Julian McMahon was one of Australia’s most recognized acting exports, known for his charm, intensity, and memorable roles in both television and film. He passed away in July 2025 at the age of 56 after a private battle with cancer. His wife, Kelly McMahon, confirmed his death in a heartfelt statement, saying he died peacefully and asked for privacy as the family grieves.
Born on July 27, 1968, in Sydney, New South Wales, Julian Dana William McMahon was the son of Sir William McMahon, Australia’s 20th Prime Minister, and Lady Sonia McMahon. Despite coming from a high-profile political family, Julian chose to follow a creative path rather than politics. He began his public life in the world of fashion, working as a model. His breakthrough came from a series of Levi’s jeans commercials that became iconic in Australia. The exposure opened doors into the entertainment world and helped him land his first acting role shortly after returning from his father’s funeral.
Julian’s acting debut was in the Australian soap opera The Power, The Passion in 1989. A year later, he joined the popular show Home and Away as Ben Lucini. He appeared in 150 episodes before leaving the series in 1991 to explore opportunities abroad. His decision led him to the United States, where he slowly built a new career in a competitive industry. One of his early roles in the U.S. was in the daytime soap Another World, where he played Ian Rain from 1993 to 1995. He also appeared in the film Wet and Wild Summer! during this period.
His profile grew further in 1994 when he married Australian pop star and actress Dannii Minogue. The marriage received heavy media coverage, although it ended in divorce a year later. Still, it helped boost his presence in the entertainment spotlight. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, Julian McMahon had become a familiar face in American pop culture.
He is best remembered for his role as Cole Turner, a demon with a complex love story, in the supernatural drama Charmed. The character became a fan favorite and solidified his reputation for playing mysterious and intense roles. He reached even greater heights with the series Nip/Tuck, where he starred as Dr. Christian Troy, a glamorous and emotionally troubled plastic surgeon. The role earned him a Golden Globe nomination in 2005. Julian attended the awards ceremony with his mother, who wore a replica of the iconic dress she wore during her 1971 White House visit with President Richard Nixon.
Julian’s film career included his portrayal of the villain Victor Von Doom in the Fantastic Four movies in 2005 and 2007. He continued to choose roles that highlighted his range, especially those that involved morally complex or darker characters. In later years, he starred in television series like Hunters, FBI: Most Wanted, and the Netflix miniseries The Residence. In one of his final roles, he played a violent surf gang leader opposite Nicolas Cage in The Surfer, a performance praised by critics for its combination of menace and charisma.
His personal life was often in the spotlight. After his divorce from Dannii Minogue, he married actress Brooke Burns, with whom he had a daughter. That marriage also ended in divorce. He later began a long-term relationship with Kelly Paniagua. After 11 years together, Julian proposed in 2013, and they remained together until his passing.
Julian McMahon is remembered for his dedication to acting and his ability to bring complexity to every role. From his beginnings as a model in Australia to his celebrated performances in Hollywood, he carved out a unique identity that made him one of the most respected actors of his generation. His influence will continue to be felt in both Australian and international entertainment.
