Details emerge about Julian McMahon’s death in Florida after secret health battle
Julian McMahon fans were shocked to learn that the Aussie actor had passed away at the age of 56.
His wife, Kelly Paniagua, released a statement to Deadline on July 4 that McMahon had died two days prior in Clearwater, Fla., after a “valiant effort to overcome cancer.”
Now we are learning more details of the extent of the actor’s illness.
According to a report from the Pinellas County Medical Examiner’s Office obtained by People magazine, the TV star died from lung metastasis, as a result of head and neck cancer. The death was ruled natural, and McMahon has since been cremated, the report adds.
“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,” Paniagua 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.”
McMahon especially brought joy to us locals playing Dr. Christian Troy on “Nip/Tuck,” a dark comedy about two plastic surgeons that aired on FX from 2003 to 2010. The first four seasons of Ryan Murphy’s hit were set in Miami, before moving to Los Angeles.
McMahon’s costars Dylan Walsh (who played his partner Dr. Sean McNamara) and Joely Richardson (McNamara’s wife) honored their late costar after the news broke.
In a macabre statement, Walsh joked, “Dear Jules, I know you like to flout the boundaries, but this time you’ve gone too far.”
Richardson was more reflective, posting on Instagram a scene from the first ever show and the cover of the trio on the cover of TV Guide.
“I can’t believe it. We worked together for many years, covering every possible storyline and then some,” said her caption. “Julian could be hysterically funny, was hugely charismatic (drama swirled in his wake), and most of the female population fell for him as ‘Christian Troy.’”
McMahon is also survived by 25-year-old daughter Madison from his marriage to “Baywatch” actress Brooke Burns.
This story was originally published July 11, 2025 at 11:59 AM.
