Julian McMahon Dies at 56: ‘Nip/Tuck’ Star and Fantastic Four’s Dr. Doom Passes After Cancer Battle

Australian actor Julian McMahon, best known for his roles in Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and the Fantastic Four films, has died at 56 following a battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy across TV, film, and international screens.

Julian McMahon, the charismatic Australian actor who rose to international fame with standout roles in Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and as Dr. Doom in the Fantastic Four film franchise, has died at age 56 after a battle with cancer. McMahon passed away on Wednesday in Clearwater, Florida, as confirmed by his representative David Schiff, founder of MGMT Entertainment.

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Julian McMahon, the versatile Australian actor known for his work across television and film—from brooding supernatural dramas to superhero blockbusters—passed away on Wednesday in Clearwater, Florida, following a battle with cancer. He was 56.

McMahon, born in Sydney on July 27, 1968, was the son of Australia’s former prime minister William McMahon and Lady Sonia McMahon. Despite his privileged upbringing, he carved out his own path in the entertainment industry, becoming one of Australia’s most recognized exports to Hollywood.

He launched his acting career in Australian soap operas The Power, the Passion and Home and Away before making his U.S. television debut in 1993 on Another World. His brooding screen presence found a solid footing in American primetime with NBC’s Profiler and later a three-season run as the demon Cole Turner on Charmed, winning over fans of supernatural drama.

However, it was his role as Dr. Christian Troy in Ryan Murphy’s FX series Nip/Tuck that cemented his place in pop culture. The gritty plastic surgery drama, which aired for six seasons, earned McMahon a Golden Globe nomination and critical acclaim for his portrayal of a charismatic yet morally conflicted surgeon.

McMahon also found success on the big screen. He played the iconic villain Dr. Victor Von Doom in the 2005 Fantastic Four and its 2007 sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. His other film credits include Premonition, Paranoia, Red, and more recently, The Surfer and The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat.

In addition to films, McMahon maintained a consistent presence on television. He starred in FBI: Most Wanted as team leader Jess LaCroix, a role he described as “a really fascinating character,” and appeared in Runaways and the short-lived comedy-mystery The Residence.

Reflecting on his Hollywood journey in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald in 2017, McMahon said, “It’s a funny town and there’s a bit of a last man standing theory to it sometimes.” He admitted there were moments when he questioned whether he would ever succeed, sharing that many Australian actors considered giving up and going home.

In a 2020 Soap Opera Digest interview, McMahon recalled how foundational his early work on The Power, The Passion was to shaping his discipline as an actor. “I’ve never lost my passion for what I do,” he said. “That’s something I’ve carried throughout my career—staying committed to evolving my craft and enjoying working in that space.”

McMahon is survived by his wife Kelly, whom he married in 2014, and his daughter Madison, from his second marriage to Dog Eat Dog game show host Brooke Burns. His first marriage was to Australian singer and actress Dannii Minogue, the younger sister of pop icon Kylie Minogue.

He shared a humorous anecdote about filming a kissing scene with Kylie Minogue in the 2018 Aussie film Swinging Safari, joking to the Herald Sun: “Steph [Elliott, the director] said ‘Do what you want, Julian!’ and I thought, ‘Bugger it, I’ll get up and snog my ex sister-in-law.’ She had this great reaction, like she was being attacked by some kind of creature. It was very funny.”

From TV soaps in Australia to starring in global franchises, Julian McMahon’s career was marked by bold roles and dedicated artistry. His legacy endures in the characters he brought to life and the fans who followed his journey.