Australian actor Julian McMahon passed away at the age of 56 after a private battle with cancer. His family has publicly addressed his death for the first time, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans. McMahon died last week, leaving behind his wife Kelly Paniagua, daughter Madison McMahon from his previous marriage to Brooke Burns, and his siblings, Melinda and Debbie.
In a touching tribute posted on McMahon’s Instagram account, the family thanked fans for their love and support. The caption read, “Julian loved @vanmorrisonofficial… For all of those who loved Julian, thank you.” The post featured a black and white photo of McMahon smiling, accompanied by Van Morrison’s song “Sometimes We Cry.”
Kelly Paniagua revealed the details of McMahon’s cancer battle in a statement released last Friday. “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,” she said. “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.”
She requested privacy for their family during this difficult time, adding, “We are grateful for the memories.”
Celebrated Career and Legacy
McMahon was best known for his role as Dr. Christian Troy on the acclaimed FX series Nip/Tuck, which aired from 2003 to 2010. His performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination in 2004. He later starred as Jess LaCroix on CBS’s FBI: Most Wanted, departing the series in March 2022 after three successful seasons. Additionally, McMahon appeared in popular shows like Home & Away and Profiler.
Among his most memorable roles was that of Cole Turner in the television series Charmed, where he appeared in seasons three to five and returned as a guest in season seven in 2005. On the big screen, McMahon portrayed the iconic Dr. Doom in the Fantastic Four films and starred alongside Sandra Bullock in Premonition.
McMahon’s personal life was equally noteworthy. He and Kelly Paniagua were together for 11 years before marrying in Lake Tahoe in 2014. He was previously married to Brooke Burns and Australian singer Dannii Minogue.
A Final Role and Family Connections
In a poignant twist of fate, McMahon’s last role was portraying an Australian Prime Minister in Netflix’s The Residence, bringing his story full circle given his lineage as the son of former Australian Prime Minister Sir William McMahon. He also played a villain opposite Nicolas Cage in the film The Surfer.
Julian McMahon’s passing marks the end of a remarkable career and a life dedicated to entertaining audiences worldwide. His family continues to honor his legacy, inviting those who admired him to cherish the joy he brought into their lives.
