The entertainment world is mourning the loss of a beloved star whose onscreen presence and private strength left a lasting impact on fans and colleagues alike.

Julian McMahon, the Sydney-born actor famed for roles on Nip/Tuck and FBI: Most Wanted, has died at 56 following a previously undisclosed struggle with cancer, his wife confirmed Friday, as the Daily Mail reports.

McMahon was best known for portraying complex, often morally ambiguous characters, a range most memorably displayed in his seven-season run as Dr. Christian Troy on FX’s Nip/Tuck. Born in Australia and the son of former Prime Minister Sir William McMahon, Julian built an international career that spanned decades and genres -- from sultry television dramas to major Hollywood superhero films.

Final concerning appearance

The actor’s final public appearance came in March at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival in Austin, Texas. There, he attended a promotional event for The Surfer, a psychological thriller co-starring Nicolas Cage.

Observers noted that McMahon appeared visibly thinner, prompting concern among fans -- though at the time, there was no public knowledge of any health issues.

During the months following that appearance, McMahon maintained his privacy, continuing to keep details of his health closely guarded. On Friday, his wife, Kelly McMahon, shared the heartbreaking news in a public statement. The couple had married just the year prior after an 11-year relationship, hosting their intimate ceremony in Lake Tahoe in 2024.

“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,” Kelly’s statement read in part. She described him as a man who was passionate about life, family, and his art, and whose final wish was simply to bring joy to others.

Career defined by memorable roles

McMahon’s contributions to the entertainment industry began in Australia with the soap opera Home & Away in the early 1990s. He debuted as Ben Lucini, staying on the show from 1990 to 1991 before expanding to international roles. In the United States, he gained traction in the crime drama Profiler as Detective John Grant from 1996 to 2000.

He reached a new level of fame playing Cole Turner in the WB’s fantasy series Charmed from 2000 through 2003, with a guest reappearance in 2005. Yet it was his leading performance as Dr. Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck that catapulted him into the spotlight -- a role that earned him a 2004 Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Television Drama. He ultimately lost the award to Ian McShane for Deadwood.

McMahon also starred in major motion pictures, notably appearing as the villainous Victor Von Doom in the Fantastic Four films released in 2005 and 2007. He worked alongside Sandra Bullock in the 2007 suspense film Premonition, further showcasing his versatility as a performer.

Personal life marked by prominent family ties

Julian Dana William McMahon was born in Sydney, Australia, and was the only son of Sir William McMahon, who served as Australia’s prime minister from 1971 to 1972. In a 2018 interview, Julian spoke of his father’s old-school values and the generational tensions that shaped their family. “My Dad… was born in 1908. That's a very different time to what it was when he was raising me,” he reflected.

McMahon experienced two prior marriages before marrying Kelly. He was married to singer Dannii Minogue from 1994 to 1995, then to actress Brooke Burns from 1999 to 2001. He shared a daughter, Madison Elizabeth McMahon, now 25, with Burns. Despite the public nature of his relationships, McMahon largely kept his personal life under wraps.

After a successful stretch on Nip/Tuck, McMahon later took on the role of FBI agent Jess LaCroix on CBS’s FBI: Most Wanted. He spent three seasons on the crime drama before making a surprise exit in March 2022. His latest performance was as the Australian Prime Minister in the Netflix mystery series The Residence, echoing the political legacy of his father in fictional form.

Lessons to learn

1. Respect privacy during personal battles. McMahon's decision to protect his medical journey reminds us that public figures are entitled to private lives, particularly in situations involving health. Respecting boundaries can offer them dignity in life and in passing.

2. Recognize the power of long-term relationships. Julian and Kelly’s 11-year relationship prior to marrying illustrates the importance of commitment and support systems. Through thick and thin, loving connections can be both private and profound.

3. Understand that signs are not always clear. Though fans noticed McMahon’s thin appearance, no assumptions should ever be made about a person’s condition. Healthcare is complex and deeply personal. Unfortunately, despite detection, illness can affect anyone -- and no matter what preventive steps are taken, we must remember that blame never falls on the victim.

Why this story matters

Julian McMahon’s passing shines a light on the unseen struggles many face and what it means to live -- and die -- with grace.

His body of work touched millions and exemplifies how entertainers can inspire, challenge, and comfort us through times of joy and hardship. As his widow Kelly asked, let us continue to honor his legacy by finding joy in life.