Julian McMahon, the acclaimed actor recognized for his compelling performances as Dr. Christian Troy in “Nip/Tuck” and the complex demon Cole Turner in “Charmed,” has passed away at the age of 56. His death, confirmed by his wife Kelly Paniagua, followed a private battle with cancer. McMahon died peacefully on Wednesday, July 2, in Clearwater, Florida, as announced by Paniagua in a statement released on Friday, July 4.
McMahon, who also famously portrayed Doctor Doom in the “Fantastic Four” films and more recently starred as Jess LaCroix in “FBI: Most Wanted,” had kept his health struggles out of the public eye. His wife’s heartfelt statement emphasized his profound love for life, his family, friends, work, and his dedicated fanbase. She conveyed his deepest wish to bring joy into as many lives as possible. The family has requested privacy during this profoundly difficult time.
Born Julian Dana William McMahon on July 27, 1968, in Sydney, Australia, he was the son of Sir William “Billy” McMahon, a former Australian Prime Minister. McMahon initially embarked on a career in fashion modeling before transitioning to acting. His early acting breakthrough came in the popular Australian soap opera “Home and Away.” This success led him to the United States, where he secured roles in American daytime dramas like “Another World” and later in the supernatural crime drama “Profiler.”
His career reached new heights with his role as Cole Turner on the hit supernatural series “Charmed,” which he starred in from 2000 to 2005. His portrayal of the conflicted demon resonated strongly with audiences, earning him a significant following. McMahon further solidified his status as a prominent actor with his lead role as the charismatic yet morally ambiguous plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Troy in Ryan Murphy’s critically acclaimed series “Nip/Tuck,” which ran from 2003 to 2010. This performance earned him a Golden Globe Award nomination, showcasing his talent for playing complex characters.
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In his later career, McMahon continued to demonstrate his versatility across various film and television projects. His film credits include “Premonition” and the recently released “The Surfer” (2024), where he appeared alongside Nicolas Cage. On television, he was a key figure in CBS’s “FBI: Most Wanted” for three seasons and had a role in Netflix’s upcoming series “The Residence.” His diverse range of roles highlighted his intensity, adaptability, and distinctive charm on screen.
Tributes from his former co-stars, colleagues, and members of the entertainment industry have been pouring in, remembering McMahon as a kind, exceptionally talented, and joyful individual who made a significant impact on those he worked with.
Julian McMahon is survived by his beloved wife, Kelly Paniagua, and his daughter, Madison, from a previous marriage. His passing marks the loss of a celebrated actor whose diverse contributions left an indelible mark on television and film.
