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

Have you ever found yourself watching a show, and then suddenly, a familiar face appears on screen, making you wonder, "Where have I seen that actor before?" For many people, that feeling often comes when Julian McMahon makes an appearance. He has, you know, a very distinct presence, and it's almost hard to forget him once you've seen him act. People often remember him for a few big roles, but his career on television actually goes back quite a ways, spanning several decades and some truly iconic series.

It's interesting, isn't it, how some actors just seem to pop up in all sorts of different stories, making each character their own? Julian McMahon, with his particular charm and intensity, certainly fits that description. He's been a hero, a villain, and even a bit of both, giving audiences a lot to talk about. So, if you've ever wanted to get a better sense of his work, or maybe even track down some of his earlier appearances, you're in a good spot.

We're going to take a pretty thorough walk through the television career of Julian McMahon, exploring the many shows where he has left his mark. From his beginnings in Australian soap operas to his more recent work on network dramas, we'll cover the roles that have made him a household name for many TV watchers. It's quite a list, actually, and you might even discover a few shows you didn't realize he was a part of.

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Table of Contents

• Biography and Early Life
  • Personal Details and Bio Data
• Early Career and Breakthroughs
  • Home and Away (1990-1991)
  • Another World (1993-1995)
  • Profiler (1996-2000)
• Becoming a Household Name
  • Charmed (2000-2003, 2005)
  • Nip/Tuck (2003-2010)
• Diverse Roles and Later Career
  • Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency (2017)
  • Runaways (2017-2018)
  • FBI: Most Wanted (2020-2022)
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Biography and Early Life

Julian McMahon, born in Sydney, Australia, has a rather interesting background, coming from a family with a strong public service history. His father, Sir William McMahon, actually served as the Prime Minister of Australia, which is, you know, a pretty big deal. His mother, Lady Sonia McMahon, was also a well-known figure in public life. Growing up in such a prominent family, he might have seemed destined for a political path, but he actually found his calling in acting, which is quite a different direction, isn't it?

Before he became a familiar face on screens around the world, Julian started out studying law at the University of Sydney, and then he also explored economics at the University of Wollongong. It seems he was, in a way, exploring different avenues before settling on what he truly wanted to do. His early career wasn't just about acting, either; he also spent some time as a fashion model, working in various fashion capitals like Milan, London, and New York. This early exposure to the public eye, arguably, helped shape his comfort in front of cameras, preparing him for the acting roles that would eventually come his way.

His move into acting began in Australia, where he first got noticed in a popular soap opera. This step, naturally, opened doors for him to move to the United States, where he truly made his mark in television. It's a journey that many actors from Australia have taken, and Julian McMahon, you know, really made it work for himself, building a very successful career across different genres and networks. He has, in some respects, become one of those actors whose presence can often elevate a show.

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Personal Details and Bio Data

Early Career and Breakthroughs

Julian McMahon's path to becoming a recognized television actor began, as is often the case for Australian performers, in his home country's vibrant soap opera scene. These early roles, you know, provided a solid training ground, allowing him to hone his acting skills and get comfortable with the fast pace of television production. They were, basically, his first big steps into the acting world, and they certainly set the stage for what was to come later on.

Home and Away (1990-1991)

One of Julian McMahon's very first significant television roles was on the long-running Australian soap opera, *Home and Away*. He played the character of Ben Lucini, a kind of bad boy with a good heart, from 1990 to 1991. This show, which is still very popular in Australia, gave him, arguably, his first taste of widespread recognition. It's a place where many Australian actors start, and it's almost like a rite of passage for them, really.

His time on *Home and Away* helped him gain experience in front of the camera and build a following. For many viewers in Australia at the time, this was their first introduction to Julian McMahon. It's interesting to think that, you know, even early on, he had a certain screen presence that made him stand out. You can sometimes find clips of these older episodes if you're curious about his beginnings.

Another World (1993-1995)

After his success in Australia, Julian McMahon made the jump to American television, landing a role on the popular daytime soap opera *Another World*. He played Ian Rain, a character involved in some pretty dramatic storylines, from 1993 to 1995. This move, naturally, was a big one, as it introduced him to a much wider audience in the United States. It was, in a way, his formal introduction to American TV viewers, and it showed he could handle the demands of daily television.

