Julian McMahon, star of Charmed, Nip/Tuck, and Fantastic Four, has passed away at 56 after a private health battle—news that has stunned fans and co-stars alike.
The Australian actor died peacefully on July 2 in Clearwater, Florida, with his wife, Kelly Paniagua, by his side. It was later revealed that he had been quietly battling cancer, choosing to keep his condition out of the public eye until the very end.
Though McMahon hadn’t publicly spoken about his illness, some fans had noticed that he appeared noticeably thinner during a rare public sighting a few months ago—prompting quiet concern online.
Born into prominence as the son of former Australian Prime Minister Billy McMahon, Julian forged his own path, moving from modeling into TV and film. His breakout roles on Home and Away, Another World, and later Charmed made him a fan favorite. But it was Nip/Tuck that truly launched him into stardom, where his portrayal of the troubled surgeon Christian Troy earned him a Golden Globe nomination.
He also played the memorable villain Doctor Doom in the Fantastic Four films and most recently starred in FBI: Most Wanted as agent Jess LaCroix.
McMahon had recently wrapped work on a Netflix thriller alongside Nicolas Cage, as well as The Residence, where he played an Australian Prime Minister—a role that reflected his real-life roots.
Tributes have flooded in from co-stars like Alyssa Milano, Holly Marie Combs, and Ioan Gruffudd. Milano called him “magic.” Combs said his kindness and sense of humor would never be forgotten.
Julian is survived by his wife and daughter Madison.