‘Fantastic Four’ Star Dead At 56

Julian McMahon—the Australian-born actor best known for his roles in Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and Marvel’s Fantastic Four—has died at the age of 56, following a private and courageous battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully on July 2 at his home in Clearwater, Florida, surrounded by loved ones.

His wife, Kelly McMahon, released a heartfelt statement confirming the news. “With an open heart, I wish to share with the world that my beloved husband, Julian McMahon, died peacefully this week after a valiant effort to overcome cancer,” Kelly said in a statement to Deadline.

“Julian loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans. His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible. We ask for support during this time to allow our family to grieve in privacy. And we wish for all of those to whom Julian brought joy, to continue to find joy in life. We are grateful for the memories.”

McMahon had quietly stepped away from the spotlight in recent years, leaving his role as Agent Jess LaCroix on CBS’s FBI: Most Wanted in 2022—a move that now takes on new meaning in light of his health.

LOS ANGELES – SEP 22: Julian McMahon arrives at the “You Again” World Premiere at El Capitan Theater on September 22, 2010 in Los Angeles, CA

Born into politics—his father, Sir William McMahon, served as Australia’s prime minister in the early ’70s—Julian carved a completely different path, capturing the hearts of American audiences with his signature intensity and screen presence.

He broke through with his role as the half-demon Cole Turner on Charmed, a fan-favorite character whose tumultuous romance with Alyssa Milano’s Phoebe Halliwell became a pop culture obsession. Following news of his passing, Milano—who played his on-screen wife—paid tribute to McMahon with a heartfelt message on Instagram.

“Julian McMahon was magic. That smile. That laugh. That talent. That presence,” Milano wrote. “Julian was more than my TV husband. He was a dear friend. Losing him feels unreal. Too soon. Too unfair. Rest, my friend. I’ll carry your laugh with me. Forever Cole. Forever Julian.”

LOS ANGELES – JAN 14: Julian McMahon at the NBCUniversal Cable TCA Press Day Winter 2016 at the Langham Huntington Hotel on January 14, 2016 in Pasadena, CA

But it was Nip/Tuck, Ryan Murphy’s early FX drama, that turned McMahon into a household name. As Dr. Christian Troy, McMahon portrayed the deeply flawed but captivating plastic surgeon with an edge that helped define prestige television in the early 2000s.

He later took his talents to the big screen, playing Victor Von Doom in the Fantastic Four films—one of Marvel’s most iconic villains long before the MCU took off. Tributes began pouring in from across the entertainment world.

His final film, The Surfer, quietly released earlier this year, now stands as a poignant farewell to a man whose screen presence was matched only by his soul.

“Such deeply saddening news. I spent six weeks working with Julian, and he was the most talented of actors,” Nicholas Cage said to Deadline. “Our scenes together on The Surfer were amongst my favorites I have ever participated in, and Julian is one of my favorite people. He was a kind and intelligent man. My love to his family.”

McMahon is survived by his wife, Kelly; daughter, Madison; and stepdaughter, Iliana.