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Julian McMahon, the Australian-American actor known for Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and FBI: Most Wanted, passed away at the age of 56 following a private battle with cancer. His wife, Kelly, confirmed his death in a public statement shared with reputable media. McMahon built a successful career spanning more than three decades, leaving a lasting impact on television drama and film with his distinctive performances and versatility.
Early Life and Family Background
Julian Dana William McMahon was born on July 27, 1968, in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. He was the only son of Sir William McMahon, Australia’s 20th Prime Minister (1971–1972), and Sonia McMahon (née Hopkins), a prominent social figure and philanthropist.
He attended Sydney Grammar School and briefly studied law and economics at the University of Sydney and the University of Wollongong before turning to modeling and acting full-time.
Modeling and Acting Beginnings
McMahon began his career as a model, working in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Milan, and London. He gained early television fame in Australia playing Ben Lucini on the popular soap opera Home and Away from 1990 to 1991. This role was his first major acting breakthrough and opened opportunities for work overseas.
Breakthrough in American Television
After moving to the United States, McMahon landed a regular role on the NBC crime drama Profiler (1996–2000), playing Detective John Grant. His work on Profiler introduced him to American audiences and helped establish his reputation in the U.S. television industry.
He is also well remembered for portraying the demon Cole Turner on the WB series Charmed (2000–2003). His character was central to several major storylines and was popular among fans. McMahon returned for guest appearances in later seasons.
Acclaimed Role on Nip/Tuck
McMahon achieved widespread acclaim for his performance as Dr. Christian Troy in FX’s Nip/Tuck (2003–2010). Created by Ryan Murphy, the drama explored the lives of two plastic surgeons in Miami. Nip/Tuck won a Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama in 2005 and received critical praise for its edgy storytelling.
McMahon’s portrayal of Dr. Troy was noted for its complexity, charm, and moral ambiguity. He was nominated for Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama at the 2005 Golden Globe Awards.
Film Career
In addition to his television work, McMahon had success in feature films. He is widely known for playing Victor Von Doom (Doctor Doom) in the Marvel Comics–based films Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), both produced by 20th Century Fox.
Other film credits include:
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Premonition (2007), a psychological thriller opposite Sandra Bullock
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Red (2010), an action-comedy ensemble featuring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, and Helen Mirren
These roles demonstrated his ability to perform across different genres, from comic book adaptations to suspense and action films.
Return to Television with FBI: Most Wanted
In 2020, McMahon returned to network television with CBS’s FBI: Most Wanted, a spinoff of Dick Wolf’s FBI franchise. He starred as Special Agent Jess LaCroix, the leader of the Fugitive Task Force, known for his calm authority and dedication.
He remained a series regular for three seasons before departing in early 2022. In statements to entertainment media, McMahon expressed gratitude for the role and the support of the show’s fans.
Personal Life
Julian McMahon married Kelly Paniagua in 2014 in a private ceremony in Lake Tahoe, on the California–Nevada border. The couple had been together for over a decade before marrying. He was previously married to Australian singer and television personality Dannii Minogue (1994–1995) and to actress and model Brooke Burns (1999–2001). He and Burns share one daughter, Madison Elizabeth McMahon, born in 2000.
Although McMahon generally kept his private life out of the spotlight, he occasionally spoke about the unique challenges of growing up as the son of a former Australian Prime Minister. In a 2018 interview, he reflected on the generational differences between his father’s upbringing and his own.
Final Projects and Legacy
Before his passing, McMahon completed work on The Surfer, a psychological thriller starring Nicolas Cage. He last appeared publicly at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, in March 2024 to promote the film.
He also played the Australian Prime Minister in the Netflix series The Residence. This role was seen as particularly meaningful given his own father’s history in Australian politics.
Family Statement
In a statement shared with media outlets, McMahon’s wife Kelly described him as someone who deeply loved his family, friends, and fans. She expressed gratitude for the support the family had received and requested privacy during their time of mourning.
“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,” she said.
She also added, “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.”
Sources
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FX Networks – Nip/Tuck Official Site
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CBS – FBI: Most Wanted Official Page
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Deadline Hollywood – Obituary and Career Coverage
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Golden Globe Awards Database
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Box Office Mojo – Fantastic Four Box Office Results
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Marvel.com – Character Profile: Doctor Doom
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Australian Dictionary of Biography – Sir William McMahon
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Sydney Morning Herald
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Herald Sun – Julian McMahon Interview, 2018
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Netflix – The Residence Production Announcements
