Julian McMahon‘s unexpected passing has left a profound void in Hollywood, as his former co-stars and fans alike come together to mourn the loss of this talented Australian actor. McMahon, who died on Wednesday at the age of 56 in Clearwater, Florida, had been bravely battling cancer, as confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter.
McMahon was widely recognized for his captivating performances, particularly as the villain Doctor Doom in the 2005 superhero film Fantastic Four and its 2007 sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Additionally, he gained immense popularity for his role as Christian Troy in Ryan Murphy’s acclaimed series Nip/Tuck and as Cole Turner in the beloved show Charmed. More recently, McMahon showcased his talents in projects such as The Residence and The Surfer.
The impact of McMahon's work is evident in the heartfelt tributes shared by his colleagues. Ioan Gruffudd, who portrayed Reed Richards in the Fantastic Four films, expressed his sorrow on Instagram, stating, “Even though we played each other’s nemeses, there was always so much lightness and laughter working together. Every encounter with him was a joy.” Gruffudd concluded his tribute by extending his condolences to McMahon’s family.
Michael Chiklis, known for his role as Ben Grimm in the Fantastic Four franchise, shared a touching photo on Instagram alongside Jessica Alba and McMahon, writing, “I’m devastated to hear of the passing of my friend Julian. Life is so precious and fragile. My condolences to his family. RIP Jules.”
Dylan Walsh, McMahon’s co-star from Nip/Tuck, shared a poignant statement with The Hollywood Reporter, saying, “Dear Jules, I know you like to flout the boundaries but this time you’ve gone too far. Let’s meet at the Biltmore, have a martini and we’ll talk this through.” Walsh recalled their many shared laughs and moments, concluding with a heartfelt goodbye.
Alyssa Milano, who starred alongside McMahon in Charmed, shared a carousel of their photos on Instagram, reminiscing about the years they spent together. She wrote, “Julian McMahon was magic … He made me feel safe as an actor. Seen as a woman. He challenged me, teased me, supported me.” Milano emphasized that McMahon was more than just her TV husband; he was a dear friend who always offered support and truth with love.
Holly Marie Combs, another co-star from Charmed, reflected on McMahon’s zest for life, stating, “One of a kind is an understatement. Your unyielding zest for life and crazy making sense of humor will be sorely missed.” In a touching tribute, she recalled the joy and laughter he brought to their lives.
Rose McGowan also shared her heartfelt sentiments, calling McMahon a “force of brilliance, wild talent and humour.” She expressed her prayers for comfort for his family and fans worldwide. Additionally, Kelly Carlson, McMahon’s Nip/Tuck co-star, posted a reel that encapsulated their shared experiences, while Uzo Aduba, who worked with him on The Residence, highlighted McMahon’s love for life and his incredible talent.
As Hollywood mourns the loss of Julian McMahon, his legacy will undoubtedly live on through the unforgettable characters he portrayed and the memories he created with those around him. The tributes from his co-stars reflect not only his immense talent but also the profound impact he had on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace, leaving behind a lasting imprint on the hearts of his fans and colleagues.