Introduction: The Master of Morally Complex Charm
Not many actors have made such an impact on audiences as Julian McMahon. With a magnetic screen presence, which makes it impossible not to root for characters who often straddle good and bad, McMahon is best known in Oz for his TV work. Whether it’s the seductive demon Cole Turner in Charmed or Nip/Tuck’s morally murky Dr. Christian Troy, Julian McMahon has made a name for himself playing the charismatic bad boy.
In this article, we take a look at the career of Julian McMahon from his humble roots in Australia to Hollywood breakout roles. We’ll also revisit his latest high-profile projects, like FBI: Most Wanted, and show you what he’s up to these days.
From Australian Roots to a Hollywood Breakout
The Son of a Prime Minister: An Unexpected Start
Julian McMahon was born on July 27, 1968, into a family with great influence. McMahon’s father, Sir William McMahon, was the 20th Prime Minister of Australia. Politics wasn’t his calling, but this interesting history only adds to the intrigue of McMahon’s Hollywood journey.
Learn more about Sir William McMahon here.
Getting His Start in Home and Away
McMahon’s first major TV role was in the Australian soap opera Home and Away. As Ben Lucini, he became a fan favorite on the program, which has been a springboard for many Australian stars.
This early triumph paved the way for his acting abroad.
The Roles That Defined a Decade: Charmed & Nip/Tuck
Becoming a Fan Favorite: Cole Turner in Charmed
One of Julian McMahon’s most beloved performances is of Cole Turner/Belthazor in Charmed. His half. Human, half-demon attorney’s complex relationship with the series’ slayer of supernatural monsters, whose love. Hate relationship with the series’ star kept viewers biting their nails while generating an onscreen chemistry with Alyssa Milano’s character, Phoebe Halliwell.
Fans still revisit memorable scenes between Cole and Phoebe:
Watch a classic Cole & Phoebe scene on YouTube.
The Role of a Lifetime: The Unforgettable Dr. Christian Troy
In 2003, McMahon starred as, Dr. Christian Troy, in the darker, sexier medical drama Nip/Tuck, which ran for 100 episodes and quickly became an iconic television show. As a plastic surgeon with a troubled past and some questionable ethics, McMahon’s portrayal was critically acclaimed and earned him a Golden Globe nod.
This part effectively made him a Hollywood leading man.
Julian McMahon’s Movies: Tackling the Marvel Universe
Bringing Doctor Doom to the Big Screen
2005 saw Julian McMahon play Doctor Doom in Fantastic Four (and its 2007 sequel). Figures as the memorable Marvel villain provided McMahon the opportunity to be a little bit of a spooky screen villain and an opening to an entire generation of filmgoers. Those movies were important back in the pre-MCU superhero movie days.
Check out Fantastic Four on IMDb.
Answering The Big Question: His Time on FBI: Most Wanted
Leading the Team as Jess LaCroix
McMahon got back on the TV horse with the CBS procedural FBI: Most Wanted, where he appears as team leader Jess LaCroix. His tough, no-nonsense personality was the leader of the Fugitive Task Force on the crime procedural smash that was an appointment television for millions of viewers every week.
Why Did Julian McMahon Leave FBI: Most Wanted?
In 2022, McMahon surprised supporters when he revealed he would be leaving the series. The reason? He hoped to find more creative opportunities.
McMahon said in a statement to Deadline:
“Over the past few months, the producers and I have had discussions about my departure, and following those conversations, we have mutually agreed that this is the right time for me to leave the show.”
His character, Jess LaCroix, was officially written off the show, CBS announced.
FAQ: What is Julian McMahon Doing Now? (2024/2025 Update)
So, is Julian McMahon still acting?
Yes. McMahon continues to work in entertainment. And although he’s been staying out of the spotlight, he’s been “taking meetings around town for new projects and has no issue with continuing to work in both TV and film.
How old is Julian McMahon?
- Date of Birth: July 27, 1968
- Current Age: 56 (as of July 2024)
What are Julian McMahon’s most famous movies and TV shows?
- Nip/Tuck
- Charmed
- FBI: Most Wanted
- Fantastic Four
- Runaways
Conclusion: The Legacy of a Hollywood Anti-Hero
JULIAN MCMAHON Julian McMahon’s career is a shining example of the power of playing morally ambiguous characters. Since starring in an Australian soap to being Hollywood royalty, he’s been behind some of the industry’s most talked-about characters.
Whether you know him as Cole Turner, Dr. Christian Troy, or Jess LaCroix, McMahon’s influence on television and film is undeniable.
What’s your favorite Julian McMahon role? Share it in the comments below!
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