Working on an American soap opera is a different beast compared to Australian ones, with its own pace and style. This experience, very much, broadened his acting range and made him a familiar face to daytime television fans. It's a testament to his adaptability, really, that he could transition so smoothly between different TV production environments. You could say, too, it was a crucial stepping stone.

Profiler (1996-2000)

Julian McMahon's first major primetime role in the U.S. came with the NBC crime drama *Profiler*, where he played Agent John Grant. He was on the show from 1996 until its conclusion in 2000. This series, which focused on a forensic psychologist who could see into the minds of criminals, allowed McMahon to portray a more complex and serious character than his previous soap opera roles. It was, you know, a significant shift for him, showing a different side of his acting abilities.

As Agent Grant, he was a key part of the show's cast, working alongside the main character to solve crimes. This role, in some respects, solidified his presence in American primetime television and showed audiences he could handle dramatic material. It's often seen as the role that really launched his career beyond daytime television, giving him, basically, a more prominent spot in the evening lineup. For many, this was their first real exposure to him in a serious drama.

Becoming a Household Name

While his early roles certainly made him a recognizable face, it was in the early 2000s that Julian McMahon truly became a household name, thanks to two very popular and impactful television series. These shows, you know, really showcased his unique ability to play characters that were both appealing and, at times, morally gray, which is a rather difficult balance to strike. They were, in a way, the roles that defined a significant part of his career, making him very, very famous.

Charmed (2000-2003, 2005)

One of Julian McMahon's most iconic roles came as Cole Turner, a powerful demon who falls in love with Phoebe Halliwell, on the hit supernatural drama *Charmed*. He joined the show in its third season (2000) and quickly became a fan favorite, remaining a central character until the fifth season (2003), with a special appearance in the seventh season (2005). His character, Cole, was, basically, a complex figure, constantly battling between his demonic nature and his love for Phoebe, which made for some very compelling television.

The role of Cole Turner allowed McMahon to explore a wide range of emotions, from intense love to dark villainy. Fans, naturally, were captivated by the push and pull of his character, and his chemistry with Alyssa Milano, who played Phoebe, was undeniable. This role, in some respects, cemented his status as a television heartthrob and showed his capacity for playing characters with significant internal conflict. You can still, you know, find *Charmed* reruns on various channels or streaming platforms, making it easy to revisit his memorable performance. It's a show that, even today, has a very dedicated following.

His character's journey was, arguably, one of the most talked-about storylines on the show. Cole's transformations, his struggles, and his eventual tragic end left a lasting impression on viewers. It's a testament to McMahon's acting that he could make such a complicated character feel so real and relatable, even with all the supernatural elements involved. People, still, talk about Cole Turner when they discuss *Charmed*, which is a pretty good sign of a memorable role. You can, for instance, check your local channels or cable networks to see when *Charmed* might be airing, perhaps by looking at today's tv listings for your area.

Nip/Tuck (2003-2010)

Immediately after his time on *Charmed*, Julian McMahon took on another career-defining role as Dr. Christian Troy in the critically acclaimed FX drama *Nip/Tuck*. He played the charismatic, often morally ambiguous plastic surgeon from 2003 until the show concluded in 2010. This role, very much, showcased a different side of his acting, allowing him to portray a character who was both deeply flawed and incredibly captivating. It was, arguably, a much darker and more mature role than Cole Turner, pushing his boundaries as an actor.

Dr. Christian Troy was a character known for his complex personal life, his professional brilliance, and his often questionable ethical decisions. McMahon's portrayal of Christian, you know, earned him a Golden Globe nomination, highlighting his strong performance in the series. The show itself was known for its provocative storylines and its sharp commentary on beauty, vanity, and the human condition. It was, basically, a huge hit for FX, and McMahon was at the heart of it all.

His chemistry with Dylan Walsh, who played his surgical partner Dr. Sean McNamara, was a central element of the show's success. Their dynamic, filled with friendship, rivalry, and deep personal issues, was, truly, compelling to watch. For many viewers, Christian Troy became synonymous with Julian McMahon, a testament to how fully he embodied the character. This role, in some respects, solidified his reputation as an actor capable of carrying a complex, adult drama. You can, perhaps, find *Nip/Tuck* on various streaming platforms, making it easy to see this incredible performance for yourself. Many streaming services, like those accessible through your favorite streaming apps, offer a wide array of past shows.

