'Nip/Tuck' & 'Charmed' Star Julian McMahon Passes Away at 56 – Details

Julian McMahon, a familiar face from some of television’s most unforgettable dramas, has left behind more than just a legacy of roles. This week, his family shared the heartbreaking news that the actor is no more.

Julian McMahon, the Australian actor known for a range of high-profile television roles, died on July 2 in Clearwater, Florida. He was 56. His family said he had been privately battling cancer.

His wife, Kelly McMahon, confirmed the sad news in a heartbreaking public statement. She said he died "peacefully" and spoke of his enduring optimism throughout his illness. "His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible," she stated.

She described McMahon's final days as courageous, noting that he faced his illness with strength. She also expressed gratitude for the support the family has received and asked for privacy during their mourning.

McMahon was born in Sydney, Australia, on July 27, 1968. He was the son of Billy McMahon, who served as Australia's Prime Minister from 1971 to 1972. Though raised in a political household, McMahon chose a different path.

He began his career as a model before turning to acting in the late 1980s. His television debut came with a lead role in "The Power, the Passion," a short-lived Australian soap in 1989. He gained further recognition for "Home and Away," appearing from 1990 to 1991.

In 1992, McMahon starred opposite Elliott Gould in "Wet and Wild Summer!," an Australian-American film that marked his feature debut. He later relocated to the U.S., where he continued his trajectory with a role in NBC's daytime drama, "Another World," in 1993.

His breakthrough in American primetime television came with the crime series "Profiler," where he was a series regular for four seasons. He gained further popularity in the early 2000s with his role as Cole Turner in "Charmed," a key character across three seasons of the supernatural hit.

News of McMahon's passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from co-stars and fans. Actress Alyssa Milano, who played his on-screen wife in "Charmed," shared a heartfelt message and photos on social media.

"I'm heartbroken," Milano wrote. "Julian McMahon was magic. That smile. That laugh. That talent. That presence." She recalled their years on set together and praised McMahon’s kindness, humor, and emotional depth. "He made me feel safe as an actor. Seen as a woman. He challenged me, teased me, supported me," she further stated.

Milano went on to call McMahon a "dear friend" and reflected on his devotion to family, and that his love for them was evident in every conversation and story he shared. She closed her tribute with a final farewell, "Rest, my friend. I'll carry your laugh with me. Forever Cole. Forever Julian."

Holly Marie Combs, who also starred in "Charmed," joined her former castmates in honoring McMahon's memory. She shared several photos and wrote, "One of a kind is an understatement."

Combs reflected on McMahon’s vibrant spirit and offbeat humor, noting how his energy left a lasting impression on those around him. She said his ability to spark joy and laughter would not be forgotten.

In closing, she made a touching reference to their late co-star Shannen Doherty. "I hope you find our lady friend and dance in those rose petals," she said.

Actress and activist Rose McGowan, another "Charmed" alumn, reposted several tributes on social media. One called McMahon a "force of brilliance, wild talent and humor," offering prayers for his family and fans around the world. Another tribute described the loss as a "sad day for our 'Charmed' family" and remembered McMahon as "devilishly handsome."

Following his success on "Charmed," McMahon's career reached new heights with "Nip/Tuck," Ryan Murphy's provocative drama centered on a Miami plastic surgery practice.

Alongside Dylan Walsh, he starred as Dr. Christian Troy, a role that showcased his charisma and range. The series ran for six seasons on FX and earned McMahon a Golden Globe nomination.

Walsh, reflecting on their time together, shared a heartfelt tribute. "I'm stunned," he told Deadline. "We rode this wave together and I loved him." Walsh recalled their years of close collaboration, expressing gratitude for their friendship and humor. "All those years you had my back, and my god, we laughed," he said.

"Nip/Tuck" solidified McMahon’s status as a television leading man. That momentum continued with CBS's "FBI: Most Wanted," where he portrayed Special Agent Jess LaCroix, the head of a fugitive task force. He starred in the series for three seasons before stepping away in March 2022.

McMahon's death comes just a year after the loss of another "Charmed" star, Shannen Doherty, who died at the age of 53 in 2024 following a long battle with cancer.

Her publicist confirmed at the time. "It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease," said Leslie Sloane, Doherty's longtime publicist.

"The devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie. The family asks for their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace," Sloane continued in her statement.

The star, best known for her role in "Beverly Hills 90210," was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and had been open about her health struggles over the years.

Doherty shared how her dog Bowie, named after the late David Bowie, had an uncanny intuition about her health issues before she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Bowie would obsessively sniff her right side, where the cancer was later discovered, signaling an early warning that something was amiss.

After her diagnosis and through her treatments, including surgery and chemotherapy, Bowie's behavior shifted to become even more protective. Doherty described her dog's presence as "crazy protective," making it difficult for anyone to get close to her, a testament to the deep bond they share.

Doherty's courage and transparency about her diagnosis inspired many of her fans and fellow cancer fighters. Her passing marked a significant loss in the entertainment community. She will be remembered not only for her roles on screen but also for her resilience and spirit in the face of adversity.