We lost 2 of my favorite actors this week. Here is a tribute article for one on them - Julian McMahon.
The entertainment world lost one of its most magnetic performers this week when Julian McMahon, the Australian-American actor beloved for his captivating portrayals of complex characters across television and film, died peacefully at his home in Clearwater, Florida, on July 2nd. He was 56 years old, having waged a private battle against cancer with the same grace and determination that defined his nearly four-decade career.
McMahon's wife, Kelly, announced his passing with words that captured the essence of the man millions came to adore: "Julian loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans. His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible."
From the supernatural halls of "Charmed" to the plastic surgery clinics of "Nip/Tuck," from wielding the power of Doctor Doom in "Fantastic Four" to hunting criminals in "FBI: Most Wanted," Julian McMahon possessed that rare quality that made audiences lean forward whenever he appeared on screen. Whether playing a charming villain or a complex hero, he brought an irresistible combination of swagger, vulnerability, and genuine warmth that set him apart in Hollywood's crowded landscape.
The Australian Son Who Conquered Hollywood
Born on July 27, 1968, in Sydney, Australia, Julian Dana William McMahon entered the world with politics in his blood. His father, William McMahon, served as Australia's 20th Prime Minister from 1971 to 1972, while his mother, Sonia McMahon, was a renowned socialite and fashion icon. Yet despite this prestigious lineage, Julian would forge his own path to fame, one that would take him far from the political corridors of Canberra to the glamorous studios of Hollywood.
McMahon's journey into acting began on Australian television, where he cut his teeth on soap operas including "The Power, the Passion" and "Home and Away." These early roles taught him the discipline and commitment that would become hallmarks of his later career. "I've never lost my passion for what I do," he reflected in a 2022 interview with Soap Opera Digest. "I think that is something that I've carried throughout my whole career and I think it's been an important facet of what I consider being successful, that I've stayed committed to my craft and evolving that craft."
The transition to American television came in 1993 with a role on NBC's "Another World," followed by a recurring part on "Profiler." But it was his casting as the demon Cole Turner on The WB's "Charmed" that would truly launch his American career and establish him as a master of playing morally complex characters who audiences couldn't help but love, even when they were supposed to be the villain.
The Demonic Charmer Who Stole Hearts
"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." - Alyssa Milano
For three seasons on "Charmed," McMahon transformed the supernatural drama with his portrayal of Cole Turner, a half-demon who falls in love with Phoebe Halliwell, played by Alyssa Milano. The role showcased McMahon's unique ability to balance darkness with light, menace with tenderness, creating a character who was simultaneously terrifying and utterly romantic.
Milano's tribute to her former co-star captured the magic he brought to their scenes together: "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. With mischief. With soulful understanding." She continued, "Julian was more than my TV husband. He was a dear friend. The kind who checks in. The kind who remembers. The kind who shares. The kind who tells you the truth, even when it's uncomfortable—but always with love."
The chemistry between Milano and McMahon became legendary among "Charmed" fans, who were drawn to Cole's tortured soul and his genuine love for Phoebe. McMahon made viewers believe that even a demon could find redemption through love, a testament to his ability to find humanity in the most unlikely characters.
Holly Marie Combs, another "Charmed" co-star, remembered him as "one of a kind," writing, "Your unyielding zest for life and crazy making sense of humor will be sorely missed. The joy and laughter you were the direct cause of will always be remembered." Rose McGowan called him "a force of brilliance, wild talent and humor," while Brian Krause noted he was "one of the funniest, devilishly handsome and kind souls."
The Plastic Surgeon Who Redefined Television Drama
If "Charmed" introduced McMahon to American audiences, it was his starring role in Ryan Murphy's "Nip/Tuck" that truly established him as a television icon. Playing Dr. Christian Troy, a narcissistic yet vulnerable plastic surgeon, McMahon delivered what many consider to be his finest performance across the show's six-season run from 2003 to 2010.
