Beloved Home and Away Star Julian McMahon Passes Away at 56

The international acting community and fans of the long-running Australian soap opera Home and Away are in mourning following the news that Julian McMahon, the actor who rose to fame as Ben Lucini, has passed away at the age of 56.

McMahon died peacefully in Clearwater, Florida, on July 2, 2025, following a private and courageous battle with cancer. His wife, Kelly Paniagua, confirmed the news in a heartbreaking statement, revealing that while the actor had kept his health struggles out of the public eye, he had fought the disease with “valiant effort” until the very end.

A Career Defined by Versatility Born in Sydney in 1968, Julian McMahon was the only son of former Australian Prime Minister Sir William “Billy” McMahon and socialite Lady Sonia McMahon. Despite his high-profile political lineage, Julian carved out his own path in the arts. He first captured the hearts of Australian audiences in 1990 when he joined the cast of Home and Away. As Ben Lucini, he was part of one of the show’s most memorable early couples, marrying Carly Morris (played by Sharyn Hodgson).

His time in Summer Bay served as a springboard for an illustrious international career. McMahon became a household name in the United States and beyond for his portrayal of complex, often morally ambiguous characters. He starred as the charismatic but dangerous Cole Turner in the supernatural hit Charmed and later earned a Golden Globe nomination for his role as the hedonistic plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Troy in Ryan Murphy’s medical drama Nip/Tuck.

In more recent years, McMahon led the cast of FBI: Most Wanted as Special Agent Jess LaCroix. His final screen appearance was in the 2025 Netflix series The Residence, which, in a poignant twist, featured him playing a fictional Australian Prime Minister—a nod to his real-life family history.

Tributes Flow from Co-Stars The news of his passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from former colleagues. Alyssa Milano, who played his on-screen love interest in Charmed, shared a moving tribute on social media, describing him as “magic.” She wrote, “Julian was more than my TV husband. He was a dear friend… Losing him feels unreal.”

His Fantastic Four co-star Ioan Gruffudd, who played his nemesis Reed Richards to McMahon’s Doctor Doom, also shared his shock, noting that despite their characters’ rivalry, their time working together was filled with “lightness and laughter.”

A Legacy of Joy Beyond the fame, McMahon’s family emphasized his deep love for his fans and his craft. “Julian loved life,” his wife stated. “His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible.”

McMahon is survived by his wife, Kelly, and his 25-year-old daughter, Madison. His passing marks the end of an era for Home and Away fans, who remember him as the handsome Italian soldier who brought a sense of romance and adventure to the beachside town over thirty years ago. As the industry reflects on his loss, Julian McMahon remains a testament to the enduring impact of Australian talent on the global stage.