Australian actor Julian McMahon, best known for his starring roles in Charmed and Fantastic Four has died. He was 56.
McMahon, the son of former Australian prime minister William McMahon, “died peacefully” after a private battle with cancer, according to a statement from his wife Kelly, shared with 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,” she said.
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“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.”
Tributes have been flowing on social media for the late star, with Kelly Carlson, who starred in Nip/Tuck alongside McMahon as his “on and off” wife, sharing a video to Instagram reacting to the announcement.
“Oh my gosh, I’m completely shocked,” she said, explaining she had just verified the news after initially not believing it.
“I didn’t know he wasn’t well for a while.”
Carlson went on to share her condolences with McMahon’s family, wearing a big pair of black sunglasses to hide her eyes.
“It’s tough to process a little bit because he played my on and off husband for several years,” she continued.
“He was a good friend and my acting partner… Jules, thank you for a great six, seven years on Nip/Tuck together, we had so much fun, everybody had so much fun.
“I know a lot of you who follow the show are going to be really upset, and I don’t blame you, he was the energy and the charisma, and the humour and the looks and everything of Nip/Tuck.
“I hope he had a peaceful journey… I know he had a full, great life so that’s a good thing.”
Dylan Walsh who also starred alongside Carlson and McMahon in Nip/Tuck shared a tribute with Deadline, saying that he was “stunned” when he heard the news.
“We rode this wave together and I loved him,” he said.
“My heart goes out to Kelly and [their daughter] Maddy.
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“Jules! I know you’d want me to say something to make you smile – all the inside jokes. All those years you had my back, and my god, we laughed. My heart is with you. Rest in peace.”
Charmed star Alyssa Milano said she was heartbroken over the loss of her “magic” co-star in a moving Instagram tribute.
“That smile. That laugh. That talent. That presence. He walked into a room and lit it up—not just with charisma, but with kindness. With mischief. With soulful understanding,” she wrote, alongside a collection of photos of the pair together over the years..
“We spent years together on Charmed—years of scenes, stories, and so many in-between moments. He made me feel safe as an actor. Seen as a woman. He challenged me, teased me, supported me. We were so different, and yet somehow we always understood each other.
“Julian was more than my TV husband. He was a dear friend. The kind who checks in. The kind who remembers. The kind who shares. The kind who tells you the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable—but always with love.
“Rest, my friend. I’ll carry your laugh with me. Forever Cole. Forever Julian.”
McMahon’s most recent project was Aussie film The Surfer, with his last public appearance being at the North American premiere of the film in Austin, Texas on March 10.
His co-star, Nicolas Cage, also spoke to Deadline, describing McMahon’s death as “deeply saddening news”.
“I spent six weeks working with Julian, and he was the most talented of actors,” Cage said.
“Our scenes together on The Surfer were amongst my favourites 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’s Fantastic Four co-star Ioan Gruffud took to Instagram to remember his late friend.
“This is terribly sad news about Julian,” he wrote.
“Even though we played each other’s nemeses, there was always so much lightness and laughter working together.
“Every encounter with him was a joy. It was an honour to be Dr. Richards to his Dr. Doom. My heart goes out to his wife and family. God speed Julian.”
Another star of Fantastic Four, Michael Chiklis, also shared a tribute on Instagram.
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“I’m devastated to hear of the passing of my friend Julian,” he wrote.
“Life is so precious and fragile. My condolences to his family. RIP Jules.”
Charmed co-star Rose McGowan – who also appeared alongside him in Nip/Tuck – shared an image to her Instagram story of McMahon, remembering him as a “force of brilliance, wild talent and humour”.
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”For you, your family and loving fans all over the world, I pray for comfort,” she said.
Another Charmed Star, Holly Marie Combs, shared a touching tribute to the late Aussie posting a video compiled of a collection of images from their time on the show together to Instagram.
“One of a kind is an understatement. Your unyielding zest for life and crazy making sense of humor will be sorely missed,” she wrote in the caption.
“The joy and laughter you were the direct cause of will always be remembered. I hope you find our lady friend and dance in those rose petals. 🌹”
Brian Krause, who also appeared in Charmed, noted that today is “a sad day for our Charmed family”.
“Julian was one of the funniest, devilishly handsome and kind souls,” he wrote on Instagram.
“Prayers to his family and close friends! He will surely be missed!”
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Nine’s entertainment editor Richard Wilkins told his Today co-hosts the news is “so sad”.
“Such a larger than life, tall dark and handsome character that we knew and loved him for, and I can hardly believe that he’s gone,” he said.
“This is just terrible news for the world to be waking up to on a Saturday morning.”
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