Fantastic Four star Julian McMahon dies aged 56 as wife releases heartbreaking statement
Fantastic Four star Julian McMahon has died at the age of 56, confirmed by his wife via a heartfelt statement.
The Australian-born actor, known for his roles in Home and Away, Charmed, Nip/Tuck and famously as Doctor Doom in Fantastic Four, has passed away following a battle with cancer, his family have confirmed.
The Golden Globe winner died in Clearwater, Florida, on Wednesday (July 2).
McMahon's wife, Kelly Paniagua, has since released a touching tribute to her husband, telling Deadline in a statement that he 'loved life'.
Advert
She said: "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.
"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 continued.
"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."
McMahon, the son of former Australian Prime Minister William McMahon, brought the character Dr Christian Troy to life on the Ryan Murphy series Nip/Tuck from 2003 to 2010.
Meanwhile on Charmed, he starred as Cole Turner between 2000 to 2005, before coming to the superhero franchise Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), where he played the villainous Victor Von Doom in the movies.
Most recently, he starred in Netflix's The Residence, which aired in March this year but was cancelled after the first season just this month.
He also worked on the CBS crime show, FBI: Most Wanted, but announced his departure in January 2022 without much explanation.
McMahon told Deadline at the time: "I’m extremely proud of the work we have done together and put the development of this show, and my character, Jess, at the top of my professional experience list. I wish the show, and its cast and crew, the greatest success in the future. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to play 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 shares a daughter, Madison Elizabeth McMahon, 25, before tying the knot with Kelly Paniagua in 2014.
His last public red carpet appearance was on March 10 this year in Austin, Texas, where he attended in celebration of the Stan original movie, The Surfer, which he co-starred alongside Nicolas Cage at the SXSW Film & TV Festival.
"We’re heartbroken to hear of the passing of Julian McMahon," the Stan official Instagram account posted on Saturday.
"His extraordinary talent and presence left a lasting mark on everyone he worked with, including the team behind The Surfer."
Australian producer Robert Connolly added: "Julian was an exceptional gentleman, a consummate professional, a stunning actor and an absolute delight to work with.
"His performance in The Surfer is a triumph—one among many great performances in an incredible career—and a tour de force celebration of his skill and presence on our screens.
"His huge commitment to the film took Julian from the beaches of Western Australia, to its world premiere in Cannes, to the US and beyond, and we were all so very lucky to have shared this journey with such a gifted and exceptional performer.
"A true gift in all our careers to have had the chance to work together with such a wonderful person."
Nicolas Cage also wrote: "I spent six weeks working with Julian, and he was the most talented of actors.
"Our scenes together on The Surfer were amongst my favourites I have ever participated in, and Julian is one of my favourite people.
"He was a kind and intelligent man. My love to his family."
Liv Bridge