Golden Era Glamour: Remembering Julian McMahon, TV’s Most Stylish Antihero
In a poignant farewell that has left the fashion and entertainment worlds mourning, Julian McMahon—the inimitable actor known for his brooding roles on Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and in the Fantastic Four franchise—has died at the age of 56. The Australian-born star passed away peacefully on July 2 in Clearwater, Florida, following a private battle with cancer, as confirmed by his wife, Kelly Paniagua, in an exclusive statement to Deadline on July 4.
“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,” Kelly wrote. “Julian loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans.”
McMahon, who was born on July 27, 1968, in Sydney, came from political pedigree—his father, Sir William McMahon, served as Prime Minister of Australia from 1971 to 1972. But it was clear early on that Julian’s future would be defined not by politics, but by charisma, fashion, and fearless creativity.
He first made a name for himself in modeling, gracing runways in Australia and abroad with that chiseled jawline and rakish charm that would become his signature. His seamless transition into acting quickly proved he was more than a pretty face. Early soap opera roles in Australia soon gave way to breakout performances in Hollywood. Fans first fell under his spell in 1993’s Another World, but it was his devilishly magnetic portrayal of Cole Turner in Charmed that catapulted him into TV icon status.
Then came Nip/Tuck. As the morally complex plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Troy, McMahon captivated audiences over six stylish and controversial seasons. The performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination and cemented his status as a television antihero—and fashion icon. From impeccably tailored suits to edgy, high-gloss red carpet looks, Julian always understood the assignment.
Though fans may also remember him as the enigmatic villain Dr. Doom in the early Fantastic Four films, his final role was one of quiet poetic justice: playing the Australian Prime Minister in Netflix’s The Residence, a nod to his own political heritage.
McMahon’s red carpet swan song came this March in Austin, Texas, where he premiered The Surfer at the SXSW Film & TV Festival, alongside Nicolas Cage. Clad in a crisp, cream-toned linen suit and his trademark understated charm, he appeared vital, gracious, and profoundly stylish—a portrait of resilience and elegance to the very end.
Julian McMahon is survived by his wife Kelly, whom he married in 2014, and his daughter Madison Elizabeth McMahon, 25, from his previous marriage to Baywatch star Brooke Burns. He was also previously married to Australian pop icon Dannii Minogue.
His legacy is one of enduring glamour, layered performances, and a life lived with panache. As Kelly wrote in her tribute: “We wish for all of those to whom Julian brought joy, to continue to find joy in life.” In the wake of his passing, one thing is certain—Julian McMahon brought joy, style, and depth to every role he played and every life he touched.
