Julian Dana William McMahon (27 July 1968 – 2 July 2025) was an Australian and American actor best known for playing Dr. Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck, Cole Turner in Charmed, and Doctor Doom in the Fantastic Four films. He also starred as Jess LaCroix in FBI: Most Wanted and appeared in shows such as Profiler and Runaways.
The son of former Australian Prime Minister William McMahon and socialite Sonia McMahon, Julian built a career in both Australia and the United States, spanning television, film, and modeling. His work earned him nominations for major awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Television Drama Series.
Early Life and Education
Julian McMahon was born in Sydney, Australia, into a high-profile political family. His father, Sir William McMahon, served as Australia’s 20th Prime Minister (1971–1972), while his mother was a well-known socialite and fashion figure.
He attended Sydney Grammar School before briefly studying law and economics at the University of Sydney and University of Wollongong. McMahon began modeling at age 17, traveling to fashion hubs such as New York, Milan, and Paris, before transitioning into acting.
Acting Career
McMahon debuted in the Australian soap opera Home and Away (1990–1991), playing Ben Lucini. His breakthrough in the United States came with Profiler (1996–2000).
He became widely recognized for:
- Cole Turner in Charmed (2000–2003)
- Dr. Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck (2003–2010), a role that earned him critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination
- Doctor Doom in Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)
His film credits also include Chasing Sleep (2000), Premonition (2007), Red (2010), Faces in the Crowd (2011), Bait 3D (2012), and The Surfer (2024).
Later, McMahon starred in FBI: Most Wanted (2020–2022), portraying FBI agent Jess LaCroix, and appeared in Runaways (2017–2018). His final role was in The Residence (2025).
Personal Life
McMahon was married three times: to singer Dannii Minogue (1994–1995), actress Brooke Burns (1999–2001), with whom he had a daughter, and later to Kelly Paniagua (2014 until his death).
Though he lived in the United States for much of his career, McMahon retained dual citizenship in Australia and the U.S., often describing himself as “Australian at heart.”
Death
Julian McMahon died on 2 July 2025 in Clearwater, Florida, aged 56, from lung metastasis caused by head and neck cancer. His remains were cremated.
Legacy
Julian McMahon is remembered for his charismatic performances, often portraying complex or villainous characters. From prime-time dramas to blockbuster films, he left a lasting impression on both Australian and international screens. His work in Nip/Tuck and Fantastic Four cemented his reputation as one of Australia’s most successful Hollywood exports.
