Movies

Julian McMahon looked frail in final public appearance four months before shock cancer death at 56

BBG News

In early March, Julian McMahon bid a final goodbye to the public, and now, at 56 years old, he has passed away unexpectedly this week.

It was revealed by his wife on Friday that the Australian-American actor had been quietly fighting against cancer for some time.

Despite not revealing his health condition to his devoted followers, he appeared significantly thinner and pale when he made his final red carpet appearance on March 10.

At SXSW, Julian stood courageously next to Nicholas Cage for a promotional event, showcasing their upcoming movie titled “The Surfer.” This film was screened at Cannes the year before.

The man, with a blue checkered jacket draped over his thin physique, mustered a grin for the cameras stationed at the Zach Theatre in Austin, Texas.

On this very day that news of his demise spread, I found myself compelled to express my heartfelt response to the deeply sorrowful passing of one of my cherished individuals.

According to the National Treasure star, after spending six weeks working together, Julian stood out as the most gifted actor among his peers, as expressed to Deadline.

Nicolas mentioned that working with him on The Surfer was one of the best experiences I have ever had, and Julian is one of my all-time favorite people. He was an exceptionally kind and intelligent individual. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.

In a touching tribute, Julian McMahon’s wife announced that he passed away peacefully this week following a courageous battle against cancer. She expressed her feelings openly with the world.

In the year 2024, when he was married, Kelly conveyed the depth of Julian’s affection towards his fans and loved ones, as well as the significance of acting in his lifetime.

Julian cherished living, held dear his kin, valued his peers, took pride in his profession, and adored his supporters. His most heartfelt aspiration was to infuse happiness into numerous souls.

During this difficult period, we kindly request space and privacy so that our family can mourn properly. At the same time, we hope that everyone who knew Julian and found happiness in his presence, will continue to find joy in life. We are deeply appreciative of the memories we shared, as expressed in her statement, which Deadline obtained.

The talented actor was best known for his role as Dr. Christian Troy on the FX series Nip/Tuck.

He co-acted with Dylan Walsh, who played Sean McNamara, in a medical drama with a flamboyant style that aired from 2003 to 2010 over the course of six seasons.

In 2004, the actor was also recognized with a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama. However, it was Ian McShane who took home the prize for his portrayal in the HBO series Deadwood.

Later, Julian took on the role of Jess LaCroix in the CBS show FBI: Most Wanted, starting from 2020. However, he unexpectedly left the series in March 2022, wrapping up his three-season tenure.

Previously, he gained recognition for his role as the lead character Ben Lucini in the Australian TV soap opera Home & Away, a position he held from 1990 to 1991.

From 1996 to 2000, the performer played the role of Detective John Grant in the American crime drama series known as Profiler.

In the early 21st century, I had the privilege of captivating audiences by embodying the enigmatic character Cole Turner on Charmed, seasons 3 through 5, from 2000 to 2003. Later, I was thrilled to revisit this role as a guest star in season 7, which premiered in 2005.

Born in Sydney, Australia, this individual also made a mark on the silver screen by portraying the legendary supervillain Dr. Doom in not one but two Marvel films – Fantastic Four (2005) and its sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007).

He also starred alongside Sandra Bullock in 2007 supernatural psychological thriller Premonition. 

11 years prior to their nuptials in 2014, Julian and his long-time partner, Kelly, decided to officially tie the knot at a picturesque location by Lake Tahoe, which borders both California and Nevada. This marked the third time Julian had gotten married.

Previously, Julian was wedded to the model and Baywatch actress, Brooke Burns, between 1999 and 2001. They have a 25-year-old daughter named Madison Elizabeth McMahon.

In addition, he is well-known for having been married to Australian singing and television personality Dannii Minogue from 1994 until 1995.

Beyond his personal accomplishments, it’s worth noting that Julian is connected to Australian politics through familial ties. He is the son of Sir William McMahon, a past Prime Minister of Australia who led the country from 1971 to 1972 and headed the Liberal Party during his tenure.

In an interview with the Herald Sun back in 2018, I shared some insights about my upbringing, and let me tell you, my father, who was born in 1908, hails from a completely different era compared to the one he nurtured me in.

It seems he might have experienced a peculiar misinterpretation between the way you were raised in 1908 compared to how you parent now in 1972, which could have led to significant conflict. Similarly, being a husband during those years would have presented a markedly different set of expectations.

In an intriguing twist, I found myself stepping back into familiar territory by embodying the esteemed Australian Prime Minister for the gripping Netflix drama, The Residence. It felt like coming full circle in my career.

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2025-07-05 08:50

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