Villain from Nicolas Cage’s Movie 'The Surfer' Dies at 56

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated Sep 14, 2025 10:36 AM ET

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.

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A post shared by Julian Mcmahon (@julianmcmahonofficial)

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.

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.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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