The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Julian McMahon, the celebrated Australian actor best known for his unforgettable roles in Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and as the formidable Dr. Doom in Fantastic Four. McMahon passed away on July 2, 2025, at the age of 56, following a private battle with cancer.
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How Did Julian McMahon Die? Cause of death
The news of Julian McMahon’s death was confirmed by his wife, Kelly McMahon, through an emotional statement shared with Deadline. According to the statement, McMahon succumbed to Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of cancer he had been quietly battling for some time.
“Julian loved life. He loved his family, his friends, his work, and his fans,” expressed Kelly McMahon. “His greatest wish was to bring joy to as many lives as possible. We ask for support as our family grieves in private, and we hope that those who found joy in Julian’s work continue to find joy in life. We are grateful for the memories.”
The actor had previously taken a hiatus from his work on FBI: Most Wanted to focus on his treatment, though he chose to keep his illness largely out of the public eye.
What Was Julian McMahon’s Illness?
Julian McMahon had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. While details of his diagnosis and treatment were kept private, sources close to the actor revealed that he fought the illness courageously, undergoing treatment during breaks in his acting schedule.
Fans were unaware of his health battle, as McMahon continued to work on high-profile projects, including the Netflix series The Residence in 2025, demonstrating his commitment to his craft until his final days.
What Was Julian McMahon’s Net Worth?
At the time of his passing, Julian McMahon’s net worth was estimated at $16 million. His fortune was built through a prolific acting career spanning over three decades, including lucrative roles in hit television series, films, and international modeling campaigns.
Julian McMahon’s Career: From Soap Operas to Blockbusters
Julian McMahon’s career was marked by versatility and charisma. Born in Sydney, Australia, on July 27, 1968, he was the son of former Australian Prime Minister Sir William McMahon and Lady Sonia McMahon. Though he initially pursued law and economics at university, his true passion lay elsewhere.
Early Career and Modeling
Before stepping into the world of acting, McMahon modeled in global fashion capitals like Paris, Milan, London, and New York. His good looks and confidence eventually led to commercial work, including ads for Levi’s in Australia.
Television Breakthrough
McMahon’s acting career began with Australian soap operas The Power, The Passion and Home and Away, where he played Ben Lucini from 1990 to 1991. His charm and talent soon caught international attention, prompting a move to the United States.
In 1993, he joined the American soap Another World, followed by a four-year stint as Detective John Grant in Profiler, where he carved his reputation in the crime-drama genre.
However, his breakout role came in 2000 when he joined the hit series Charmed as Cole Turner, the seductive demon-lawyer entangled in a tumultuous romance with Phoebe Halliwell, played by Alyssa Milano. His portrayal remains one of the most beloved by fans of Charmed.
Nip/Tuck and Hollywood Stardom
In 2003, McMahon’s career skyrocketed when he took on the lead role of Dr. Christian Troy in Ryan Murphy’s provocative medical drama Nip/Tuck. Playing the morally ambiguous plastic surgeon earned him a Golden Globe nomination and cemented his status as a household name.
Julian McMahon in Movies and TV Shows: Dr. Doom and Beyond
McMahon’s success on television paved the way for his film career. In 2005, he embodied the iconic Marvel villain Dr. Doom in Fantastic Four, a role he reprised in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007). His menacing yet captivating portrayal of Victor Von Doom remains a highlight for fans of the Fantastic 4 franchise.
His film credits also include Premonition alongside Sandra Bullock, Red, Faces in the Crowd, Bait 3D, and Paranoia. More recently, McMahon starred in The Surfer (2024) and appeared in Netflix’s The Residence (2025), showcasing his enduring appeal in both film and television.
FBI: Most Wanted and Final Projects
In 2020, McMahon returned to television as Special Agent Jess LaCroix in CBS’s FBI: Most Wanted, captivating audiences with his commanding performance. He remained with the show for three seasons, becoming a fan favorite in the FBI franchise before stepping back to focus on his health.
Who Was Julian McMahon’s Wife?
Julian McMahon was married to Kelly Paniagua, an author of children’s books, since 2014. The couple shared a private, loving relationship away from the spotlight. McMahon also had a daughter, Madison, from his previous marriage to actress and model Brooke Burns.
Earlier in his life, McMahon was married to singer and actress Dannii Minogue, though their marriage ended after 18 months, partially due to tensions between Minogue and McMahon’s family.