Christian Troy was a character who could have easily been unlikable in lesser hands. Arrogant, womanizing, and obsessed with physical perfection, Troy was the antithesis of a traditional hero. Yet McMahon imbued him with such charisma and unexpected depth that audiences found themselves rooting for him despite his many flaws. The show's famous tagline, "Tell me what you don't like about yourself," delivered by McMahon, became a cultural touchstone.
Dylan Walsh, who played McMahon's partner Dr. Sean McNamara, shared an emotional tribute that revealed the deep friendship that developed between the two actors: "I'm stunned. We rode this wave together and I loved him. My heart goes out to Kelly and Maddy. Jules! I know you'd want me to say something to make you smile — all the inside jokes. All those years you had my back, and my god, we laughed."
The performance earned McMahon a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama in 2005, and the show itself was nominated for Best Drama Series, winning the award that same year. The series garnered 18 Emmy nominations throughout its run, cementing its place as one of FX's signature series and helping to define the network's reputation for provocative, character-driven drama.
Kelly Carlson, who played Troy's frequent romantic interest Kimber Henry, eulogized her former co-star as "the energy, the charisma, the humor, the looks and everything of Nip/Tuck." Her words captured how central McMahon was to the show's success and cultural impact.
The Villain Who Commanded Respect on the Big Screen
While McMahon was conquering television, he simultaneously made his mark in cinema, most notably as the iconic villain Victor Von Doom in 2005's "Fantastic Four" and its 2007 sequel "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer." Taking on one of Marvel's most famous antagonists, McMahon brought a regal bearing and intellectual menace to Doctor Doom that elevated the character beyond typical superhero movie villainy.
Ioan Gruffudd, who played Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic opposite McMahon's Doom, shared a touching tribute that revealed the joy of working with him: "Even though we played each other's nemeses, there was always so much lightness and laughter working together. Every encounter with him was a joy. It was an honor to be Dr. Richards to his Dr. Doom. My heart goes out to his wife and family."
Michael Chiklis, who portrayed Ben Grimm/The Thing, was equally moved by McMahon's passing, writing, "I'm devastated to hear of the passing of my friend Julian." The friendships McMahon formed with his "Fantastic Four" co-stars spoke to his ability to maintain warmth and humor even while playing characters who were anything but warm.
McMahon's film career extended beyond superhero movies to include memorable roles in "Premonition" with Sandra Bullock, the action-comedy "Red," and more recently, "The Surfer" alongside Nicolas Cage and "The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat." His final film appearances showcased his continued commitment to taking on diverse and challenging roles well into his fifties.
The Lawman's Final Chapter
McMahon's later television career found him returning to more heroic territory with his role as Supervisory Special Agent Jess LaCroix in CBS's "FBI: Most Wanted" from 2020 to 2022. The role allowed him to showcase a different side of his talent, playing a dedicated lawman and mentor who led his team with both strength and compassion.
Dick Wolf, creator of the "FBI" franchise, issued a statement calling McMahon's death "shocking news," adding, "All of us at Wolf Entertainment are deeply saddened by Julian's passing and our condolences go out to his entire family."
Even in this more straightforward heroic role, McMahon found ways to bring complexity and depth to LaCroix, drawing on the vulnerability he had mastered in earlier roles to create a character who was tough when necessary but never lost his humanity.
His final television role came in Netflix's murder mystery series "The Residence," where he played the Prime Minister of Australia, perhaps drawing on childhood memories of his father's time in that very office. Though the series was recently canceled after one season, it represented McMahon's continued willingness to take on new challenges and explore different genres.
The Man Behind the Magic
Those who worked with McMahon consistently describe not just a talented actor, but a generous human being who brought joy to every set he graced. Nicolas Cage, who worked with McMahon on "The Surfer," shared in a statement: "Such deeply saddening news. I spent six weeks working with Julian, and he was the most talented of actors. Our scenes together on 'The Surfer' were amongst my favorites I have ever participated in, and Julian is one of my favorite people. He was a kind and intelligent man."
