What TV Shows Has Julian McMahon Been In? A Look At His Iconic Roles

Prof. Trace Emmerich 02 Aug 2025

Have you ever found yourself watching a show and thinking, "Where have I seen that actor before?" It's a rather common experience, especially with someone whose face seems so familiar from various hit programs. If Julian McMahon is that person for you, then you're certainly not alone in your curiosity. His career spans several decades, and he has brought to life some truly memorable characters on the small screen, leaving a lasting impression on many viewers.

People often recognize him from a few really big shows, yet his full body of work on television is quite extensive. He has a way of making each role distinct, whether he is playing a charming hero or a rather unsettling villain, so it's understandable why folks want to know more about his journey. This article aims to pull back the curtain on his television appearances, offering a detailed guide to his impressive list of credits.

From supernatural dramas to medical procedurals and crime thrillers, Julian McMahon has shown a remarkable range in his acting choices. We'll go through the various series where he has made his mark, giving you a pretty good idea of his contributions to the world of television. So, if you're keen to discover more about the shows that have featured this talented actor, you've come to the right spot.

Julian McMahon: A Brief Overview
- Personal Details and Bio Data
Early Career and Notable Beginnings
Bringing Cole Turner to Life in Charmed
The Unforgettable Dr. Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck
His Role in Profiler
Exploring Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
Joining the Marvel Universe in Runaways
Leading the Charge in the FBI Franchise
Other Notable TV Appearances
Frequently Asked Questions About Julian McMahon's TV Career

Julian McMahon: A Brief Overview

Julian McMahon, an Australian-American actor, has carved out a significant place for himself in television history. Born in Sydney, Australia, he began his career in modeling before making the switch to acting. He's the son of Sir William McMahon, a former Prime Minister of Australia, and Lady Sonia McMahon, so he comes from a background that's, well, pretty interesting. His move into acting proved to be a very good choice, as he quickly found success, first in Australian productions and then internationally.

His acting style often blends a certain intensity with a captivating charm, which has allowed him to portray a wide array of characters. You might find him playing someone with a dark side one moment, and then a charismatic, heroic figure the next. This versatility is, in fact, a key reason why he has remained a sought-after talent in Hollywood for so many years. He really has a knack for making characters feel complex and real, which is why people keep watching his work.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Full Name	Julian Dana William McMahon
Date of Birth	July 27, 1968
Place of Birth	Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Nationality	Australian, American
Occupation	Actor, former model
Notable TV Roles	Cole Turner (Charmed), Dr. Christian Troy (Nip/Tuck), Jess LaCroix (FBI: Most Wanted)

Early Career and Notable Beginnings

Before he became a household name in the United States, Julian McMahon actually started his acting journey in his home country of Australia. One of his very first significant roles was on the popular Australian soap opera, *Home and Away*. He played the character of Ben Lucini from 1990 to 1991, which gave him an early chance to hone his skills and gain recognition.

This early exposure on Australian television was, in a way, a stepping stone for his international career. It allowed him to build a foundation before making the big move to American productions. It's often the case that actors get their start in smaller roles or regional shows, and for Julian, *Home and Away* provided just that kind of experience. He learned a lot about the craft, and that early work definitely set him up for bigger things to come.

Bringing Cole Turner to Life in Charmed

For many fans of supernatural dramas, Julian McMahon is probably best known for his compelling portrayal of Cole Turner in the hit series *Charmed*. He joined the show in its third season, and his character quickly became a central figure, creating a rather intense dynamic with the Halliwell sisters. Cole was a half-demon, half-human attorney, and his relationship with Phoebe Halliwell was, to be honest, a major storyline that kept viewers glued to their screens.

His character's journey was quite complex, moving between being a loving partner and a truly dangerous adversary. This duality allowed McMahon to show off a wide range of emotions and acting capabilities, making Cole one of the most memorable figures in the show's history. He appeared in 47 episodes from 2000 to 2003, and his presence really shaped a significant portion of the series. The way he handled the character's internal struggles and external conflicts was, frankly, a masterclass in portraying a morally gray individual.

