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Australian actor Julian McMahon has passed away at age 56

July 5, 2025 10:48 am in by
Photo by Ron Davis/Getty Images

Australian actor Julian McMahon has passed away at the age of 56 after a private battle with cancer. McMahon, known for his iconic roles in hit TV shows and films, died in Clearwater, Florida, leaving behind a lasting legacy in entertainment.

Born in Sydney, Australia, Julian McMahon was the son of Sir William McMahon, Australia’s 20th Prime Minister, and Lady Sonia McMahon, a well-known socialite. Before breaking into acting, McMahon worked as a model but found his first taste of fame on the popular Australian soap opera Home and Away.

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McMahon’s career skyrocketed when he made the leap to Hollywood. He gained attention with roles on the U.S. soap opera Another World and the crime drama Profiler. However, he became a household name through his portrayal of Cole Turner on Charmed and Dr. Christian Troy on the critically acclaimed TV series Nip/Tuck. His standout performance in Nip/Tuck earned him several award nominations and cemented his place as a leading man in television.

Beyond TV, McMahon made a mark in Hollywood movies. He played the villain Doctor Doom in the Fantastic Four movies (2005 and 2007) and starred in films such as Premonition with Sandra Bullock, Red, and Faces in the Crowd.

In recent years, McMahon continued to take on prominent roles. He led CBS’s FBI: Most Wanted, where he played Jess LaCroix, and portrayed Jonah in Hulu’s Marvel series Runaways. His final projects included a role in The Surfer with Nicolas Cage and starring as the Australian Prime Minister in Netflix’s murder mystery series The Residence.

Julian McMahon is survived by his wife, Kelly Paniagua, and his daughter, Madison. Fans across the world will remember him for his captivating on-screen presence, his dedication to his craft, and his contributions to both Australian and global entertainment.

McMahon’s incredible body of work continues to inspire and entertain audiences, making him one of the most memorable actors of his generation.

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