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Australian actor Julian McMahon dead, aged 56: Star of Fantastic Four and Nip/Tuck dies after private cancer battle

Julian McMahon, who got his start on Home Away in the early 1990s, was 56.

Australian actor Julian McMahon dead, aged 56: Star of Fantastic Four and Nip/Tuck dies after private cancer battle

Julian McMahon, who got his start on Home Away in the early 1990s, was 56.

Australian actor Julian McMahon has died, aged 56.

The beloved actor died in Clearwater, Florida, on Thursday, after a private battle with cancer his wife Kelly confirmed in a statement to Deadline.

“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,” she said.

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She continued: “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.

McMahon with wife Kelly in LA, 2017. Credit: Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic
Actor Julian McMahon has died, aged 56. Credit: Daniele Venturelli/WireImage

“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 was a beloved Australian actor.

Locally, McMahon got his start on Seven’s Home and Away, starring as Ben Lucini from 1990 to 1991.

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He went on to achieve primetime success on US TV, starring as Dr. Christian Troy on the Ryan Murphy series Nip/Tuck from 2003 to 2010.

McMahon also appeared on Charmed as Cole Turner, from 2000 to 2005.

McMahon with his ex-wife, Dannii Minogue. Credit: Patrick Riviere/Getty Images
McMahon attends the North American premiere of 'The Surfer' during the 2025 SXSW Conference in March. Credit: Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for The Surfer

He was cast as the love interest of Alyssa Milano’s character, Phoebe, gaining a legion of fans on the hit show.

Another of his iconic roles was in the superhero franchise Fantastic Four in 2005 and again in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer in 2007, playing villain, Victor Von Doom.

More recently, he starred in CBS crime series FBI: Most Wanted, before exiting the series in January 2022.

Born in Sydney. McMahon was in the spotlight from an early age, his father William McMahon, served as Australian Prime Minister briefly from 1971 to 1972. His mother was socialite, Sonia McMahon.

He was previously married to Dannii Minogue. He went on to have a high-profile romance with Baywatch star Brooke Burns with whom he shares daughter Madison, before marrying Kelly Paniagua in 2014.

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