Australian actor Julian McMahon, who recently starred alongside Nicolas Cage in the sun-soaked psychedelic thriller, The Surfer, has died. He was 56.
He died in Pinellas County, Florida, as a result of lung metastasis stemming from head and neck metastatic cancer, according to reports, back on July 2nd. That was just two months after the release of his most recent film, in which he co-starred with Cage.
And following his death, the actor who also appeared in Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and multiple Fantastic Four films (before this latest iteration of the superhero franchise), fans and fellow actors paid tribute to their fallen.
In a post celebrating McMahon’s would-be birthday on July 27th, and featuring stills from his time working on The Surfer, his loved ones called on followers to sign and donate to a David Attenborough petition to protect the Tasman Sea. Also, his former co-stars from the television series Charmed, Rose McGowan and Alyssa Milano, paid tribute:
“Happy birthday dear Julian. Sending peaceful energy your family and friends today. Thinking of your brilliant laugh. Donating in your name x” – Rose McGowan
“Happy Birthday, Pal. Thank you, Kelly. Love you all so much.” – Alyssa Milano
In The Surfer, directed by Lorcan Finnegan, the film follows Cage as he returns to his childhood home in Western Australia, hoping to share the beach and the waves with his son. However, in his absence, a group of rowdy locals have overtaken the spot, with McMahon’s character (named Scally) as the posse’s ringleader.
Related: Nicolas Cage Goes Rat Sh*t Crazy in ‘The Surfer’ (Review)
Cage’s character descends into psychedelic, sun-soaked madness as the surf gang continues to heckle him, ultimately leading to the infamous scene in which Cage eats a rat. All the while, McMahon leads with powerful presence – despite being the film’s obvious villain – and eventually leading Cage to catharsis.
“Before you can have everything, you have to experience nothing,” McMahon prophetically claims during one scene, before Cage undergoes a psychedelic-assisted baptism.
The film is a fun ride, and McMahon’s performance is one of the major attractions.
Rest in peace.
Related: Sharks, Psychosis, and Nic Cage: BTS of ‘The Surfer’
This story was originally reported by Surfer on Sep 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Surfer as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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