daughter, Madison, from his second marriage to Baywatch star Brooke Burns.
Julian McMahon’s wife, Kelly Paniagua. [Credit: Getty Images]
He was previously married to Dannii Minogue from 1994 to 1995. Their brief union was a tabloid sensation at the time, with Woman’s Day dubbing their wedding “the wedding of the year.”
Julian McMahon with Dannii Minogue [Credit: Getty Images]
At the 2005 Golden Globes, McMahon brought his mother, Lady Sonia McMahon, as his date. She wore a replica of her famously daring gown from a White House visit in 1971. That moment epitomised Julian’s enduring closeness to his family and roots.
A Loss Felt Around the World
Fans, friends, and colleagues have poured out their grief. Nine’s Richard Wilkins shared his sadness: “He was a nice fella… he epitomised tall, dark and handsome. He’ll be very sadly missed today.”
His legacy in the world of Julian McMahon movies and TV shows continues to resonate with fans across generations. Whether as Cole Turner in Charmed, Dr Troy in Nip/Tuck, or Dr Doom on the big screen, his characters left a lasting mark.
His battle with Julian McMahon cancer was kept private, but his impact on television, film, and fans worldwide remains deeply public. The entertainment world has not only lost a brilliant actor but also a generous spirit whose charm and depth made him unforgettable
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Remembering Julian McMahon
Julian McMahon’s passing marks the end of a career that bridged continents, genres, and generations. As tributes pour in and fans revisit his best work, we remember a man who brought joy to millions.
His wife’s words sum it up beautifully: “Julian loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans… We wish for all of those to whom Julian brought joy, to continue to find joy in life.”
May his performances live on, and may we all remember Julian McMahon not just as an actor, but as a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and gave everything to his craft.
