Australian actor Julian McMahon, best known for his charismatic roles in Nip/Tuck, Charmed and Home and Away, has died aged 56.
McMahon passed away peacefully on Thursday in Clearwater, Florida, following a private battle with cancer, his wife Kelly confirmed in a heartfelt statement.
“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.
“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. 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.”
Born into one of Australia’s most prominent families, McMahon was the son of former Prime Minister Sir William McMahon and philanthropist Lady Sonia McMahon. Despite his political pedigree, he chose a life in the arts – one that would take him from Australian soap operas to global television success.
McMahon first appeared on Australian screens in The Power, The Passion in 1989 before finding broader fame on Home and Away. He later moved to the United States, landing a role on Another World and later recurring parts in Profiler and the hit supernatural series Charmed.
His breakout role came as the magnetic and morally complex Dr Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck, a performance that earned him a Golden Globe nomination and international acclaim during the show’s six-season run.
More recently, McMahon starred in the Stan Original Film The Surfer alongside Nicolas Cage, and earlier this year appeared in Netflix’s political mystery drama The Residence, portraying fictional Australian Prime Minister Stephen Roos – a role that echoed his real-life connection to Australian politics.
McMahon’s personal life was also in the public eye. He was married to singer and actress Dannii Minogue in the 1990s, and later to Baywatch star Brooke Burns, with whom he had a daughter, Madison Elizabeth, now 25. He married his wife Kelly in 2014.
Julian McMahon is remembered not only for his talent and commanding screen presence but for the warmth, generosity and spirit that endeared him to family, friends and fans alike.
He leaves behind a remarkable legacy in television and film – and in the hearts of those who loved him.
A private service will be held in the coming days.
Images: Instagram
