Following the tragic passing of Fantastic Four’s Doctor Doom actor Julian McMahon, franchise star Ioan Gruffudd has shared a touching response to the loss. The two starred as enemies in 2005’s Fantastic Four and grudging allies in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.
Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic and Victor Von Doom/Doctor Doom were both intellectual and romantic rivals, both harboring feelings for Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Jessica Alba). They each received their powers as a result of an ill-fated space mission that led to them, as well as Sue, her brother Johnny, and Ben Grimm, being exposed to a cosmic storm.
Despite their antagonistic relationship onscreen, Gruffudd had nothing but kind words for his late costar. Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “This is terribly sad news about Julian. Even though we played each other’s nemeses, there was always so much lightness and laughter working together.“
The actor concluded: “Every encounter with him was a joy. It was an honor to be Dr. Richards to his Dr. Doom. My heart goes out to his wife and family.“
What Ioan Gruffudd’s Tribute To Julian McMahon Means
Foes Onscreen, Friends Offscreen
McMahon was a beloved actor with memorable performances in shows and films such as the Fantastic Four duology, Charmed, Nip/Tuck, Runaways, and FBI: Most Wanted. Upon his passing, McMahon’s wife, Kelly, shared an emotional announcement:
“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. 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.”
Gruffudd’s tribute to McMahon further demonstrates the positive impact that the actor had on those who knew him. Interestingly, prior to his passing, the actor metaphorically passed the torch to Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom.
Related
Julian McMahon Dies At 56, Star Of Fantastic Four, Marvel’s Runaways, & Charmed
Julian McMahon, known for roles such as Fantastic Four’s Doctor Doom, Runaways’ Magistrate, and Charmed’s Cole Turner, has passed away at 56.
He praised the actor, stating: “If you’ve got Robert Downey Jr, who’s one of the great creatives of the last however many years we’ve been watching him for, mixed with the elements of how we can make movies these days? I think it’s going to be pretty extraordinary.“
Our Take On Ioan Gruffudd’s Tribute To Julian McMahon
Based on his kind words to Downey and the outpouring of affection upon his passing, McMahon seems to have been a great presence to those who knew him. The sentiment expressed by his Fantastic Four costar depicts him as a pleasant coworker and friend. He was a wonderful actor whose legacy will live on in his many works and in his friends, family, costars, and fans.
Source: ComicBook.com