Julian McMahon, Beloved Star of “Charmed” and “Nip/Tuck,” Dies at 56
Julian McMahon, best known for his captivating roles in television dramas like Charmed, Nip/Tuck, and FBI: Most Wanted, has passed away at the age of 56. His family confirmed that the actor died on July 2 in Clearwater, Florida, after a private battle with cancer.
His wife, Kelly McMahon, issued a touching statement expressing both sorrow and admiration for Julian’s resilience. “He remained hopeful until the very end,” she shared. “His greatest desire was always to bring joy to others.”
Born in Sydney, Australia, on July 27, 1968, McMahon came from a notable background—his father, Sir William McMahon, was Prime Minister of Australia in the early 1970s. But Julian carved his own path, beginning as a fashion model before transitioning into acting in the late 1980s.
He first gained attention in the Australian soap Home and Away and later made a name for himself in America with the NBC drama Another World in 1993. His breakout role came in Profiler, followed by his unforgettable turn as Cole Turner in Charmed, where he became a fan favorite over three seasons.
His portrayal of the charming and tormented Dr. Christian Troy in Ryan Murphy’s Nip/Tuck catapulted him to stardom. The show ran for six seasons and earned him a Golden Globe nomination. McMahon’s charisma and layered performances made him a staple of primetime drama.
He most recently starred as Agent Jess LaCroix in CBS’s FBI: Most Wanted, a role he held for three seasons before departing in 2022.
Tributes from friends and co-stars poured in after news of his passing. Alyssa Milano, who played his love interest on Charmed, shared heartfelt memories. “I’m shattered,” she wrote. “Julian was pure magic—his laughter, his presence, his soul. He made me feel seen and safe.”
Holly Marie Combs, another Charmed co-star, remembered him fondly, writing, “One of a kind doesn’t begin to describe him. He made joy and mischief his art form.” She concluded with a poignant nod to their late co-star, Shannen Doherty: “I hope you find her and dance in the rose petals.”
Rose McGowan also paid tribute, reposting several remembrances, calling McMahon “a force of brilliance and irreverent charm.”
Actor Dylan Walsh, McMahon’s longtime co-star on Nip/Tuck, spoke emotionally about their years together. “We rode the wave side by side, and I loved him. All those years, all that laughter—we had something special.”
McMahon’s passing follows the 2024 death of his Charmed co-star Shannen Doherty. She passed away at age 53 after a long and public battle with cancer. Her resilience and candidness about her journey inspired many, and her bond with her dog Bowie—who sensed her illness before her diagnosis—became a symbol of loyalty and intuition.
Julian McMahon’s legacy is one of charm, depth, and emotional nuance. He brought vulnerability to powerful characters, made fans feel deeply, and earned the admiration of those he worked with. As tributes continue to flood in, one thing is clear—Julian left an imprint that will not soon fade.