Julian McMahon’s Last Appearance Now Seen In New Light Following Death

Hollywood is mourning the loss of Julian McMahon, the charismatic Australian-American actor best known for his role as Dr. Christian Troy on "Nip/Tuck," who passed away this week at age 56 following a private battle with cancer.

McMahon’s wife, Kelly, confirmed the heartbreaking news on Friday, revealing the beloved actor had been fighting the disease quietly and bravely out of the public eye.

Julian McMahon's final public appearance came just four months ago at SXSW in Austin, Texas, where he walked the red carpet with Nicolas Cage to promote their film "The Surfer."

McMahon, noticeably thinner and more fragile, managed a warm smile for photographers despite his declining health.

Dressed in a blue checked blazer that hung loosely on his frame, he stood proudly alongside Cage outside the Zach Theatre. The photos were shared by the Daily Mail.

Now that fans are aware of his private battle with cancer, his noticeably frail appearance takes on new meaning.

The movie had premiered at Cannes the year prior and marked what would be one of McMahon’s final roles.

Following news of his death, Cage paid tribute to his co-star, calling him “one of my favorite people.”

“I spent six weeks working with Julian, and he was the most talented of actors,” Cage said in a statement to Deadline. “Our scenes together on 'The Surfer' were amongst my favorites I have ever participated in. He was a kind and intelligent man. My love to his family.”

McMahon, who began his acting career in his native Australia on the long-running soap "Home and Away," quickly rose to international fame. After landing roles on "Profiler and Charmed," he became a household name as the seductive and complex Dr. Christian Troy on FX’s "Nip/Tuck," a role that earned him a Golden Globe nomination in 2004.

In more recent years, McMahon starred as Jess LaCroix on CBS’s "FBI: Most Wanted," leading the crime drama from its 2020 debut until his departure in 2022. Fans were surprised by his exit, unaware of his behind-the-scenes health struggles.

In her statement, Kelly, whom Julian married in a private Lake Tahoe ceremony in 2014, spoke to his passion for life, family, and craft. The couple had been together for over a decade, and theirs was McMahon’s third marriage.

He was previously wed to Australian pop star Dannii Minogue from 1994 to 1995, and later to "Baywatch" actress Brooke Burns from 1999 to 2001. He and Burns shared one daughter, Madison Elizabeth McMahon, now 25.

In a statement to Deadline on July 4, Paniagua confirmed that Julian passed away from cancer a few days earlier in Clearwater, Florida.

“Julian loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans. His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible," she said in her statement. "We ask for support during this time to allow our family to grieve in privacy. And we wish for all of those to whom Julian brought joy, to continue to find joy in life. We are grateful for the memories."

As news of Julian McMahon’s passing continued to ripple through Hollywood, his "Charmed" co-star Alyssa Milano paid a deeply personal tribute to the late actor, remembering him not just as a colleague but as a cherished friend.

Taking to Instagram on Friday night, Milano shared a carousel of photos capturing their years together on set, alongside a heartfelt caption reflecting on their bond.

“I’m heartbroken. Julian McMahon was magic. That smile. That laugh. That talent. That presence,” she wrote. “He walked into a room and lit it up, not just with charisma, but with kindness. With mischief. With soulful understanding.”

The two portrayed iconic on-screen couple Phoebe Halliwell and Cole Turner throughout several seasons of "Charmed," but according to Milano, their connection ran much deeper than television chemistry.

As tributes pour in, fans and co-stars alike are remembering McMahon not just for his undeniable on-screen talent, but for his quiet strength, humility, and kindness. His family has asked for privacy as they grieve, but hope his legacy will live on through the roles he played and the joy he brought to so many.