Julian McMahon, ‘Nip/Tuck’ Star and ‘Fantastic Four’ Villain, Dies at 56 After Cancer Battle

How does an actor transition from Australian political royalty to embodying TV’s most complex plastic surgeon and Marvel’s iconic villain? Julian McMahon, the versatile actor acclaimed for his Golden Globe-nominated role in FX’s groundbreaking series “Nip/Tuck” and his chilling portrayal of Doctor Doom in the 2005 “Fantastic Four” film and its sequel, has died at 56 following a private battle with cancer. His wife, Kelly McMahon, confirmed he passed peacefully on July 2nd after “a valiant effort to overcome” the illness, leaving behind a legacy spanning supernatural drama “Charmed,” procedural hit “FBI: Most Wanted,” and superhero cinema.

From Sydney to Stardom: McMahon’s Defining Screen Legacy

McMahon’s career was marked by transformative performances that showcased his remarkable range. As the ethically ambiguous, narcissistic plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Troy on Ryan Murphy’s “Nip/Tuck” (2003-2010), McMahon delivered a career-defining performance that earned him a Golden Globe nomination and cemented his status as a compelling leading man in complex, darkly dramatic roles. The FX series pushed boundaries and became a cultural phenomenon, with McMahon’s portrayal central to its success.

“Julian loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans,” Kelly McMahon shared. “His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible.”

Simultaneously, McMahon embraced blockbuster cinema as Victor Von Doom, the arch-nemesis of the superhero team in “Fantastic Four” (2005) and “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” (2007). His commanding presence and ability to convey both intellectual arrogance and seething menace made Doctor Doom a standout villain in the era’s superhero landscape. Before these breakout roles, he captivated audiences as the charismatic demon Cole Turner across five seasons of the hit WB series “Charmed,” showcasing his talent for blending charm with danger opposite Shannen Doherty and Alyssa Milano.

Charmed Co-Stars and Hollywood Mourn a Beloved Colleague

News of McMahon’s passing prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues. Alyssa Milano, his on-screen love interest and adversary on “Charmed,” shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, calling him a “dear friend”:

“He made me feel safe as an actor. Seen as a woman. He challenged me, teased me, supported me. We were so different, and yet somehow we always understood each other… I am heartbroken.”

Warner Bros. Television, producer of “Nip/Tuck,” also paid tribute: “Warner Bros. Television mourns the loss of our friend Julian McMahon. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues, and fans.” His portrayal of Christian Troy not only defined the show but also solidified FX as a destination for sophisticated, adult-oriented drama during its original run.

Australian Roots and Later Career: Beyond Doctor Doom and Demons

Born in Sydney, Australia, on July 27, 1968, McMahon hailed from notable Australian lineage. His father, Sir William McMahon, served as Australia’s Prime Minister from 1971 to 1972, and his mother, Lady Sonia McMahon, was a renowned socialite and fashion icon. Despite this privileged background, McMahon often downplayed the spotlight it brought, telling Jimmy Kimmel in 2007 that Australia’s smaller scale and the era made his childhood relatively private compared to modern celebrity offspring.

McMahon maintained strong ties to his homeland. He returned to Australia in 2018 to star alongside Kylie Minogue in the comedy-drama “Swinging Safari.” Minogue was previously his sister-in-law during his first marriage to her younger sister, pop star and TV personality Dannii Minogue, in the 1990s. In one of his final roles, McMahon drew perhaps subtly on his unique family history, playing the Prime Minister of Australia in the 2024 Netflix murder mystery series “The Residence.”

Beyond his iconic 2000s roles, McMahon continued working steadily. He starred in films like “Premonition” with Sandra Bullock and led the CBS drama series “FBI: Most Wanted” from 2021, demonstrating his versatility across genres well into his career.

A Private Battle and Enduring Legacy

McMahon married Kelly McMahon in 2014. He is survived by her and his daughter, Madison Elizabeth McMahon, from his previous marriage to actress and model Brooke Burns. The family has requested privacy as they grieve. McMahon’s passing after a private struggle with cancer underscores the fragility behind a vibrant career that brought complex characters to life across fantasy realms, surgical suites, and superhero battles. From the morally complex depths of Christian Troy to the megalomaniacal brilliance of Doctor Doom, McMahon possessed a unique ability to command the screen, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture and the hearts of countless fans.

Key Takeaways

• Julian McMahon, acclaimed actor known for “Nip/Tuck,” “Charmed,” and Doctor Doom in the 2005 & 2007 “Fantastic Four” films, died July 2, 2024, at age 56 after a private battle with cancer.
• His Golden Globe-nominated role as Dr. Christian Troy on FX’s “Nip/Tuck” cemented his status as a leading man in complex dramatic television.
• McMahon brought iconic villain Victor Von Doom to life in Marvel’s “Fantastic Four” movies and played the demon Cole Turner across five seasons of “Charmed.”
• Born in Sydney, Australia, he was the son of former Australian Prime Minister Sir William McMahon and socialite Lady Sonia McMahon.
• Tributes poured in from co-stars like Alyssa Milano and studios, highlighting his talent and the joy he brought to his work and those around him.