Julian McMahon's Cause of Death Revealed as Cancer

LOS ANGELES – More than a week after the sudden passing of Australian actor Julian McMahon, his publicist has confirmed the cause of death. McMahon, celebrated for his roles as Dr. Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck and the demon Cole Turner in Charmed, died at the age of 56 following a private battle with cancer.

The confirmation came from his longtime publicist, Cara Tripicchio, who stated that the actor passed away on July 2 in Clearwater, Florida. The announcement sheds light on the circumstances of his death, which had been a shock to fans and colleagues who were unaware of his illness. The private nature of his struggle underscores a quiet strength that stood in contrast to the often flamboyant and intense characters he portrayed on screen.

McMahon, son of the former Prime Minister of Australia Sir William McMahon, built an international career that spanned over three decades, leaving an indelible mark on television drama and feature films.

A Celebrated and Diverse Career

Julian McMahon first gained international recognition in the early 2000s for his role as the half-human, half-demon Cole Turner on the hit supernatural series Charmed. His complex portrayal of a tormented villain-turned-anti-hero made him a fan favorite and a central figure in the show's most memorable storylines.

Following his success on Charmed, McMahon landed the career-defining role of Dr. Christian Troy on the FX series Nip/Tuck. The provocative drama, which ran from 2003 to 2010, explored the dark side of plastic surgery and modern vanity. McMahon's performance as the arrogant, womanizing, yet deeply insecure surgeon earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama in 2005.

On the big screen, he was known for playing the iconic Marvel villain Doctor Doom in 2005's Fantastic Four and its 2007 sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. His other film credits include the 2007 supernatural thriller Premonition, alongside Sandra Bullock.

Most recently, McMahon starred as Supervisory Special Agent Jess LaCroix in the CBS crime drama FBI: Most Wanted, a role he held from 2020 until his departure from the series in 2022 to pursue other creative projects. His exit from the popular show now appears in a new light, given the private health battle he was facing.

Tributes from Hollywood

The news of his passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrance from those who worked with him. His Charmed co-stars were among the first to share their memories.

Alyssa Milano, who played his primary love interest on the show, wrote, "Julian, you were a beautiful, beautiful soul. I am so grateful that our paths crossed on this journey. You will be missed."

Shannen Doherty, who has been public about her own long-running battle with cancer, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, remembering McMahon's "wicked sense of humor, his charm, and his unique talent."

Dylan Walsh, who co-starred with McMahon as Dr. Sean McNamara on Nip/Tuck, called him a "brilliant scene partner and a true friend." He added, "The chemistry we had was a gift, and I will cherish the memories of our time creating something so special together."

Julian McMahon is survived by his wife, Kelly Paniagua, and his daughter, Madison, from his previous marriage to actress Brooke Burns. His legacy is one of a versatile actor who brought depth and charisma to every role, leaving a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.