Julian McMahon, ‘Nip/Tuck’ and ‘Fantastic Four’ Star, Dies at 56 After Private Health Battle

Julian McMahon, Star of Nip/Tuck and FBI: Most Wanted, Dies at 56 After Private Cancer Battle
By Justin Enriquez for DailyMail.com
Published: 23:14 BST, 4 July 2025 | Updated: 23:35 BST, 4 July 2025

[Image: Julian McMahon at Cannes 2024, smiling in a sleek black suit.]

Julian McMahon, the Australian-American actor renowned for his roles in Nip/Tuck and FBI: Most Wanted, has died at age 56 following a private battle with cancer. His wife, Kelly, confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement on Friday, revealing he passed away peacefully after a “valiant effort” to fight the illness.

McMahon’s final public appearance was in March 2025 at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas, where he promoted the psychological thriller The Surfer alongside co-star Nicolas Cage. Fans noted his noticeably thinner frame, though his health struggles had not been publicly disclosed.

A Legacy of Charisma and Talent
Born in Sydney, McMahon rose to fame as the charming, morally complex plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Troy on FX’s Nip/Tuck (2003–2010). His portrayal of the hedonistic doctor opposite Dylan Walsh’s Dr. Sean McNamara became iconic, earning him three Emmy nominations.

[Image: McMahon as Dr. Troy in Nip/Tuck, mid-surgery scene.]

Later, he led CBS’s FBI: Most Wanted as Supervisory Special Agent Jess LaCroix from 2020 until his abrupt exit in 2022. McMahon also left a mark on the superhero genre, playing the villainous Dr. Doom in Fantastic Four (2005) and its 2007 sequel.

A Life Celebrated
In her statement, Kelly McMahon emphasized her husband’s passion for life and artistry: “Julian loved his family, friends, work, and fans. His deepest wish was to bring joy to others.” She requested privacy for the family while honoring his legacy of creativity and kindness.

[Image: Movie poster for Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer featuring McMahon as Dr. Doom.]

Tributes poured in from co-stars and fans, highlighting McMahon’s warmth and professionalism. Nip/Tuck creator Ryan Murphy called him “a force of nature,” while FBI showrunner Dick Wolf praised his “unforgettable presence.”

McMahon is survived by Kelly, whom he married in 2024, and two daughters from a previous marriage. His final film, The Surfer, is set for release later this year.

“We ask for support to grieve privately,” Kelly added. “But we hope those he inspired continue finding joy—just as Julian would’ve wanted.”

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