Julian McMahon, the Australian-American actor best known for his roles in Fantastic Four, Nip/Tuck, and Charmed, passed away on July 2, 2025, at the age of 56. He died peacefully in Clearwater, Florida, after a private battle with cancer.

His wife, Kelly Paniagua, confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement, saying that Julian “loved life, his family, his friends, his work, and his fans.” His passing has left a deep impact on the entertainment world, with tributes pouring in from co-stars, fans, and industry professionals who admired his talent and charisma.

Julian McMahon was a versatile actor who made a name for himself in both television and film. He was widely recognized for playing complex and often dark characters with emotional depth. One of his most iconic roles was as Dr. Christian Troy in the hit FX series Nip/Tuck, where he portrayed a charming but troubled plastic surgeon. The role earned him a Golden Globe nomination and made him a household name.

He also gained a loyal fan base for his portrayal of Cole Turner, a half-demon with a human side, in the supernatural drama Charmed. However, it was his performance as Victor Von Doom, also known as Doctor Doom, in the 2005 and 2007 Fantastic Four films that cemented his status as a Marvel icon.

Born on July 27, 1968, in Sydney, Australia, Julian Dana William McMahon came from a prominent family. His father, Sir William McMahon, served as Australia’s Prime Minister from 1971 to 1972, and his mother, Lady Sonia McMahon, was a well-known socialite. He was the second of three children and grew up under the public eye.

He initially studied law and economics at the University of Sydney and the University of Wollongong but soon realized his passion lay elsewhere. He began modeling in his early twenties, working in cities like Sydney, New York, and Paris. His good looks and charm quickly opened doors in the entertainment industry, leading him to pursue acting.

His acting career began in Australia with roles in soap operas like The Power, the Passion and Home and Away, where he played Ben Lucini. His performance caught the attention of international audiences, and he moved to the United States in the early 1990s.

He landed a role on the NBC soap Another World as Ian Rain and later starred as Detective John Grant on the crime drama Profiler. His big break came with Charmed, followed by his critically acclaimed role in Nip/Tuck, which ran from 2003 to 2010. Around this time, he was even considered for the role of James Bond before the part ultimately went to Daniel Craig.

In addition to his television success, he had a notable film career. He starred alongside Sandra Bullock in the thriller Premonition (2007) and appeared in action films like Smokin’ Aces. His portrayal of Doctor Doom in Fantastic Four and its sequel Rise of the Silver Surfer was praised for bringing a mix of menace and sophistication to the villain.

The films were box office hits, grossing over $600 million combined worldwide. More recently, he played Special Agent Jess LaCroix in the CBS crime drama FBI: Most Wanted from 2020 to 2022. He left the show to explore other creative opportunities, including the 2024 film The Surfer with Nicolas Cage and the 2025 Netflix series The Residence, where he portrayed the Australian Prime Minister—a role that echoed his real-life heritage.

He was married three times. His first marriage was to Australian singer Dannii Minogue in the mid-1990s. He later married Baywatch actress Brooke Burns, with whom he had a daughter, Madison Elizabeth McMahon, born in 2000. In 2014, he married model Kelly Paniagua, and the couple remained together until his death. He was known for being a devoted father and husband, often splitting his time between Los Angeles and Florida.

He also had a passion for surfing and soccer and supported several Australian charities, including the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Throughout his career, he was admired not just for his acting but also for his professionalism and kindness. At the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Nicolas Cage praised him as “the most talented of actors,” recalling their work together on The Surfer. Fans on social media remembered him fondly, calling him “my Doctor Doom” and a “remarkable talent.” His final public appearance was at SXSW 2025, where he spoke warmly about Robert Downey Jr. taking over the role of Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday film.

His graciousness and support for the next generation of actors showed the kind of person he was—humble, generous, and deeply passionate about his craft.

Financially, he enjoyed a successful career. At the time of his death, his net worth was estimated between $16 and $20 million. He earned up to $200,000 per episode for Nip/Tuck and similar amounts for his other TV roles. His film roles, endorsements, and residuals from shows like Charmed and Profiler also contributed to his wealth. He owned a $3.5 million home in Los Angeles and a $1.2 million condo in Clearwater, Florida. While he didn’t pursue major business ventures, his career choices and public appearances kept him in the spotlight.

He inspired countless fans and left a lasting mark on the entertainment industry. His death is a great loss, but his work will continue to be celebrated for years to come. As his wife Kelly said, Julian truly loved life—and that love shone through in everything he did.