The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Julian McMahon, the charismatic Australian-American actor known for his captivating roles in ‘Nip/Tuck’ and ‘Charmed,’ as well as his memorable portrayal of Doctor Doom in the ‘Fantastic Four’ films. He passed away at the age of 56, leaving behind a legacy that touched the hearts of fans globally.
He died on Wednesday, July 2, in Clearwater, Florida, following a battle with cancer that had never been made public. His wife, Kelly Paniagua, aka Kelly McMahon, expressing her deep sorrow but also the endless joy he worked hard to bring to the world.
His wife, Kelly McMahon, shared a deeply personal tribute, revealing that her “beloved husband passed away peacefully this week after a courageous battle with cancer.” She tenderly described his zest for life, stating, “Julian loved life. He loved his family, he loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans,” adding that his greatest aspiration was to “bring joy to the lives of as many people as possible.”
Additionally, they wish all those who brought Julian joy to continue to find happiness in their own lives and express their deep gratitude for these shared memories. The statement highlights the personal impact McMahon had on those closest to him as well as a wider audience.
A cremation approval summary report obtained by PEOPLE from the Pinellas County, Florida, Medical Examiner’s Office provides further clarity. The official document confirms the specific cause of his passing and provides a clear understanding of the medical condition he faced.
The report states that the Australian actor died of lung metastases as a direct result of metastatic cancer in the head and neck. The medical description describes the cancer as originating in the head or neck area and subsequently spreading to other parts of the body, indicating that the disease was advanced. The death was determined to be natural, and his body was reportedly cremated, officially closing this chapter of his life.
Following the heartbreaking news, Julian McMahon’s family shared a poignant message on his Instagram account on July 8th, accompanied by a touching black-and-white photograph and Van Morrison’s song “Sometimes We Cry,” a track that clearly held special significance for the actor.
The post expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans, writing: “Julian loved Van Morrison. To everyone who loved Julian, thank you.” Julian’s only daughter, 25-year-old Madison McMahon, later reposted the tribute on her Instagram Stories, expressing the family’s grief and thanking the public for their support during the loss of their son.
Born in Sydney, Australia, in 1968, Julian McMahon hailed from a distinguished family; his father, Sir William McMahon, served as Prime Minister of Australia starting in 1971, providing a unique backdrop to his formative years.
He was educated at Sydney Grammar School, a private boys’ school, after which he briefly entered the field of higher academics. McMahon briefly studied law at the University of Sydney and economics at the University of Wollongong, but he ultimately found that he had little interest in these subjects. This discovery led him to a career path that was incompatible with his background: a modeling career in the 1980s.
McMahon’s journey into the entertainment sphere began in Australia, where he made his screen debut in 1989 as the lead in the brief-lived soap opera ‘The Power and the Passion,’ followed by a significant role in the popular series ‘Together and Apart,’ where he appeared in an impressive 150 episodes between 1990 and 1991.
In 1991, while filming Home & Away, he met singer Dannii Minogue, Kylie Minogue’s sister, and the two later had a short marriage. His first major film role was the 1992 comedy Exchange Lifeguards, known as Wet & Wild or Wet and Wild summer in the United States, which allowed him to initially demonstrate his acting talent on the big screen.
The mid-1990s marked a pivotal shift as Julian McMahon ventured into Hollywood, a move that profoundly shaped his career trajectory; in 1992, he joined the cast of the NBC daytime soap opera ‘Another World,’ and subsequently secured a regular role in the acclaimed 1996 crime drama ‘Profiler,’ solidifying his presence in the competitive American television landscape.
In 2000, McMahon was cast in the supernatural drama series Charmed, where he starred until 2005, and his acting career reached new heights with his pivotal role as Cole Turner. He played the mysterious love interest of Phoebe, attracting a large and loyal fan base and showcasing his versatility in fantasy dramas.
Following Charmed, McMahon’s role as arrogant plastic surgeon Christian Troy in Ryan Murphy’s critically acclaimed FX series Nip & Tuck was perhaps his most iconic television role. From 2003 to 2010, McMahon starred in the series for six seasons and 100 episodes, earning him a major nomination for the role, solidifying his status as a dramatic actor of great depth and charisma.
While his television career was successful, Julian McMahon also ventured into the film industry, especially in superhero movies. In 2005, he played the formidable Marvel villain Victor von Doom, also known as Doctor Doom, in the Fantastic Four movie. He reprised this important role in the sequel Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, which was released in 2007, and further reached a global audience.
Julian McMahon’s personal life, particularly his relationships, often captured public interest; he was married three times, each union marking a distinct chapter. His first marriage was to Dannii Minogue from 1994 to 1995, a relationship that began after they met on the set of ‘Home & Away’ in 1991, with Dannii’s song “This Is It” reflecting their early aspirations.
However, their marriage also faced challenge mainly due to their busy schedules, which prevented them from being together most of the time. Julian lived in the United States and Dannii lived in London. Dannii Minogue later spoke candidly about the pressures of the relationship, saying, “I had to visit him every two weeks, and not only did I run out of money, I was in debt.” She also mentioned that the “toxic relationship” with Julian’s mother was a major problem in the early days of their marriage. “We had no relationship, she wouldn’t talk to me, I wasn’t allowed to be near her at home, and she said she wouldn’t come to the wedding,” Dannii revealed in 2019. They never spoke again after their split. Nearly a week after the news of his death was announced, Dani returned to social media on July 9 to promote a collaboration with QVC, but did not directly comment on his death.
Following his divorce from Dannii Minogue, McMahon married actress Brooke Burns in 1999, a union that concluded in 2001 and blessed them with a daughter, Madison Elizabeth McMahon, who is now 25 years old; his third marriage was to Kelly Paniagua in 2014, and they remained together until his passing.
Milano further reflected on their time together, noting, “We spent years together on Charmed—years of scenes, stories, and so many in-between moments. Seen as a woman. He challenged me, teased me, supported me.” She emphasized their unique bond, stating, “We were so different, and yet somehow we always understood each other. Julian was more than my TV husband. He was a dear friend. The kind who checks in. The kind who remembers. The kind who tells you the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable—but always with love.” Holly Marie Combs, another “Charmed” co-star and his on-screen sister-in-law, also shared a poignant wish: “I hope you find our lady friend and dance in those rose petals.”
Dylan Walsh, who shared the screen with McMahon in “Nip/Tuck,” expressed his profound shock and grief. “I’m stunned,” Walsh told Deadline in a statement. “We rode this wave together and I loved him. My heart goes out to Kelly and Maddy.” He added a personal note, reminiscing about their camaraderie: “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.”
From his “Fantastic Four” days, Ioan Gruffudd, who played Reed “Mr. Fantastic” Richards, acknowledged their on-screen rivalry while highlighting their off-screen friendship. “Even though we played each other’s nemeses, there was always so much lightness and laughter working together,” Gruffudd wrote. “Every encounter with him was a joy. My heart goes out to his wife and family. God speed Julian.” Michael Chiklis, who portrayed The Thing in the same films.
Julian McMahon’s life journey is a testament to his innate talent for seamlessly bridging a variety of entertainment mediums and impressing audiences and colleagues. From his roots as the son of a former Australian Prime Minister has carved out a unique path driven by his deep desire to inject joy into the lives of others, as lovingly expressed by his wife.
The rich legacy he leaves behind marked by unforgettable characters and widespread influence, will undoubtedly continue to resonate, reminding all who admire him to seek and find joy in their own lives, as he wished.
