🕊️ Remembering Julian McMahon: Actor, Icon, & Beloved TV Star
Julian McMahon, the Australian actor who brought unforgettable characters to life on screen—from the seductive demon Cole Turner on “Charmed” to the charmingly complex Dr. Christian Troy on “Nip/Tuck“—has passed away at the age of 56.
According to a statement from his wife, Kelly McMahon, shared with CBS News, the actor died peacefully after a private and courageous battle with cancer.
“Julian loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work and he loved his fans,” Kelly said. “His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible.”
The family is asking for privacy as they grieve and encourages fans to continue finding joy in life—the very thing Julian wanted to spread to the world.
🇦🇺 From Sydney To Stardom
Born on July 27, 1968, in Sydney, Australia, Julian Dana William McMahon was the son of Sir William “Billy” McMahon, who briefly served as Australia’s prime minister from 1971 to 1972.
Though politics ran in the family, Julian had his sights set on the spotlight.
He kicked off his career in the late ’80s, starring in the Australian soap “The Power, the Passion.”
By 1992, he made his big screen debut in “Wet and Wild Summer!” and soon after set his sights on Hollywood.
📺 Breakout Roles: Charmed & Nip/Tuck
Julian quickly found his footing in the U.S. with roles on “Another World” and “Profiler,” but it was “Charmed” that turned him into a household name.
As Cole Turner, the half-demon love interest of Phoebe Halliwell (played by Alyssa Milano), McMahon captivated fans with his intensity, vulnerability, and undeniable chemistry with the show’s leads.
Following news of his passing, Milano penned a touching tribute:
“Julian McMahon was magic… That smile. That laugh. That talent. That presence. He walked into a room and lit it up—not just with charisma, but with kindness.”
She described him as more than a co-star—he was a friend, a confidant, and someone who made her feel seen and supported both on and off camera.
After three seasons on “Charmed,” McMahon landed the career-defining role of Dr. Christian Troy in Ryan Murphy’s groundbreaking drama “Nip/Tuck.”
For six seasons, he portrayed the slick, tormented plastic surgeon, a role that earned him critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination.
🎬 Film Work & Later Roles
Beyond television, Julian McMahon also made waves on the big screen.
He played the iconic villain Dr. Doom in Fantastic Four (2005) and its sequel, and starred in films like Premonition alongside Sandra Bullock, RED, Paranoia, and Swinging Safari.
In his final years, Julian continued to explore rich, character-driven stories.
He starred alongside Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor in Hulu’s The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat, a heartfelt drama based on the best-selling novel about friendship, love, and resilience in a small Southern town.
He also appeared in the 2024 Nicolas Cage film The Surfer and played the Australian prime minister in Netflix’s murder mystery series “The Residence“—bringing his career full circle with a nod to his real-life roots.
💔 Rest In Peace
Julian McMahon’s passing is a heartbreaking loss for the entertainment world and the millions of fans who followed his decades-long career.
His legacy lives on in the iconic roles he played, the stories he helped tell, and the countless lives he touched with his work and spirit.
You truly never know what battles someone is facing behind the scenes.
Sending love and strength to his wife Kelly and the entire McMahon family during this incredibly difficult time.
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