Julian McMahon, a Fantastic Four star, has died at the age of 56, according to his wife’s poignant statement.
The Australian-born actor, renowned for his appearances in Home and Away, Charmed, Nip/Tuck, and most notably as Doctor Doom in Fantastic Four, died after a battle with cancer, his family revealed.
The Golden Globe winner died on Wednesday, July 2, in Clearwater, Florida.
McMahon’s widow, Kelly Paniagua, has already issued a heartfelt tribute to her husband, telling Deadline that he ‘loved life.’
She wrote, “With an open heart, I wish to share with the world that my beloved husband, Julian McMahon, died peacefully last week after a gallant fight against cancer.
“Julian liked life. He adored his family. He adored his pals. He was passionate about both his job and his followers. His innermost desire was to provide joy to as many people as possible,” she said.
“We beg for help at this difficult time so that our family can grieve privately. And we hope that all of those to whom Julian provided joy may continue to find joy in life. We are glad for these memories.”
McMahon, the son of former Australian Prime Minister William McMahon, played Dr. Christian Troy in Ryan Murphy’s sitcom Nip/Tuck from 2003 to 2010.
Meanwhile, he portrayed Cole Turner on Charmed from 2000 to 2005 before moving on to the superhero franchise Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), in which he played the evil Victor Von Doom.
He most recently featured in Netflix’s The Residence, which premiered in March of this year but was cancelled after the first season just this month.
He also appeared on the CBS crime drama FBI: Most Wanted but announced his retirement in January 2022 without providing much reason.
McMahon told Deadline at the time, “I’m really happy with the work we’ve done together and rank the evolution of this show, and my character, Jess, at the top of my professional experience list. I wish the show, its actors, and staff much success in the future. I am glad for the opportunity to portray Jess.” He is a good man.”
The father-of-one was previously married to Australian singer Dannii Minogue and Baywatch actress Brooke Burns, with whom he had a daughter, Madison Elizabeth McMahon, 25, before marrying Kelly Paniagua in 2014.
His most recent public red carpet appearance was on March 10 of this year in Austin, Texas, to celebrate the Stan original film, The Surfer, in which he co-starred with Nicolas Cage at the SXSW Film & TV Festival.
“We’re heartbroken to hear of Julian McMahon’s passing,” the official Stan Instagram account wrote on Saturday.
“His extraordinary talent and presence had a lasting effect on everyone he worked with, including the team behind The Surfer.”
Australian producer Robert Connolly noted, “Julian was an exceptional gentleman, a consummate professional, a stunning actor, and an absolute pleasure to work with.”
“His performance in The Surfer is a triumph—one of many great performances in a tremendous career—and a remarkable tribute to his ability and presence on our screens.”
“His steadfast devotion to the film led Julian from the beaches of Western Australia to its international debut in Cannes, the United States, and beyond, and we were all extremely fortunate to have enjoyed this trip with such a brilliant and remarkable performer.
“A true gift in all our careers to have had the chance to work together with such a wonderful person.”
Nicolas Cage added, “I spent six weeks working with Julian, and he was the most skilled of performers.
“Our scenes together on The Surfer were among the favorites I have ever participated in, and Julian is one of my favorite people.” He was a pleasant and bright man. My affection for his family.”