Julian McMahon's Last Act: A Tribute To The Iconic Star Of Nip/Tuck And His Final Unreleased Roles

The world of television and film lost a charismatic and versatile talent on July 2, 2025, with the passing of Julian McMahon. The Australian-American actor, best known for his iconic, complex roles as the charming but troubled Dr. Christian Troy in *Nip/Tuck* and the demonic Cole Turner in *Charmed*, died at the age of 56 following a battle with cancer. His death marks the end of a brilliant career that saw him transition effortlessly from daytime soap operas to leading roles in major primetime dramas and blockbuster films, leaving behind a legacy of compelling performances, including two powerful final projects set for release in 2025. Born into Australian political royalty, McMahon carved his own path in Hollywood, captivating audiences with his blend of suave sophistication and dangerous intensity. As fans mourn his loss and celebrate his life, it is a poignant time to look back at the man who brought so much complexity to the screen and to anticipate the final, powerful roles he left behind for us to remember him by.

The Life and Career of Julian McMahon: A Complete Biography

Julian Dana William McMahon was an Australian-American actor who became a cult television icon, known for his handsome, often morally ambiguous characters. His journey from an Australian political family to a global Hollywood star is a testament to his ambition and talent.

• Full Name: Julian Dana William McMahon
• Born: July 27, 1968, in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
• Passed Away: July 2, 2025, in Florida, USA (Age 56)
• Cause of Death: Cancer
• Family Background: He was the only son of Sir William McMahon, who served as the 20th Prime Minister of Australia from 1971 to 1972, and Lady Sonia McMahon.
• Education: He briefly studied law at the University of Sydney and engineering at the University of New South Wales before pursuing a career in modeling and acting.
• Spouse: Kelly Paniagua (m. 2014–2025)
• Children: One daughter, Madison McMahon, from his marriage to Brooke Burns.
• Early Career: Started as a model in fashion capitals like Milan, London, and New York. His breakout acting role was on the Australian soap opera *Home and Away* as Ben Lucini.
• Iconic Roles: Cole Turner / Belthazor in *Charmed* (2000–2003); Dr. Christian Troy in *Nip/Tuck* (2003–2010); Dr. Doom in *Fantastic Four* (2005) and *Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer* (2007); Jess LaCroix in *FBI: Most Wanted* (2020–2022).
• Awards: Nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama for *Nip/Tuck* in 2005.

The Roles That Defined a Career: From Cole Turner to Christian Troy

Julian McMahon possessed a unique ability to play the charming villain, a character who could be both deeply flawed and incredibly compelling. This duality made him a favorite among fans and critics alike, establishing his topical authority in the realm of complex television anti-heroes.

Cole Turner: The Demonic Love Interest

For fans of the supernatural series *Charmed*, Julian McMahon's portrayal of Cole Turner was unforgettable. Cole began as a seemingly innocuous Assistant District Attorney who was secretly the powerful half-demon Belthazor. His turbulent, passionate relationship with Phoebe Halliwell (Alyssa Milano) was central to the show's narrative for several seasons. The character's constant struggle between his human love and his demonic nature allowed McMahon to showcase a wide emotional range, solidifying him as a major television star.

Dr. Christian Troy: The Quintessential Anti-Hero

The role that cemented McMahon's status as a television icon was Dr. Christian Troy on the critically acclaimed FX drama *Nip/Tuck*. As the narcissistic, womanizing, and yet deeply vulnerable plastic surgeon, Christian Troy was the ultimate anti-hero. The show's dark, witty exploration of beauty, vanity, and morality relied heavily on McMahon's magnetic performance. It earned him a Golden Globe nomination and became the definitive role of his career, showcasing his ability to deliver sharp dialogue and emotional depth in equal measure.

The Final Chapter: His Last Screen Performances

In the final years of his life, Julian McMahon continued to take on challenging and diverse roles. After his departure from the CBS hit *FBI: Most Wanted* in 2022, where he played the lead role of Supervisory Special Agent Jess LaCroix, he focused on projects that would become his final screen appearances. These roles, now viewed as a poignant farewell, highlight his enduring talent.

1. The Residence (Netflix Series)

One of McMahon's last completed projects is the highly anticipated Netflix murder-mystery series, The Residence. Scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, the series is a Shondaland production centered on a murder that occurs during a state dinner at the White House. McMahon takes on the role of Stephen Roos, the charming and powerful Prime Minister of Australia. This role holds a special significance, as it connects his acting career back to his own family's political history in Australia.

2. The Surfer (Feature Film)

McMahon's final film role is in the Australian psychological thriller The Surfer, which premiered at the SXSW festival in 2024 and is set for a US theatrical release on May 2, 2025. In a departure from his more heroic roles, McMahon plays the antagonist, Scally. Scally is the menacing leader of a local punk surf gang known as the Bay Boys, who terrorize a man (played by Nicolas Cage) who returns to his hometown to surf. Early reviews praised McMahon's chilling performance as the local bigwig, showcasing his ability to embody pure villainy with a captivating edge.

A Legacy of Intensity and Charm

Julian McMahon's career was a masterclass in playing characters who lived in the gray area between good and evil. Whether he was the shape-shifting demon Cole Turner, the morally bankrupt but brilliant Dr. Christian Troy, or the supervillain Dr. Doom in the *Fantastic Four* films, he brought a captivating intensity to every performance. His work across major franchises and standalone projects—from Another World to RED and You're Not You—demonstrates a commitment to his craft. The outpouring of tributes from his former co-stars, including Alyssa Milano, Shannen Doherty, and Dylan Walsh, speaks volumes about the impact he had on the people he worked with and the indelible mark he left on pop culture. Julian McMahon's passing is a profound loss for the entertainment community. However, his legacy lives on through his extensive filmography and the anticipation for his final, powerful performances in *The Residence* and *The Surfer*. He will always be remembered as the sophisticated, magnetic Australian-American actor who made the anti-hero a role to be coveted. His contribution to television and film ensures his place as a true cult icon.