Australian actor Julian McMahon has died at the age of 56 after battling cancer. His wife, Kelly McMahon, confirmed his passing in a heartfelt statement. She said he died peacefully after a strong effort to fight the disease.
She asked the public to allow the family privacy as they grieve. She also encouraged fans to keep finding joy in life, just as Julian had inspired during his lifetime. Details about the type of cancer or how long he had been fighting it were not shared.
McMahon was born into a prominent family. He was the son of former Australian prime minister Sir William McMahon and Lady Sonia McMahon. Despite his political family background, Julian carved his own path in entertainment.
He began his career in modeling. His appearance in a series of Levi’s jeans commercials in Australia made him widely popular. In a 2016 interview, he explained that the commercial’s success helped him land his first acting role. He had returned home after his father’s funeral when he was offered a script, auditioned, and was cast.
From there, his acting career took off. He started with guest roles on TV and appeared in the soap opera The Power, The Passion in 1989. In 1990, he joined the cast of Home and Away as Ben Lucini. He starred in 150 episodes before leaving in 1991 to pursue roles overseas.
McMahon’s move to the U.S. led to parts in the series Another World and the film Wet and Wild Summer! in 1993. His public profile grew even larger with his 1994 marriage to singer and actress Dannii Minogue. Their wedding drew heavy media attention and was widely covered by entertainment outlets.
After moving to Hollywood, McMahon embraced a new level of freedom and began building a career in American television and film. He became known for playing complex, often dark characters. He starred in hit TV series including Charmed, Nip/Tuck, FBI: Most Wanted, and Hunters. Earlier this year, he played a role in The Residence, a Netflix miniseries.
One of his most memorable characters was Dr. Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck. The role earned him a Golden Globe nomination in 2005. He attended the awards with his mother, who wore a replica of her famous dress from her 1971 White House visit with U.S. President Nixon.
Julian was also known for his role as the villain Dr. Doom in the Fantastic Four films and as Cole Turner in Charmed. He often portrayed men with dark or mysterious traits. Commentators have noted that his background helped him tap into those roles with ease.
In The Surfer, released in May, McMahon played the leader of a violent surf gang. He starred alongside Nicolas Cage and delivered a performance praised for its mix of charm and menace. Critics described it as a standout role, showcasing his talent for intense characters.
McMahon’s personal life included high-profile relationships and a focus on family. After his split from Dannii Minogue, he married actress Brooke Burns, with whom he had a daughter. That marriage also ended in separation. He later met Kelly Paniagua, and after 11 years together, he proposed in 2013.
Fans and colleagues are remembering Julian McMahon for his striking screen presence and dedication to his craft. His career spanned decades, and he left a lasting mark on both Australian and international entertainment.
His early modeling days, breakout TV roles, and later success in Hollywood made him one of the most recognizable Australian actors abroad. With his passing, the industry loses a performer who brought depth and charisma to every role.
