Julian McMahon was privately battling cancer before his death on July 2, 2025. The late Australian-American actor — famous for his roles in projects like Fantastic Four and the FBI television franchise — died at the age of 56, and his wife, Kelly McMahon, confirmed the news.
“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 said in a statement to 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.”
Learn about the cancer that Julian was living with and his final days below.
Julian’s wife, Kelly, did not reveal the type of cancer that he had. So, his exact cause of death is still unclear.
The details surrounding Julian’s official cancer diagnosis are still unknown. His last public appearance was in March 2025 at SXSW to promote his film The Surfer.
Since Kelly did not elaborate on her late husband’s cancer battle, it’s unclear why Julian kept his health struggles a secret. But living life in the public eye comes with its downside, and it’s likely that he just wanted to maintain his right to privacy in the end.
