Julian McMahon, known for playing Doctor Doom in the 2000s Fantastic Four movies, has died. The Australian actor passed away on July 2 in Clearwater, Florida, following a private battle with cancer. He was 56.
McMahon’s wife, Kelly McMahon, confirmed the news in a statement, calling him a man who loved life, his family, his work, and his fans. She asked for privacy as the family mourns his passing.
“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 in a statement released to the trades. “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.”
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Julian McMahon was born in Sydney on July 27, 1968. His father, Billy McMahon, was Prime Minister of Australia from 1971 to 1972. Julian first gained attention as a model before moving into acting. His early roles included parts in the Australian soaps The Power, the Passion and Home and Away, before landing his first film, Wet and Wild Summer!.
McMahon later transitioned to American television, starting with NBC’s daytime soap Another World in 1993.
Rise to Fame in the U.S.
Julian McMahon broke into primetime TV with Profiler, where he starred for four seasons. He then joined the WB’s Charmed, playing the demon Cole Turner across three seasons.
He later took the lead in Nip/Tuck, FX’s hit plastic surgery drama from Ryan Murphy. McMahon starred as Dr. Christian Troy for six seasons, earning a Golden Globe nomination and becoming one of TV’s most recognizable actors during the 2000s.
Julian McMahon in Fantastic Four and Marvel’s Runaways
McMahon made a big splash in Hollywood playing Doctor Doom in 2005’s Fantastic Four and its 2007 sequel Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. He later returned to Marvel as a series regular on Hulu’s Runaways.
His other film credits include Premonition, RED, Paranoia, You’re Not You, Swinging Safari, and his most recent films, The Surfer and The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat in 2024.
Later TV Roles and Final Performance
Julian McMahon continued to lead television dramas, starring in CBS’ FBI: Most Wanted as Jess LaCroix for three seasons before leaving in 2022.
His final role was on Netflix’s The Residence, where he portrayed the Australian Prime Minister, bringing his career full circle.
