Julian McMahon, Doctor Doom and Charmed Star, Dies at 56

Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.Generate Key TakeawaysJulian McMahon

Julian McMahon, the Australian actor who captivated audiences with his charisma and intensity in hit TV shows such asNip/Tuck,Charmed, andFBI: Most Wanted, has passed away at the age of 56 following a private battle with cancer. McMahon passed away peacefully on July 2 in Clearwater, Florida, surrounded by loved ones.

“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 wife, Kelly McMahon, said in a heartfelt statement toDeadline. “Julian loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work and his fans. His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible.”

McMahon is also survived by his daughter, Madison “Maddy” McMahon.

From Political Legacy to Hollywood Spotlight

Born on July 27, 1968, in Sydney, Australia, Julian Dana William McMahon came from a prominent background. His father, Sir William “Billy” McMahon, served as Prime Minister of Australia from 1971 to 1972. Despite political roots, Julian forged a very different path that would take him from the world of modeling and Australian soap operas to international fame.

AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R17ekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R27ekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe

He began his entertainment career as a model before transitioning into acting with a leading role in the 1989 Australian soapopera The Power and the Passion. He then joined the long-runningHome and Awayfrom 1990 to 1991. Hollywood soon came calling, and McMahon made his U.S. debut on NBC’sAnother Worldin 1993.

Breakout Roles and TV Stardom

After cutting his teeth in daytime dramas, McMahon broke into primetime with a regular role on NBC’sProfiler. But it was his darkly seductive performance as Cole Turner in the WB’s hit supernatural seriesCharmedthat began to shape his on-screen legacy.

He became a true television icon with FX’sNip/Tuck, playing the womanizing and enigmatic plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Troy. The role earned him a Golden Globe nomination and showcased his range from vulnerable to villainous, and everything in between. His co-star Dylan Walsh paid tribute, saying:

“I’m stunned,” Walsh toldDeadline. “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. My heart is with you. Rest in peace.”

FollowingNip/Tuck, McMahon took on the lead role of Jess LaCroix on CBS’FBI: Most Wanted. He anchored the first three seasons with calm intensity and gravitas, becoming a staple of the franchise.

AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R1eekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2eekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe

“What shocking news,” said franchise creator Dick Wolf. “All of us at Wolf Entertainment are deeply saddened by Julian’s passing, and our condolences go out to his entire family.”

From Supervillain to Surfer

He’s widely remembered for playing Marvel’s iconic villain Doctor Doom inFantastic Four(2005) andFantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer(2007). Other notable films includePremonition,starring Sandra Bullock;RED;You’re Not You; andParanoia.

His final feature film role was opposite Nicolas Cage inThe Surfer, which premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Cage shared a touching tribute to McMahon:

“Such deeply saddening news. I spent six weeks working with Julian, and he was the most talented of actors,” Cage toldDeadline. “Our scenes together onThe Surferwere amongst my favorites I have ever participated in, and Julian is one of my favorite people. He was a kind and intelligent man. My love to his family.”

A Full-Circle Farewell

In what can only be described as a poetic full-circle moment, McMahon’s final role was in Netflix’sThe Residence, a murder mystery series in which he portrayed the Prime Minister of Australia, a nod to the very legacy he was born into.

AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R1mekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2mekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe

While McMahon kept his cancer battle private, the outpouring of love from fans, peers, and collaborators speaks to the impact he had both on and off screen.

“Julian’s deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible,” his wife Kelly added. “We ask for support during this time to allow our family to grieve in privacy. And we wish for all of those to whom Julian brought joy, to continue to find joy in life.”

The post Julian McMahon, Doctor Doom andCharmedStar, Dies at 56 appeared first on Where Is The Buzz | Breaking News, Entertainment, Exclusive Interviews & More.