Julian McMahon, the Australian actor who brought Doctor Doom to life in 20th Century Studios’ Fantastic Four films, has died at the age of 56. The news was confirmed on July 4.
McMahon was perhaps best known for his performance as the calculating and powerful Victor Von Doom in Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), but his career spanned decades and mediums, from soap operas to primetime dramas and Marvel’s streaming ventures.
“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,” Kelly McMahon, Julian McMahon’s wife, told Deadline. “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.”
Across film and television, McMahon demonstrated a knack for portraying layered, morally grey characters. He earned global acclaim as Dr. Christian Troy, the charismatic and troubled plastic surgeon in FX’s Nip/Tuck, a role that helped cement his place in early 2000s prestige TV.
He also became a fan-favorite on Charmed, playing Cole Turner, a half-demon whose romance with Alyssa Milano’s Phoebe Halliwell became one of the show’s most enduring storylines. His return to Marvel came years later when he portrayed Jonah, also known as Magistrate, in Hulu’s Runaways.
In recent years, McMahon shifted to procedural drama, starring as Special Agent Jess LaCroix on CBS’s FBI: Most Wanted. His portrayal brought emotional weight and quiet strength to the series, anchoring the show’s early seasons.
McMahon’s legacy as Doctor Doom remains influential. While the character has yet to be officially announced for Marvel Studios’ upcoming The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025), the role is once again in the spotlight. Rumors suggest Robert Downey Jr. could portray the iconic villain in a post-credits tease, paving the way for Avengers: Doomsday (2026).
Julian McMahon leaves behind a career marked by bold choices and memorable characters.