Diverse Roles and Later Career

After his hugely successful runs on *Charmed* and *Nip/Tuck*, Julian McMahon continued to take on a variety of roles, showing his versatility across different genres and platforms. He didn't, you know, just stick to one type of character, which is pretty cool. These later projects, naturally, allowed him to keep his acting fresh and explore new storytelling avenues, keeping audiences interested in what he would do next. He has, in a way, consistently sought out interesting parts.

Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency (2017)

In 2017, Julian McMahon appeared in the BBC America series *Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency*, based on the books by Douglas Adams. He played the character of Rainey, a kind of enigmatic and somewhat menacing figure, in a few episodes. This show, which was known for its quirky humor and very convoluted plots, offered McMahon a chance to play a character that was a bit different from his usual dramatic roles. It was, you know, a smaller part, but it certainly added to the show's unique atmosphere.

His involvement in *Dirk Gently* showed his willingness to participate in projects that were, arguably, more niche and experimental. It's interesting how actors, sometimes, take on roles that are a departure from what people expect, just to keep things fresh. This appearance, basically, added another layer to his already diverse acting resume, proving he could fit into a show with a very distinct comedic and surreal tone. You might find this show on a streaming service that offers a wide range of global channels, making discovery and watching easier.

Runaways (2017-2018)

Julian McMahon also stepped into the Marvel universe, playing the villainous Jonah in Hulu's *Runaways* from 2017 to 2018. Jonah was a mysterious and powerful leader of the Pride, a group of supervillains who are also the parents of the titular runaways. This role, naturally, allowed him to portray a character with significant power and a very dark agenda, which he does, very, very well. It was, in a way, a return to playing a more antagonistic figure, something he had excelled at before.

His performance as Jonah added a strong, compelling presence to the series, making him a formidable antagonist for the young heroes. The show, which focused on a group of teenagers who discover their parents are supervillains, was a hit with comic book fans. McMahon's portrayal, arguably, brought a certain gravitas and menace to the character, making him truly memorable. It's pretty cool, you know, how he can seamlessly transition between different types of shows and characters, from medical dramas to superhero stories. Many people enjoy finding shows like this through their favorite streaming apps for movies and shows.

FBI: Most Wanted (2020-2022)

Most recently, Julian McMahon took on the lead role of Supervisory Special Agent Jess LaCroix in the CBS crime drama *FBI: Most Wanted*, a spin-off of the popular *FBI* series. He played this character from the show's premiere in 2020 until his departure in 2022. As Jess LaCroix, he led an elite unit that tracked and captured the Bureau's most wanted fugitives. This role, very much, placed him back in a central, heroic position on a major network show, which is, basically, a testament to his enduring appeal.

His portrayal of Jess LaCroix was, arguably, grounded and empathetic, showing a dedicated agent who also grappled with personal challenges, including being a single father. The show, which is part of Dick Wolf's successful *FBI* franchise, quickly gained a large following. McMahon's presence as the lead, naturally, helped establish the series and gave it a strong anchor. It's interesting how, you know, he can command a scene with just a look or a subtle gesture, making his characters feel very real.

His departure from the show in 2022 was a significant event for fans, showing just how much his character resonated with viewers. He left to pursue other creative opportunities, which is, basically, a common step for actors who have spent a long time on one series. This role, in some respects, solidified his place as a reliable and compelling lead actor in network television, proving his ability to carry a major procedural drama. You can often find *FBI: Most Wanted* airing on CBS, which you can access through services like YouTube TV, offering live TV from ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and popular cable networks, or by checking your local TV guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was Julian McMahon's role in Charmed?

Julian McMahon played Cole Turner, a very powerful demon who, you know, became romantically involved with Phoebe Halliwell. His character was quite complex, often struggling between his evil nature and his love for her, which made for some really compelling storylines, basically.

Did Julian McMahon leave FBI: Most Wanted?

Yes, Julian McMahon did leave *FBI: Most Wanted* in 2022. His character, Jess LaCroix, was, arguably, written off the show, allowing McMahon to pursue other creative endeavors. It was, you know, a pretty big moment for the show's fans.

What other notable TV shows has Julian McMahon been in besides Charmed and Nip/Tuck?

Beyond *Charmed* and *Nip/Tuck*, Julian McMahon has been in several other notable TV shows, including the Australian soap opera *Home and Away*, the American soap *Another World*, the crime drama *Profiler*, the Marvel series *Runaways* where he played Jonah, and, most recently, *FBI: Most Wanted*. He's had, basically, a very diverse career on television.