Fans, friends and former colleagues are paying tributes to Julian McMahon after learning of his death at the age of just 56. The Australian actor had been privately battling cancer, his wife Kelly revealed in a statement to US outlet Deadline.
“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,” she reported, adding he had passed away on July 2 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. 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.”
His former Charmed co-star, Rose McGowan, was the first to pay tribute.
“For you, your family and loving fans all over the world, I pray comfort,” she shared on Instagram.
Fellow Charmed star Holly Marie Combs also took to social media, to tell of her own shock and devastation, adding she hoped he would find peace with their fellow recently passed co-star Shannon Doherty.
“One of a kind is an understatement.” Holly Marie wrote. “Your unyielding zest for life and crazy making sense of humor will be sorely missed. The joy and laughter you were the direct cause of will always be remembered. I hope you find our lady friend and dance in those rose petals.”
Alyssa Milano – who played Julian’s onscreen love interest in the series – took to her own Instagram, saying losing the man who became her friend”feels unreal.”
“Julian McMahon was magic.” she penned. “That smile. That laugh. That talent. That presence. He walked into a room and lit it up—not just with charisma, but with kindness. With mischief. With soulful understanding.
“We spent years together on Charmed—years of scenes, stories, and so many in-between moments. He made me feel safe as an actor. Seen as a woman. He challenged me, teased me, supported me. We were so different, and yet somehow we always understood each other.
“Julian was more than my TV husband. He was a dear friend. The kind who checks in. The kind who remembers. The kind who shares. The kind who tells you the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable—but always with love.
“My heart is with Kelly, with Madison, and with Iliana—his girls, his world. He adored them. You could feel it in every conversation, every story, every text. He was a family man above all, and he loved deeply.
“Losing him feels unreal. Too soon. Too unfair. Rest, my friend. I’ll carry your laugh with me. Forever Cole. Forever Julian.”
Julian’s Fantastic Four co-star Ioan Gruffudd also paid tribute.
“This is terribly sad news about Julian,” he 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. God speed Julian.”
Fantastic Four‘s Michael Chiklis was also quick to share a personal photo with his colleague and friend.
“I’m devastated to hear of the passing of my friend Julian,” he wrote alongside a picture of himself with Jessica Alba and Julian. “Life is so precious and fragile. My condolences to his family. RIP Jules.”
Nip/Tuck co-star Kelly Carlson was visibly shaken when she shared a video of her reaction to the news.
“I just heard about the passing of Julian McMahon,” she said. “I’m completely shocked and saddened by it. I didn’t know he wasn’t well for a while.”
Adding her “heart goes out” to his family, she remembered him as a “good friend” thanks to their years of playing his wife in the series.
“Jules, thanks for a great six, seven years on Nip/Tuck together. We had so much fun. Everybody had so much fun.
At The Weekly, we also pay tribute to an astonishingly talented star who – alongside his family – graced the cover of our magazine in January 1982. We send condolences to his friends and family.
