Julian McMahon: The Magnetic Star Who Lit Screens From Sydney to Hollywood

Julian Dana William McMahon (1968–2025) wasn’t just an actor; he was a captivating presence who transcended borders, leaving an indelible mark as both an Australian-American actor and the complex son of a political dynasty. Born in Sydney, he carried the unique legacy of being the only son of Sir William McMahon, the 20th Prime Minister of Australia. Yet, McMahon forged his own extraordinary path, becoming globally recognized for his magnetic portrayals of morally ambiguous characters on both television and film.

His journey began amidst privilege and pressure. Educated at the prestigious Sydney Grammar School (his father’s alma mater), young Julian initially dreamed of army cadet life and rugby. Brief studies in law at the University of Sydney and economics at the University of Wollongong failed to ignite his passion. Instead, his striking looks propelled him into a successful modelling career, taking him to the fashion capitals of Milan, London, New York City, Rome, and Paris.

A pivotal moment came while modelling in Europe upon his father’s death. Returning to Australia for the funeral, he filmed Levi’s commercials. This serendipitously led to his breakthrough acting role as soldier Benito “Ben” Lucini on the iconic Australian soap opera Home and Away (1990-1991), following a debut in the short-lived soap The Power, The Passion.

McMahon’s ambition stretched beyond Australian shores. Despite initial struggles obtaining a work permit for the United States, his big break Hollywood role arrived in 1993 as Ian Rain on the soap Another World – famously emerging from a pool in a speedo at the Cory Mansion, an experience he recalled as “pretty magical“.

Hollywood quickly recognized his potent blend of charm and intensity. He captivated audiences as Detective John Grant in the gritty American crime drama Profiler (1996-2000). He then achieved cult status as the charismatic yet dangerous half-demon Cole Turner in the beloved American supernatural drama Charmed (2000-2005). His career-defining role came as the narcissistic, deeply flawed plastic surgeon Christian Troy in the provocative American medical drama Nip/Tuck (2003-2010). This complex portrayal earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama and cemented his reputation for embracing villains or damaged characters, a type he felt intrinsically drawn to.

McMahon also made his mark on the big screen. He embodied the iconic Marvel villain Doctor Doom in the Fantastic Four duology (2005, 2007), brought tension to Premonition (2007) opposite Sandra Bullock, added intrigue to RED (2010) with Bruce Willis, navigated psychological thrills in Faces in the Crowd (2011) alongside Milla Jovovich, and faced terror in Bait 3D (2012). He later returned to his roots for the Australian ensemble film Swinging Safari (2018), set in the 1970s and featuring a memorable handlebar moustache and an improvised kiss with his former sister-in-law Kylie Minogue. He humorously noted the challenge of rediscovering his Australian accent after decades using an American accent.

In a powerful late-career resurgence, McMahon commanded the screen as Supervisory Special Agent Jess LaCroix in the CBS crime drama FBI: Most Wanted (2020-2022). He described receiving the script as an “aha moment,” knowing instantly he had to play the role. He also made impactful guest appearances in the parent series FBI and spin-off FBI: International.

Personally, McMahon’s life was marked by high-profile relationships. He married singer and actress Dannii Minogue in 1994 after meeting on Home and Away, famously starring in her music video “This Is It.” Their marriage was short-lived, partly strained by Minogue’s difficult relationship with McMahon’s formidable mother, Lady Sonia McMahon, whom he jokingly called “a very scary lady” for critiquing his performances. He later married Baywatch star Brooke Burns, with whom he had a daughter, and finally found lasting partnership with Kelly Paniagua in 2014.

Though he resided in the United States from the 1990s until his death, McMahon’s heart remained Australian: “I feel like I’m Australian on the inside and American on the outside… I love Australians, Australianisms… I love where I grew up… I wouldn’t change it for the world.“

The entertainment world mourned when Julian McMahon died from cancer on 2 July 2025, at the age of 56, in Clearwater, Florida. He left behind a rich legacy defined by his fearless exploration of darkness, undeniable charisma, and the unforgettable characters – from the tormented Cole Turner and the brilliant, broken Christian Troy to the relentless Jess LaCroix – that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. He was a true star who illuminated the complex spectrum of the human condition.

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