Julian McMahon’s co-stars remember him as 'force of brilliance' after death at 56: 'Too soon. Too unfair'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Hollywood is mourning the loss of actor Julian McMahon, who died at age 56 on Wednesday, July 2, after a private battle with cancer.

The Golden Globe nominee’s sudden death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from co-stars across his decades-long career in shows like 'Charmed' and 'Nip/Tuck', as well as films such as 'Fantastic Four' (2005) and others.

Alyssa Milano says Julian McMahon 'made me feel safe as an actor' in heartfelt tribute

Alyssa Milano, 52, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of her longtime 'Charmed' co-star in a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram. 

“We spent years together on Charmed—years of scenes, stories, and so many in-between moments. He made me feel safe as an actor. Seen as a woman. He challenged me, teased me, supported me,” Milano wrote. 

She remembered their bond fondly, writing, “We were so different, and yet somehow we always understood each other.”

“Julian was more than my TV husband. He was a dear friend. The kind who checks in. The kind who remembers. The kind who shares. The kind who tells you the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable—but always with love,” she added.

Milano concluded, “Losing him feels unreal. Too soon. Too unfair. Rest, my friend. I’ll carry your laugh with me. Forever Cole. Forever Julian.”

Holly Marie Combs and Rose McGowan remember Julian McMahon's humor and brilliance

Holly Marie Combs, 51, shared a montage video on Instagram featuring photos of Julian McMahon with the 'Charmed' cast.

“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,” she wrote.

Combs ended her message with a nod to their late 'Charmed' co-star Shannen Doherty, who died of cancer in July 2024. “I hope you find our lady friend and dance in those rose petals,” she added in the caption. 

Rose McGowan also posted a tribute, writing in an Instagram Story, “Oh Julian, you force of brilliance. For you, your family, and your loving fans all over the world, I pray for comfort.” In two more reshared posts, she wrote, "Charmed family loves you," and "Goodbye Julian."

Brian Krause, who played Leo Wyatt on 'Charmed', shared, “Sad day for our Charmed family! Julian was one of the funniest, devilishly handsome and kind souls! Prayers to his family and close friends. He will surely be missed!”

Kelly Carlson calls Julian McMahon 'the energy' of 'Nip/Tuck'

Kelly Carlson, who played Julian McMahon’s on-and-off wife in 'Nip/Tuck', said she was shocked by the news.

“I just heard about the passing of Julian McMahon. I’m completely shocked and saddened by it. I didn’t know he wasn’t well for a while," she said in an Instagram video.

She remembered their time working together, saying, “Anyways, Jules, thanks for a great six, seven years on Nip/Tuck together. We had so much fun. Everybody had so much fun.”

Carlson described McMahon as “the energy, the charisma, the humor, the looks and everything of Nip/Tuck. And so, 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.”

Dylan Walsh, who also starred alongside McMahon in 'Nip/Tuck', told Deadline, “I’m stunned. We rode this wave together and I loved him."

"My heart goes out to Kelly and [their daughter] Maddy. Jules! I know you’d want me to say something to make you smile — all the inside jokes. All those years you had my back, and my god, we laughed. My heart is with you. Rest in peace," he added.

Nicolas Cage honors Julian McMahon’s talent and kindness

Nicolas Cage, who co-starred with Julian McMahon in the 2024 film 'The Surfer', also paid tribute.

“Such deeply saddening news. I spent six weeks working with Julian, and he was the most talented of actors. Our scenes together on The Surfer were amongst my favorites I have ever participated in, and Julian is one of my favorite people. He was a kind and intelligent man. My love to his family,” said Cage.

Ioan Gruffudd, who played the Mister Fantastic to his Doctor Doom in 'Fantastic Four' (2005) and 'Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer' (2007), also reacted to the news.

“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,” he wrote on Instagram.

“It was an honor to be Dr. Richards to his Dr. Doom. My heart goes out to his wife and family. God speed Julian.”

The 'Nip/Tuck' actor's wife, Kelly Paniagua, confirmed his death in a statement to Deadline on Friday. "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," she said. 

She added, “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."