Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 5, 2025 · Entertainment

Tributes Pour In for Julian McMahon: A Legacy of Talent and Humor

Julian McMahon (left) has been fondly remembered by Nicolas Cage, his co-star in the new film The Surfer, which they are pictured promoting at SXSW this March

SHOCKING TRAGEDY STRIKES HOLLYWOOD: Nip/Tuck Star Julian McMahon Dies at 56 After Secret Battle with Cancer

The entertainment world is in mourning today as news spreads like wildfire that Australian-American actor Julian McMahon has passed away at the age of 56 after a private struggle with cancer. The devastating loss has left fans and colleagues reeling, with tributes pouring in from all corners of the industry.

McMahon's widow, Kelly, broke the news on Friday, revealing that her husband had been battling the disease behind closed doors. In a heartfelt statement obtained by The Scholarly Note, she wrote: "With an open heart, I wish to share with the world that my beloved husband, Julian McMahon, died peacefully this week after a valiant effort to overcome cancer."

Dylan Walsh (right), who along with Julian (left) was one of the two lead characters Nip/Tuck, shared his reaction to his old colleague's death; they are pictured on the show in 2003

The news of McMahon's passing has sent shockwaves throughout Hollywood, with friends and former colleagues paying their respects in the most heartfelt ways. Nicolas Cage, who starred alongside McMahon in their new psychological thriller The Surfer, shared his reaction on Deadline: "I spent six weeks working with Julian, and he was the most talented of actors... Our scenes together were amongst my favorites I have ever participated in, and Julian is one of my favorite people. He was a kind and intelligent man."

Rose McGowan, who acted alongside McMahon on Charmed, took to Instagram to share her own tribute: "Oh Julian, you force of brilliance, wild talent and humour... For you, your family, and loving fans all over the world, I pray comfort." The star-studded response continued with Ioan Gruffudd, his Fantastic Four co-star, writing: "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... It was an honor to be Dr. Richards to his Dr. Doom."

The outpouring of love and support for McMahon's family has been overwhelming, with many expressing their condolences on social media. Dylan Walsh, his former Nip/Tuck co-star, shared: "I'm stunned... We rode this wave together and I loved him. My heart goes out to Kelly and [their daughter] Maddy." Kelly Carlson, who played McMahon's love interest on the show, posted an emotional video on Instagram, saying: "I just heard about his passing and I'm completely shocked and saddened by it... He was a good friend, my acting partner, and we had so much fun."

Rose McGowan , who acted with Julian on Charmed, shared fan art of him to her Insta Stories and wrote: 'oh Julian you force of brilliance, wild talent and humour'

As news of McMahon's untimely death spread like wildfire, fans of his hit series Nip/Tuck took to social media to express their grief. The campy medical drama, which ran for six seasons from 2003 to 2010, will undoubtedly miss the charismatic actor who brought so much energy and humor to the role of Dr. Christian Troy. McMahon's co-star on the show, Dylan Walsh, added: "My god, we laughed... My heart is with you, Jules."

Law & Order creator Dick Wolf, whose production company was behind McMahon's hit series FBI: Most Wanted, responded to the shocking news by saying: "All of us at Wolf Entertainment are deeply saddened by Julian's passing and our condolences go out to his entire family." Ioan Gruffudd continued: "My heart goes out to his wife and family. God speed Julian."

As fans continue to grapple with the loss of this talented actor, we can't help but look back on his remarkable career. Born in Sydney, Australia, McMahon began his acting journey on Australian television soap opera Home & Away, playing the role of Ben Lucini from 1990 to 1991. He went on to star as Detective John Grant in American crime drama Profiler from 1996 to 2000 and later won hearts as Cole Turner in Charmed seasons 3 through 5.

Rose and Julian are pictured together on Charmed

McMahon's big-screen success came with his portrayal of iconic supervillain Dr. Doom in the Marvel movies Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer (2007). He also starred alongside Sandra Bullock in the supernatural psychological thriller Premonition (2007).

The actor's personal life has been just as fascinating, with three marriages under his belt. McMahon was previously married to model Brooke Burns from 1999 to 2001 and Australian singer Dannii Minogue from 1994 to 1995. He shares a daughter, Madison Elizabeth McMahon, with Burns.

In an interview with The Herald Sun in 2018, McMahon spoke candidly about his childhood, revealing that his father was Sir William McMahon, a former Prime Minister of Australia who served from 1971 to 1972. McMahon's final role was a bit of a full circle moment as he portrayed the Australian Prime Minister in Netflix murder mystery series The Residence.

Julian pictured at the Critics' Choice Awards in 2016

As fans continue to mourn the loss of this talented actor, one thing is clear: Julian McMahon will be deeply missed by all who knew him and loved his work. As Kelly so eloquently put it: "His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible... We are grateful for the memories."

Rest in peace, Julian McMahon.

Holly Marie-Combs, another Charmed star, shared: 'One of a kind is an understatement,' adding: 'Your unyielding zest for life and crazy making sense of humor will be sorely missed'

In a separate tribute posted to her Insta Stories, she lovingly referred to her onetime castmate as 'My favorite pain in the a** ever'

Julian's longtime Nip/Tuck love interest Kelly Carlson disclosed in an Instagram video that she had 'just heard' of his death and was 'completely shocked and saddened by it'

'This is terribly sad news about Julian,' wrote Ioan Gruffud, who acted with him in the Fantastic Four movies from 2005 to 2007