Julian McMahon, Renowned Actor of 'Nip/Tuck' and 'Fantastic Four', Dies at 56

Julian McMahon, the acclaimed Australian actor best known for his roles in the television series "Nip/Tuck," "Charmed," and the "Fantastic Four" films, passed away on July 2, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida, following a private battle with cancer. He was 56 years old.

McMahon's wife, Kelly McMahon, confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement, emphasizing his love for life, family, and fans. "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. His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible," she stated, requesting privacy for their family during this difficult time (Deadline, July 4, 2025).

Born on July 27, 1968, in Sydney, Australia, McMahon was the son of Billy McMahon, a former Prime Minister of Australia from 1971 to 1972. He began his career as a model and transitioned to acting with his first significant role in the Australian soap opera "The Power, the Passion" in 1989. He later gained popularity in another soap, "Home and Away," before making his feature film debut alongside Elliott Gould in the 1992 movie "Wet and Wild Summer!" (The Hollywood Reporter, 2025).

In the 1990s, McMahon moved to Hollywood, where he starred in NBC's soap opera "Another World" before landing a lead role in the crime drama "Profiler." His breakthrough came with the role of Dr. Christian Troy in "Nip/Tuck," a series that ran for six seasons and earned him a Golden Globe nomination. The show, created by Ryan Murphy, revolved around the lives of two plastic surgeons and their ethical dilemmas, and it significantly raised McMahon's profile as a leading man on television (Variety, 2025).

In addition to his television work, McMahon portrayed Dr. Doom in the "Fantastic Four" films released in 2005 and 2007. His film career also included notable roles in movies like "Premonition," "RED," and "You're Not You" (Entertainment Weekly, 2025). More recently, he starred in CBS's "FBI: Most Wanted" as Jess LaCroix, leading the team for three seasons before his departure in March 2022 (CBS, 2022).

The news of McMahon's passing has elicited tributes from colleagues across the entertainment industry. Dick Wolf, the producer of the "FBI" franchise, expressed his sorrow, stating, "What shocking news. All of us at Wolf Entertainment are deeply saddened by Julian's passing and our condolences go out to his entire family" (Deadline, July 4, 2025).

As fans and peers reflect on McMahon's career and his contributions to film and television, his legacy as a versatile actor and beloved figure in the industry will undoubtedly endure. McMahon's final role was on Netflix's upcoming series "The Residence," where he played an Australian Prime Minister, marking a poignant return to his roots (Deadline, 2025).

In conclusion, Julian McMahon's multifaceted career exemplified his talent and dedication, leaving behind a rich legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of actors. As the entertainment world mourns his loss, his impact on both the small and big screens remains significant, and his memory will be cherished by fans worldwide.