Australian-born actor Julian McMahon, best known for his standout performances in TV series like Nip/Tuck and Charmed, has passed away at the age of 56 after a private fight with cancer.
His wife, Kelly McMahon, confirmed his passing in a statement shared with CBS News, noting that he died peacefully after courageously facing the disease. “Julian grasped each portion of life — his family, companions, career, and fans. His greatest desire was to bring happiness into people’s lives,” she said. “ At this troublesome time, we merciful inquire for security as we grieve his loss. For everyone who found joy through Julian, we hope you continue to carry that light forward. We’re deeply thankful for the beautiful memories.”
Born on July 27, 1968, in Sydney, Australia, Julian was the son of former Australian Prime Minister Billy McMahon, who served from 1971 to 1972.
Julian began his acting journey in the late 1980s, landing his first major role in the Australian series The Power, the Passion in 1989. He made his film debut in the cross-national comedy Wet and Wild Summer! in 1992, marking the beginning of his international career.
Soon after, McMahon migrated to the Joined together States, where he joined the cast of NBC’s daytime dramatization Another World. He later became a familiar face on the crime thriller Profiler, portraying one of the show’s central characters.
His career reached new heights with the WB supernatural series Charmed, where he portrayed Cole Turner, a complex character who served both as a villain and romantic interest to Phoebe Halliwell, played by Alyssa Milano.
In a tribute posted to Instagram, Milano expressed her deep sorrow: “Julian had a rare spark — his humor, his warmth, his energy were unforgettable. He could walk into a room and immediately brighten it, not just with charm, but with genuine soul and mischief.”
Reflecting on their time on set, she wrote, “We shared years of work, laughter, and personal moments. Julian made me feel seen, respected, and safe. We may have been different in many ways, but we always connected deeply. He wasn’t just a co-star — he was a true friend who showed up, remembered, and cared.”
Following his departure from Charmed, McMahon landed his most critically acclaimed role as Dr. Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck, a drama centered around a Miami plastic surgery practice. His performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination and solidified his reputation in the industry.
He continued to appear in both television and film, including a leading role in FBI: Most Wanted for three seasons on CBS. His film credits include notable appearances in Fantastic Four (as Dr. Doom), Hunch, Ruddy, Neurosis, Swinging Safari, and the later 2024 highlight The Surfer, where he featured inverse Nicolas Cage.
Julian McMahon’s last on-screen appearance was in the Netflix puzzle arrangement The Home, where he depicted the part of an Australian prime serve — a gesture to his real-life legacy.