‘My favourite’: Nicolas Cage pays tribute to co-star Julian McMahon

Nicolas Cage shared a statement about Julian McMahon after the Oscar winner unknowingly appeared alongside him in what would be his final public appearance.

Tributes are pouring in for Julian McMahon following the Australian actor’s tragic death at age 56.

The beloved Sydney-born actor died on Thursday in Clearwater, Florida, after a private battle with cancer.

Among the flurry of Hollywood stars to react to news of his death included Oscar winner Nicolas Cage, who worked with McMahon on Stan’s latest thriller The Surfer, which was filmed in Western Australia in 2023.

McMahon and Cage, 61, both promoted the film at SXSW in Austin, Texas, in March, which was the actor’s last public appearance before his shock death.

Julian McMahon during his last public appearance before his death, alongside The Surfer co-star Nicolas Cage at the 2025 SXSW Conference in Austin, Texas. Picture: Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for The Surfer

“Our scenes together on The Surfer were amongst my favourites I have ever participated in,” Cage said of his co-star.

“And Julian is one of my favourite people,” Cage continued in his tribute.

“He was a kind and intelligent man. My love to his family.”

Cage described McMahon as “one of my favourite people.” Picture: Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for The Surfer

Elsewhere, an emotional Kelly Carlson, who starred as McMahon’s on-and-off again wife in the series Nip/Tuck, shared a video expressing her shock at the news.

The series ran for six seasons and was McMahon’s most famous role.

“I just heard about the passing of Julian McMahon … I’m completely shocked and saddened by it,” Carlson said.

“I didn’t know he wasn’t well, but my heart goes out to his wife Kelly and his daughter.

“It’s tough to process because he played my on-and-off husband, was a good friend and he was my acting partner.

“Jules, thank you for a great six-seven years together, we had so much fun … I know a lot of you are going to be really upset and I don’t blame you.

“I wish him a peaceful journey and I know he had a full and great life.

“I’m very, very sad. We’ll see you on the other side, Jules.”

Co-star Kelly Carlson shared an emotional video earlier today. Picture: Instagram

Kelly and Julian played a married couple in Nip/Tuck.

McMahon’s acting career began in 1989, with a role on the short-lived Australian soap opera The Power, The Passion before landing a stint on Home and Away.

The actor then made the move to the US where he achieved success on various TV shows.

He was cast in Another World, in 1993, followed by recurring roles Profiler, Charmed,and Nip/Tuck.

McMahon’s real life partner, Kelly McMahon, confirmed her husband’s death in a statement to 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,” she said.

“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.”

Charmed co-star Rose McGowan lead the celebrity tributes. Picture: Rose McGowan/Instagram

Julian McMahon in scene from Charmed.

Charmed co-star Rose McGowan led the celebrity tributes saying, “Julian you force of brilliance, wild talent and humour.

“For you, your family and loving fans all over the world, I pray comfort.”

Fantastic Four co-star Ioan Gruffudd followed, paying a touching tribute to the Aussie actor.

“This is terribly sad 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 said.

“It was an honour to be Dr. Richards to his Dr. Doom. My heart goes out to his family

“God speed, Julian.”

Actress Holly Marie Combs broke her silence on her “one of a kind” Charmed co-star alongside a montage of moments the pair have shared together.

“One of a kind is an understatement. Your zest for life and crazy making sense of humour 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,” she said.

Actress and co-star Holly Marie Combs paid a heartfelt tribute. Picture: Instagram/thehmc

Holly and Julian in Charmed. Picture: Supplied

Condolences have poured in from devastated fans who say they’re “in shock” over his tragic passing.

“Julian McMahon was one of the sweetest celebrities I’ve met. When I talked to him about how I grew up watching charmed with my mum he told me to send love to her from him. You will be missed,” wrote one heartbroken fan.

“He was one of my favourites to watch. I loved loved loved him in everything,” wrote another.

“I’m absolutely utterly shocked by this. Forever grateful for Julian McMahon,” said a third.