Julian McMahon Dies at 56 After Cancer Battle

Julian McMahon, known for his roles on Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and Fantastic Four, has died at the age of 56 after a private battle with cancer.

Julian McMahon, the Australian actor best known for his unforgettable performances as Christian Troy on Nip/Tuck and the villainous Doctor Doom in the Fantastic Four films, has died at the age of 56 following a battle with cancer.

The Golden Globe-nominated star passed away peacefully this week, according to a statement released by his wife, Kelly McMahon, on Saturday, July 5.

“He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans,” she said in the statement. “His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible.”

Kelly McMahon added, “We ask for support during this time to allow our family to grieve in privacy. And 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 is survived by his daughter Madison McMahon, whom he shared with his second wife, actress Brooke Burns. Burns paid tribute to the late actor with a heartfelt Instagram post, sharing a touching photo of Julian and their daughter alongside a caption that simply read, “Rest in Peace,” with a broken heart emoji.

Throughout his career, McMahon made a name for himself playing charismatic yet complicated characters. He rose to international fame as the sleek plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Troy on FX’s Nip/Tuck and became a household name among genre fans as Cole Turner on the supernatural series Charmed. He also portrayed the iconic Marvel villain Doctor Doom in 2005’s Fantastic Four and its 2007 sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.

McMahon’s sudden passing prompted emotional tributes from friends and former co-stars. Alyssa Milano, who starred alongside him on Charmed, expressed her heartbreak on Instagram, writing, “Losing him feels unreal. Too soon. Too unfair.” She remembered him as both a “dear friend” and a supportive scene partner, saying, “He made me feel safe as an actor. Seen as a woman… We were so different, and yet somehow we always understood each other.”

Fellow Charmed alum Holly Marie Combs echoed the sentiment, recalling McMahon’s humor and spirit. “Your unyielding zest for life and crazy making sense of humor will be sorely missed,” she wrote. “The joy and laughter you were the direct cause of will always be remembered.”

From his roles in groundbreaking dramas to comic book blockbusters, Julian McMahon leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and a career defined by charisma, talent, and heart.