The role of Cole Turner cemented Julian McMahon's status as a television star, and it introduced him to a global audience. Fans still talk about Cole's story arc, which speaks volumes about the impact McMahon had on the show. It's a performance that, you know, really stuck with people, showing his ability to make a supernatural character feel very human and relatable, even with all the demonic powers and stuff.

The Unforgettable Dr. Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck

Following his time on *Charmed*, Julian McMahon took on another incredibly iconic role as Dr. Christian Troy in the critically acclaimed FX series *Nip/Tuck*. This show, which ran from 2003 to 2010, explored the lives of two plastic surgeons in Miami and later Los Angeles. Dr. Christian Troy was, to put it mildly, a complex character: charming, self-centered, a womanizer, and yet, in some respects, deeply vulnerable.

McMahon's portrayal of Christian Troy earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama, which is a pretty big deal. He brought a certain swagger and a sharp wit to the character, making Christian both infuriating and strangely likable. The show itself was known for its bold storylines and its examination of beauty, vanity, and the human condition, and Christian Troy was, arguably, at the very heart of that exploration.

He appeared in all 100 episodes of *Nip/Tuck*, which really shows his dedication to the role and the series. This long run allowed him to fully develop the character, showing Christian's growth, his mistakes, and his moments of genuine care. It was a role that truly showcased his ability to play a morally ambiguous character with depth and nuance, leaving a significant mark on the landscape of cable television dramas. People still talk about that show, and his performance is a big reason why, in a way.

His Role in Profiler

Before his big breaks in *Charmed* and *Nip/Tuck*, Julian McMahon also had a significant role in the NBC crime drama *Profiler*. He joined the series in its third season, which aired from 1999 to 2000. In this show, he played Agent John Grant, a character who worked for the FBI's Violent Crimes Task Force. This was a pretty different kind of role for him, moving away from the supernatural or the more intense character studies he would later become known for.

Agent Grant was a dedicated and serious law enforcement officer, and McMahon brought a certain gravitas to the part. It was a chance for him to show his ability to fit into an ensemble cast in a procedural drama, which is a genre that, you know, requires a different kind of acting. His time on *Profiler* was important because it gave him more exposure on network television in the United States, helping to build his resume before those really big roles came along. It's another example of his early work that helped shape his career path.

Exploring Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency

In a bit of a departure from his more serious or dramatic roles, Julian McMahon also appeared in the BBC America series *Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency*. This show, which aired from 2016 to 2017, was based on the humorous and rather quirky novels by Douglas Adams. McMahon played the character of Patrick Spring, a mysterious and wealthy individual whose murder kicks off the entire bizarre plot of the first season.

His role in *Dirk Gently* was, in some respects, a very different kind of challenge. The show itself was known for its surreal humor, its complex and interconnected storylines, and its generally off-the-wall nature. McMahon had to play a character who was both pivotal to the plot and also somewhat enigmatic, appearing in flashbacks and as a key figure in the overarching mystery. It showed his willingness to take on projects that were a little less conventional, and it was, frankly, a pretty fun performance in a truly unique series.

Joining the Marvel Universe in Runaways

Julian McMahon also stepped into the world of superheroes and supervillains when he joined the cast of Marvel's *Runaways*. This series, available on Hulu, focused on a group of teenagers who discover their parents are part of an evil organization called "The Pride." McMahon appeared in the second season, playing the character of Jonah, who is, essentially, a powerful and ancient alien being and the true leader of The Pride.

His portrayal of Jonah was, you know, quite menacing and authoritative. He brought a calm, almost chilling presence to the character, making him a formidable antagonist for the young heroes. Being part of the Marvel universe, even on a streaming platform, is a pretty big deal for an actor, and it allowed McMahon to reach a new audience of comic book fans. It was another opportunity for him to show his range, playing a character with immense power and a very long history, which is, in fact, a rather different kind of role than his previous ones.

