Following the death of journeyman actor Julian McMahon — known for his roles in “Nip/Tuck,” “Charmed,” and “Fantastic Four” — tributes poured in from co-stars, colleagues, and fans, including Rosie O’Donnell, Rose McGowan, Kelly Carlson, and Dick Wolf.
His death was announced on July 4 by his wife, Kelly, who told 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.”
McMahon had most recently appeared in “FBI: Most Wanted,” which he left suddenly in 2022, saying in a statement to Deadline, “I’m extremely proud of the work we have done together and put the development of this show, and my character Jess, at the top of my professional experience list. I wish the show, and its cast & crew, the greatest success in the future. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to play Jess; he is a good man.”
Wolf, who served as the executive producer of the series, said of McMahon’s death to Deadline, “What shocking news. All of us at Wolf Entertainment are deeply saddened by Julian’s passing and our condolences go out to his entire family.”
Rose McGowan, who appeared with McMahon on “Charmed,” posted an Instagram story reading, “Oh Julian you force of brilliance, wild talent and humour. For you, your family and loving fans all over the world, I pray comfort.”
Her on-screen sister Holly Marie Combs posted, “One of a kind is an understatement. 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.”
“Julian McMahon was magic. That smile. That laugh. That talent. That presence,” fellow “Charmed” co-star Alyssa Milano wrote in a lengthy post. “He walked into a room and lit it up — not just with charisma, but with kindness. With mischief. With soulful understanding. Her tribute concluded with, “Losing him feels unreal. Too soon. Too unfair. Rest, my friend. I’ll carry your laugh with me.”
“Sad day for our ‘Charmed’ family!” Brian Krause wrote. “Julian was one of the funniest, devilishly handsome and kind souls! Prayers to his family and close friends! He will surely be missed!”
“This is terribly sad news about Julian,” Ioan Gruffudd wrote, who starred alongside McMahon in a pair of “Fantastic Four” films. “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.”
Carlson, who co-starred with McMahon on “Nip/Tuck,” described him as “the energy, the charisma, the humor, the looks and everything of ‘Nip/Tuck.’ […] I hope he had a peaceful journey. I wish him a peaceful journey. And I know he had a full, great life, so that’s a good thing.”
Rosie O’Donnell, who guest-starred on “Nip/Tuck,” also posted on Instagram, writing that she was “heartbroken over the death of Julian McMahon — what a beautiful man — so kind loving funny and gifted — i loved working with him on nip/tuck — my love to his wife n children.”
Ruth Williamson, who played the eccentric Hedda Grubman on “Nip/Tuck,” described to IndieWire the infectious spirit of McMahon, including doing “his best Elvis” in the makeup trailer, lip-syncing to “A Little Less Conversation.”
“I am so very sad,” she said. “Julian was a clown disguised as a matinee idol. He loved to play. That’s why he was such a good actor. When I worked with him on ‘Nip/Tuck’ we had instant chemistry. And we genuinely liked each other. I will miss seeing his beautiful face on screen.”