Julian McMahon, star of Nip/Tuck, dead at 56 years old

By: Sarah Osmond, Published July 05 2025

Julian McMahon, Television Icon, Passes Away at 56

Julian McMahon, celebrated for his magnetic performances in FX’s boundary-pushing drama Nip/Tuck and CBS’ hit procedural FBI: Most Wanted, has died at the age of 56. The acclaimed actor passed away on July 2 after a courageous and private battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy as one of television’s most versatile and charismatic leading men.

Heartfelt Tribute from Kelly McMahon

The heartbreaking news was confirmed by his wife, Kelly McMahon, who issued a moving statement to Deadline. “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. Julian loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans. His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible. 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. We are grateful for the memories.”

From Australian Soaps to International Stardom

Julian McMahon’s journey into the spotlight began back in 1989, when he first graced television screens as a cast member on the short-lived Australian soap opera The Power, the Passion. Not long after, he found a place in the hearts of Aussie audiences with a role on the enduring favorite Home and Away. But his ambitions quickly took him abroad, and in 1993 he made his American debut on NBC’s Another World, stepping onto the vast stage of U.S. daytime television. McMahon’s Stateside momentum continued to build with a series-regular role as John Grant on NBC’s Profiler, a late-’90s staple for crime drama fans. He reached cult status with his portrayal of the enigmatic Cole Turner on The WB’s supernatural hit Charmed, captivating viewers as the conflicted demon-turned-love interest, and cementing his place in TV lore.

Nip/Tuck: The Role That Defined an Era

The early 2000s marked a career-defining moment for McMahon. In 2003, he was cast as the seductive and complicated Dr. Christian Troy opposite Dylan Walsh in Ryan Murphy’s Nip/Tuck, a series that pushed boundaries and redefined the medical drama genre. The show ran for six provocative seasons on FX, concluding in 2010, and earned McMahon a Golden Globe nomination for his nuanced, unforgettable portrayal of the morally complex plastic surgeon.

FBI: Most Wanted and a New Generation of Fans

After a decade of varied roles, McMahon returned to prime time in 2020 with CBS’ FBI: Most Wanted, taking on the lead as Jess LaCroix, the stoic and dedicated team leader of the Fugitive Task Force. For three gripping seasons, he anchored the series, bringing gravitas and emotional depth to the procedural before making a memorable exit in March 2022.

Superhero Stardom and Other Notable Credits

Beyond the small screen, McMahon made his mark in the world of superheroes, appearing as the villainous Victor Von Doom in Marvel’s 2005 blockbuster Fantastic Four and its 2007 sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. He also took on a recurring role in Hulu’s Marvel’s Runaways, further demonstrating his chameleonic ability to inhabit both heroes and villains with equal flair.

His Final Bow and Legacy of Joy: The Residence and a Personal Connection

McMahon’s final role came in 2024, when he joined the cast of Netflix’s buzzy White House-set mystery The Residence. Fittingly, he played Stephen Roos, the Prime Minister of Australia—a nod to his real-life lineage, as McMahon’s own father, Billy McMahon, served as Australia’s PM from 1971 to 1972. The role was a poignant full-circle moment in a career marked by both range and resonance. Julian McMahon’s career spanned continents, genres, and generations. Whether as a soap opera heartthrob, a supernatural antihero, a complex surgeon, or a principled federal agent, he consistently brought depth, style, and humanity to every role. As his family and fans remember him, the joy he shared on and off screen will continue to inspire and uplift—a true testament to a life fully and joyfully lived.