Leading the Charge in the FBI Franchise

More recently, Julian McMahon took on a leading role in the hugely popular *FBI* franchise created by Dick Wolf. He first appeared as Supervisory Special Agent Jess LaCroix in a backdoor pilot episode of *FBI* before leading his own spin-off series, *FBI: Most Wanted*. This show, which premiered in 2020, focuses on a specialized unit that tracks and captures the FBI's most egregious fugitives on their Most Wanted list.

As Jess LaCroix, McMahon played a seasoned and dedicated agent, a widower and father who balances his demanding career with raising his teenage daughter. His performance brought a sense of quiet authority and a very human vulnerability to the character, making him a relatable figure for viewers. He led the series for three seasons, departing in 2022, but his impact on the show was, in fact, quite significant. He was the anchor for the team, and his leadership style was a key part of the show's appeal.

This role in *FBI: Most Wanted* showed that McMahon could still command a major network drama, maintaining his presence on prime-time television. It was a role that required a lot of emotional depth, as Jess often dealt with the personal toll of his work, and McMahon delivered a consistently strong performance. His time on the show was, frankly, a testament to his enduring appeal and his ability to carry a series. You can still catch reruns of the show, and his character is, apparently, still very much appreciated by fans.

Other Notable TV Appearances

While *Charmed*, *Nip/Tuck*, and the *FBI* franchise are arguably his most well-known television roles, Julian McMahon has made several other appearances throughout his career that are worth noting. These roles, while perhaps shorter in duration, still showcase his versatility and his consistent work in the television industry.

Another World: Early in his career, before *Profiler*, he had a role as Ian Rain in the American soap opera *Another World* from 1993 to 1995. This was an important step in establishing his presence in U.S. television.
Diamond Hunters: He starred in this 2001 miniseries, which was a pretty intense adventure drama. It allowed him to play a character in a different kind of setting, which is always interesting for an actor.
Full Circle: In 2013, he appeared in this DirecTV drama series, which explored various interconnected stories. It was a more contained role but still added to his diverse filmography.
Childhood's End: He had a role in this 2015 Syfy miniseries, based on Arthur C. Clarke's classic novel. This was a science fiction project, which was, in a way, a cool genre for him to explore.

These various appearances, even the smaller ones, really paint a picture of an actor who is always looking for interesting projects and different kinds of characters to bring to life. He tends to pick roles that challenge him, and that's why his career has remained so engaging to follow. You can find many of these shows on various streaming services today, or by checking your local TV listings guide for reruns, as some of them are, in fact, still shown on cable or satellite.

To learn more about his full acting career, including his film roles, you can visit his IMDb page, which is a rather good resource for such details. You might also want to learn more about television's biggest stars on our site, and perhaps even link to this page for more information on how TV shows are made.

Frequently Asked Questions About Julian McMahon's TV Career

Is Julian McMahon still acting in TV shows?

Yes, Julian McMahon is still acting. While he departed *FBI: Most Wanted* in 2022, he continues to take on new projects. Actors often move between series and films, and he is, in fact, quite active in the industry. So, you can expect to see him in future television productions, which is, you know, pretty good news for his fans.

What was Julian McMahon's most famous TV role?

Julian McMahon is arguably most famous for two major TV roles: Cole Turner in *Charmed* and Dr. Christian Troy in *Nip/Tuck*. Both characters were incredibly popular and iconic in their respective shows, and they truly defined significant periods of his career. It's hard to pick just one, as both had such a huge impact on viewers, and both were, in a way, very different but equally memorable performances.

Did Julian McMahon play a villain in any TV shows?

Yes, Julian McMahon has played several villainous or morally ambiguous characters on television. His role as Cole Turner in *Charmed* saw him as a half-demon who often struggled with his evil side, and he also played the ancient alien villain Jonah in Marvel's *Runaways*. He has a knack for playing characters with a dark edge, which he does, in fact, very well.

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