Remembering Julian McMahon: His Most Iconic TV and Film Roles—From ‘Charmed’ to ‘FBI’ and ‘Nip/Tuck’
Take a glance back at the memorable career of the actor following his untimely passing at 56
Beloved actor Julian McMahon, known for the 1990s hit drama series Charmed and the FBI series, has died at age 56. McMahon privately battled cancer for quite some time, according to his wife, who announced his passing. We take a moment to remember the iconic career of the actor.
Julian McMahon’s early days in TV
McMahon’s career began in the 1980s in Australia, when he started modeling, rising to fame in different fashion campaigns and eventually he booked his first few roles. He was cast in the lead role of The Power, the Passion, a popular Australian TV series. He went on to book a slot in another popular Australian show, Home and Away and later joined the cast of Another World.
Julian McMahon’s wildly successful shows
After a few years in the acting business, McMahon began to book more substantial roles in different series, beginning with the show Profiler, as Detective John Grant. He was on the show for its duration from 1996 until 2000 and soon after he booked one of his most popular roles.
In 2000, following the end of Profiler, the actor began starring in this smash hit series, Charmed, as Cole Tucker, who was best known for his relationship with Phoebe Halliwell, played by Alyssa Milano. Although McMahon and Milano kept their relationship on a friendship level, the actor did briefly date another Charmed co-star, Shannen Doherty, who also recently died of cancer in July 2024.
“Julian McMahon was magic. That smile. That laugh. That talent,” Milano wrote about her friend and former co-star. “We spent years together on Charmed—years of scenes, stories, and so many in-between moments…Rest, my friend. I’ll carry your laugh with me. Forever Cole. Forever Julian.”
While he was still appearing on Charmed, McMahon began starring in another smash hit, Nip/Tuck. He was a star on the series for each of its six seasons from 2003 until 2010.
Julian McMahon on the big screen
In 2005, McMahon scored what is considered one of his most memorable roles in the film Fantastic Four, which he starred in alongside Chris Evans and Jessica Alba. The actor reprised his role in the follow-up film, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, in 2007.
“He’s a simple man, really,” McMahon said of bringing his character back. “The great thing is, we don’t have to waste any time establishing his character. You get the bad guy from the beginning. It’s great demonic, cartoony stuff.”
His Fantastic Four co-stars have shared their condolences and fond memories of the actor. Ioan Gruffudd, who played Reed Richards, shared his thoughts on Instagram.
“This is terribly sad news about Julian,” Gruffudd wrote. “Even though we played each other’s nemeses, there was always so much lightness and laughter working together… Every encounter with him was a joy. It was an honor to be Dr. Richards to his Dr. Doom. My heart goes out to his wife and family. Godspeed, Julian.”
McMahon and the ‘FBI’ family
In more recent years, McMahon became known for another role when he joined the FBI universe as FBI Supervisory Special Agent Jess LaCroix in 2019. The actor first appeared in an episode of FBI and later brought the role to life more in FBI: Most Wanted. He also ventured over to FBI: International for a few appearances. Eventually, in 2022, he left FBI: Most Wanted to pursue other career opportunities.
His most recent role was as Stephen Roos in the mini-series, The Residence, which premiered on Netflix; however, that show was canceled after one season.
From heartthrob roles to heroic turns, Julian McMahon’s legacy lives on in the characters—and hearts—he brought to life.
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