Clearwater, Florida — Julian McMahon, the celebrated Australian actor famed for his memorable roles in the television series “Nip/Tuck” and the “Fantastic Four” films, has passed away at 56 after a courageous battle with cancer. His representative confirmed that McMahon died on Wednesday.
Born in Sydney on July 27, 1968, McMahon was the son of former Australian Prime Minister William McMahon and Lady Sonia McMahon. He made his entry into the entertainment industry with appearances in Australian soap operas such as “The Power, The Passion” and “Home and Away.” A move to the United States saw him land a role in the soap “Another World” in 1993, marking the beginning of his international career.
McMahon transitioned seamlessly to primetime television, achieving significant recognition for his performance in NBC’s “Profiler.” He also starred for three seasons in the WB’s fantasy series “Charmed,” where his charisma captivated audiences. However, it was his role in the FX series “Nip/Tuck” that truly defined his career. Sharing the screen with Dylan Walsh, McMahon portrayed the complex character of Dr. Christian Troy, a performance that netted him a Golden Globe nomination and solidified his standing in Hollywood.
In film, McMahon was perhaps best known for his portrayal of the villainous Dr. Doom in Tim Story’s adaptations of the “Fantastic Four,” appearing in both 2005’s “Fantastic Four” and its sequel, “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” in 2007. His filmography also included noteworthy roles in titles such as “Premonition,” “Red,” and “Paranoia,” with his most recent project being “The Surfer and The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat.”
Throughout his career, McMahon remained open about the challenges he faced as an Australian in Hollywood. Reflecting on his early experiences, he shared feelings of uncertainty and doubt but also highlighted his commitment to his craft. In a previous interview, he spoke fondly of the dedication he cultivated while working on “Nip/Tuck” and other projects, stating that his passion for acting remained a driving force behind his success.
His most recent television appearances included roles in “FBI: Most Wanted” and the recently canceled series “The Residence.” In discussing his character in “FBI: Most Wanted,” McMahon described it as a captivating role that resonated with him deeply.
McMahon is survived by his third wife, Kelly, whom he married in 2014, and his daughter Madison, from his previous marriage to game show host Brooke Burns. He was also married to Australian singer-actress Dannii Minogue, sister of pop icon Kylie Minogue.
A light-hearted moment from his career came during the filming of “Swinging Safari” in 2018, where McMahon shared a humorous on-screen kiss with his ex-sister-in-law, Kylie Minogue. This impromptu scene left a lasting impression on audiences and demonstrated McMahon’s playful side.
Remembered for his remarkable talent and charisma, Julian McMahon leaves behind a rich legacy in both television and film, having made an indelible mark on the industry.