Julian McMahon, ‘Fantastic Four’ and ‘Nip/Tuck’ Actor, Dies at 56

Clearwater, Florida, July 5, 2025 — Julian McMahon, the Australian actor renowned for his roles as Dr. Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck, Cole Turner in Charmed, and Victor Von Doom in the Fantastic Four films, passed away on July 2, 2025, at the age of 56. His wife, Kelly Paniagua, confirmed his death in a heartfelt statement, revealing that McMahon died peacefully in Clearwater, Florida, after a private battle with cancer.

A Storied Career

Born on July 27, 1968, in Sydney, Australia, McMahon was the son of former Australian Prime Minister Sir William McMahon and socialite Lady Sonia McMahon. He began his career as a model, gaining attention through Levi’s commercials, which led to his first acting roles in Australian soaps like The Power, The Passion and Home and Away. His transition to Hollywood in the 1990s marked the start of a prolific career in television and film.

McMahon’s breakout role came in 1996 as Detective John Grant in NBC’s Profiler. He gained further prominence as Cole Turner, a half-demon love interest, in Charmed from 2000 to 2005. However, it was his portrayal of the charismatic yet morally complex plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Troy in Ryan Murphy’s Nip/Tuck (2003–2010) that solidified his status as a leading man, earning him a Golden Globe nomination in 2005.

On the big screen, McMahon was best known for playing the Marvel supervillain Doctor Doom in Fantastic Four (2005) and its sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007). Though the films received mixed reviews, McMahon’s performance was often praised, with fans on Reddit noting his potential as Doom was hindered by weak writing. His other film credits include Premonition (2007) with Sandra Bullock, Red (2010), and The Surfer (2024) alongside Nicolas Cage, which premiered at Cannes and was lauded as one of his finest performances.

More recently, McMahon starred as Jess LaCroix in FBI: Most Wanted (2020–2022) and played Australian Prime Minister Stephen Roos in Netflix’s The Residence (2025), a fitting nod to his father’s legacy.

Tributes from Peers and Fans

The entertainment industry was deeply shaken by McMahon’s passing. His Nip/Tuck co-star Dylan Walsh expressed shock, saying, “I’m stunned. We rode this wave together and I loved him.” Nicolas Cage, who worked with McMahon on The Surfer, called him “the most talented of actors” and a “kind and intelligent man.” Charmed co-star Rose McGowan described him as a “force of brilliance, wild talent and humour” on Instagram.

Alyssa Milano, another Charmed co-star, shared a heartfelt Instagram post, calling McMahon a “dear friend” who made her feel safe as an actor. Posts on X echoed the sentiment, with fans remembering him as “one of a kind” and praising his versatility across roles.

Personal Life and Legacy

McMahon, who resided in the United States since the 1990s, is survived by his wife, Kelly Paniagua, whom he married in 2014, and his daughter, Madison, from his marriage to Brooke Burns. His first marriage was to Australian singer-actress Dannii Minogue. In a 2017 interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, McMahon reflected on his Australian roots, saying, “I feel like I’m Australian on the inside and American on the outside.”

His wife’s statement to Deadline captured his essence: “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 requested privacy for the family to grieve, adding, “We are grateful for the memories.”

Industry Impact

McMahon’s role in Nip/Tuck was pivotal in establishing FX as a hub for bold, boundary-pushing television. The series, which ran for six seasons and earned 18 Primetime Emmy nominations, showcased his ability to portray complex, flawed characters. His work in FBI: Most Wanted and The Residence further demonstrated his range, from intense villains to empathetic leaders.

Director Stephan Elliott, who cast McMahon in Swinging Safari (2018), recalled his playful energy, noting how he “left us crying with laughter after every take.” Fans on X and Reddit mourned the missed opportunity for McMahon to reprise Doctor Doom in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with one user stating, “He was a great actor. RIP.”

Conclusion

Julian McMahon’s death marks the loss of a versatile actor whose charisma and talent left an indelible mark on television and film. From his early days in Australian soaps to his iconic roles in Nip/Tuck and Fantastic Four, McMahon’s career was defined by his commitment to his craft and his ability to bring depth to every character. As Hollywood and fans worldwide mourn, his legacy endures through the joy he brought to audiences and the memories shared by those who knew him.

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