It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of actor Julian McMahon, known for his iconic role as Dr. Doom in the early 2000s Fantastic Four movies and his standout performances in beloved television shows such as Nip/Tuck and Charmed. McMahon died peacefully this week at the age of 56 after a courageous battle with cancer. His wife, Kelly McMahon, shared a heartfelt statement reflecting on her husband's love for life, family, friends, and fans.
"Julian loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans," Kelly stated. "His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible. We ask for support during this time to allow our family to grieve in privacy. We wish for all of those to whom Julian brought joy, to continue to find joy in life. We are grateful for the memories."
McMahon's death was also confirmed through a Facebook post by the Nip/Tuck series, created by acclaimed television writer Ryan Murphy. The post included a touching tribute alongside a photo of McMahon, stating, "Warner Bros. Television mourns the loss of our friend Julian McMahon. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues, and fans."
His portrayal of Dr. Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Television Drama Series. The series captivated audiences on FX from 2003 to 2010. Additionally, McMahon's role in the two Fantastic Four movies, titled Fantastic Four and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, solidified his status as a prominent actor in Hollywood.
McMahon's career took off with his role in the supernatural series Charmed, where he co-starred with actresses Shannen Doherty and Alyssa Milano from 2000 to 2005. Milano expressed her sorrow on Instagram, sharing a heartfelt tribute to McMahon, calling him a "dear friend" and stating, "He made me feel safe as an actor. We were so different, and yet somehow we always understood each other."
Born on July 27, 1968, in Sydney, Australia, Julian McMahon hailed from a prominent family. His father, Sir William McMahon, served as the Prime Minister of Australia from 1971 to 1972, while his mother, Sonia McMahon, was a well-known socialite and fashion icon. In a 2007 interview with Jimmy Kimmel, McMahon reflected on his childhood experiences, noting that growing up in a smaller country during the 70s made it easier to avoid the public spotlight.
In 2018, he made a return to Australia to star in the comedy-drama film Swinging Safari, alongside renowned Australian singer Kylie Minogue. Interestingly, Minogue was McMahon's former sister-in-law from his first marriage to her younger sister, Dannii Minogue, in the 1990s.
In more recent years, McMahon drew inspiration from his father's political background in his role on the murder mystery series The Residence, where he portrayed an Australian prime minister. This series premiered on Netflix earlier this year, showcasing McMahon's versatility as an actor.
Julian McMahon is survived by his wife, Kelly McMahon, whom he married in 2014, and a daughter, Madison, from his previous marriage to model Brook Burns. His legacy will endure through the joy he brought to countless fans and the indelible mark he made in the world of entertainment.
