Australian-American Actor Julian McMahon Dies at 56 After Battle with Cancer

JatimVoice.com – Julian McMahon, the Australian-American actor known for his roles in Charmed, Nip/Tuck, and Fantastic Four, has passed away at 56 after a battle with cancer. The son of former Australian Prime Minister Sir William McMahon, he leaves behind a dynamic legacy in film and television.

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McMahon’s career began on the Australian soap opera Home and Away, where he played Ben Lucini in 150 episodes. He later gained international fame in the U.S. with his role as Cole Turner, a half-demon assassin with a devilish charm, in the supernatural series Charmed. His performance embraced the show’s campy tone, delivering memorable lines with a charismatic flair.

In the early 2000s, McMahon captivated audiences as Dr. Christian Troy in Ryan Murphy’s provocative drama Nip/Tuck. His portrayal of the arrogant yet vulnerable plastic surgeon earned critical acclaim and showcased his ability to bring depth to complex characters. Around this time, he was a contender to replace Pierce Brosnan as James Bond but instead took on the role of Victor Von Doom (Doctor Doom) in two Fantastic Four films.

McMahon frequently returned to Australia, starring in films like the 2018 comedy Swinging Safari alongside Guy Pearce and Kylie Minogue, and the 2012 horror hit Bait, which became Australia’s most successful film release in China. More recently, he played the Australian prime minister in Netflix’s The Residence, reuniting with Minogue.

One of his final roles was as the menacing Scally in The Surfer, a trippy thriller opposite Nicolas Cage, which premiered at last year’s Cannes Film Festival. McMahon’s chilling performance as a toxic, charismatic gang leader stood out, holding its own against Cage’s intensity. His striking blue eyes and layered portrayal left a lasting impression.

Reflecting on his craft during an interview on the set of The Surfer in Western Australia, McMahon shared his philosophy: “You want to be open to new suggestions, new thoughts, new ideas, and new creativity.” Known for his humor, he also quipped about Australian flies that “just come and sit on your face” for hours.

McMahon is survived by his wife, Kelly Paniagua, and his daughter, Madison, from a previous marriage. His death has left fans and the industry mourning a talent whose star was still rising.

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