Topics
‘Charmed’ Fans Honor Julian McMahon’s Iconic Legacy After Sudden Passing
Julian McMahon, the Australian heartthrob who effortlessly walked the line between villainous charm and romantic mastermind on shows like “Charmed” and “Nip/Tuck,” has tragically died at the age of 56. The news of his passing, which occurred on July 2 in Clearwater, Florida, after a private battle with cancer, has left fans across the globe mourning. After the news was announced, tributes began pouring in online, celebrating his unforgettable legacy.
Known for playing Cole Turner, the brooding half-demon with a soft spot for Phoebe Halliwell on “Charmed,” McMahon wasn’t just a “TV villain.” He was a genre-defining force in early 2000s television. His wife, Kelly McMahon, shared a heartfelt statement with Deadline, saying, “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 continued, “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.”
A Career of Many Faces
Born in Sydney on July 27, 1968, McMahon was practically born into the spotlight. His father, Sir William “Billy” McMahon, served as Prime Minister of Australia from 1971 to 1972. But McMahon carved his own path with modeling before leaping into acting on Australian soaps like “Home and Away.” He went on to star in “Another World” in 1993 and quickly became a primetime favorite in the US.
His breakthrough role came on “Profiler,” but his next gig made him a fan favorite worldwide. Enter Cole Turner, the seductive demon with a redemption arc, in “Charmed.” He appeared in over 40 episodes, and his chemistry with Alyssa Milano’s Phoebe helped solidify the series’ cult status. To this day, fans still swoon over their tragic love story. One fan tweeted, “Julian McMahon thank you for portraying Cole Turner the way you did. May you rest in peace father.”
“My heart breaks to hear of Julian McMahon’s passing. Honestly I had hoped to one day get to meet him and tell him how much his work as Cole meant to me,” another said. “Especially how it taught little kids about redemption and forgiveness. Rest easy now Mr Turner, you’ll be forever missed.”
From ‘Charmed’ to ‘Nip/Tuck’
After “Charmed,” he went on to star in “Nip/Tuck,” where he stepped into the scalpel-sharp role of Dr. Christian Troy. He smoothly played a plastic surgeon who was morally complicated. The FX series, created by Ryan Murphy, ran for six seasons and earned McMahon a Golden Globe nomination. He followed that up with a chilling performance as Dr. Doom in “Fantastic Four” (2005) and its 2007 sequel.
His final major TV role came as Jess LaCroix in CBS’ “FBI: Most Wanted,” which he led for three seasons. In his final role on Netflix’s “The Residence,” McMahon portrayed the Australian Prime Minister. Some believed it was a fitting nod to his roots and a graceful full-circle moment in a career.
Fans React Across the Globe
From TikToks to tribute threads, fans have flooded social media with memories of McMahon’s most iconic roles. Many “Charmed” fans posted clips of Cole’s most emotional moments, thanking him for portraying one of the best characters on TV. One user wrote, “Julian McMahon was such a huge part of my childhood, starting with his amazing run as Cole Turner in Charmed, to Nip/Tuck, Fantastic Four, Premonition & so much more. His performances were always captivating & drew you in. May one of my favorite actors rest in eternal peace.”
“One of the best smiles I can remember seeing on a screen. His roles as Cole Turner and Christian Troy will be remembered by many, rest in peace,” another user shared.
McMahon wasn’t just an actor; he was a memory-maker. Whether it was his hypnotic stare, velvet voice, or ability to make even a supervillain seem sympathetic, his performances left a lasting mark. And while the curtain may have fallen on his final role, the applause from fans will echo for years to come.
Rest easy, McMahon. The magic you gave us lives on.