Uzo Aduba, who appeared with McMahon in both "The Residence" and "The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat," remembered his infectious enthusiasm: "Such a talent, but also just so much love for life. Energy. Intelligence. Sending all of my love to those who worked with, knew, and loved Julian."
McMahon's personal life was marked by the same passion he brought to his professional work. He was married to Kelly Paniagua in 2014, and their relationship became a source of great happiness for the actor. He was also a devoted father to his daughter Madison from his previous marriage to model Brooke Burns, and his ex-wife paid tribute by sharing a touching photo of McMahon with their daughter.
His first marriage was to singer Dannii Minogue in the 1990s, making him briefly related to pop superstar Kylie Minogue. Interestingly, he would later work alongside Kylie in the 2018 Australian film "Swinging Safari," demonstrating the small-world nature of the entertainment industry and his continued connection to his Australian roots.
A Legacy of Light and Laughter
Throughout his career, McMahon demonstrated a remarkable ability to find the humanity in every character he played, whether demon, doctor, or detective. He understood that the most compelling villains are those with relatable motivations, and the most interesting heroes are those with visible flaws. This insight, combined with his natural charisma and commitment to his craft, made him unforgettable in every role.
Joely Richardson, who worked with McMahon on "Nip/Tuck," captured his essence perfectly: "Julian could be hysterically funny, was hugely charismatic (drama swirled in his wake), and most of the female population fell for him as 'Christian Troy.' This is hard to write— seminal times we all shared."
The consistency of the tributes pouring in from co-stars, directors, and fans speaks to McMahon's impact both as a performer and as a person. In an industry often marked by ego and competition, he was remembered universally for his kindness, humor, and generosity of spirit.
His approach to acting remained grounded in the fundamentals he learned early in his career. "I think commitment is something that I picked up from working on 'The Power, the Passion' and 'Nip/Tuck,'" he told Soap Opera Digest. "I've never lost my passion for what I do, and I think that is something that I've carried throughout my whole career."
The Final Curtain
Julian McMahon's final public appearance was at the March 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival in Austin, Texas, where he promoted "The Surfer" alongside Nicolas Cage. Even facing his private health battle, he continued to engage with fans and promote his work with the enthusiasm that defined his entire career.
His death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with tributes continuing to pour in from colleagues, friends, and fans around the world. The official "Nip/Tuck" Facebook page confirmed his passing, while fan groups for "Charmed," "Fantastic Four," and his other projects have become virtual memorial sites where admirers share their favorite memories and moments.
Kelly McMahon's statement concluded with words that serve as a fitting epitaph for a man who dedicated his life to bringing joy to others: "We wish for all of those to whom Julian brought joy, to continue to find joy in life. We are grateful for the memories."
As the entertainment world mourns the loss of Julian McMahon, his legacy lives on in the unforgettable characters he created and the countless hearts he touched. From the supernatural romance of "Charmed" to the dark glamour of "Nip/Tuck," from the comic book adventures of "Fantastic Four" to the procedural excellence of "FBI: Most Wanted," he leaves behind a body of work that showcases not just his versatility as an actor, but his unique ability to make audiences care deeply about every character he inhabited.
In an industry full of talented performers, Julian McMahon was that rare breed who could truly be called magical. His smile could light up a room, his presence could command attention, and his talent could transform even the most unlikely character into someone unforgettable. He lived his life with the same passion and commitment he brought to every role, and in doing so, he achieved his deepest wish: bringing joy into as many lives as possible.
The curtain has fallen on Julian McMahon's remarkable performance, but the magic he created will continue to enchant audiences for generations to come. In the words of his "Charmed" co-star Holly Marie Combs, may he "find our lady friend and dance in those rose petals." Rest in peace, Julian. Forever Cole. Forever Christian. Forever our devilishly handsome demon with a heart of gold.
Sources: Deadline, People Magazine, ABC News, CNN, Fox News, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, NBC News, Entertainment Weekly, Salon, TV Line, Gold Derby, Collider, The Huffington Post, Euronews, social media tributes from co-stars and colleagues.
