Julian McMahon, Nip/Tuck and Charmed Star, Dies at 56 After Private Cancer Battle

Beloved actor Julian McMahon, known to millions for his unforgettable roles on Nip/Tuck and Charmed, has passed away at the age of 56 after a private battle with cancer. His wife, Kelly, confirmed the heartbreaking news, sharing that he died peacefully this week, on July 2, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida, surrounded by love.

For decades, McMahon captured hearts around the world with his magnetic screen presence and layered performances. From playing the charming yet tormented demon Cole Turner on Charmed to embodying the complex, seductive Dr. Christian Troy on the hit drama Nip/Tuck, his roles were as iconic as they were unforgettable.

“Julian fought valiantly and faced his illness with quiet courage and dignity,” Kelly said in a statement. “He was, and always will be, my greatest love.”

Julian McMahon’s final public appearance came on March 10, 2025, when he attended the North American premiere of The Surfer during Austin’s SXSW Conference, alongside co-star Nicolas Cage and director Lorcan Finnegan. Despite looking noticeably frail and having lost weight, he walked the red carpet with the same grace and warmth that endeared him to so many over the years. It would be his last time in the spotlight.

Short Biography

Born in Sydney, Australia, in 1968, Julian Dana William;  McMahon was the son of former Australian Prime Minister Sir William McMahon and socialite Lady Sonia McMahon. Despite his privileged upbringing, McMahon charted his own path into acting, first winning attention as a model and then as an actor on Australia’s Home and Away.

Hollywood soon called, and McMahon’s star rose quickly. As the darkly romantic Cole Turner on Charmed, he became a fan favorite in the early 2000s. But it was his daring portrayal of the unapologetically hedonistic Dr. Troy in Nip/Tuck that truly set him apart, earning him critical acclaim and making him one of TV’s most compelling antiheroes.

McMahon also brought his talents to the big screen, playing the villainous Victor Von Doom in Fantastic Four and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, as well as starring alongside Sandra Bullock in Premonition and Bruce Willis in Red. His final film, The Surfer, now stands as a poignant reminder of his enduring artistry.

Away from the cameras, Julian McMahon was known for his kindness, wit, and deep devotion to his family. He kept his battle with cancer out of the public eye, choosing instead to focus on spending precious time with those he loved.

As the world says goodbye to a cherished actor, we also remember the man behind the roles: loving husband, loyal friend, and a talent that will live on through the characters he brought to life.

We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Kelly, his family, and his countless fans around the world.

Rest in peace, Julian. Thank you for everything.