Hollywood is mourning the loss of actor Julian McMahon, who passed away at the age of 56. His death was confirmed by his wife, Kelly McMahon, on July 2, 2023. In a heartfelt statement, she revealed that the star of Charmed and Nip/Tuck had been battling cancer privately. “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. Kelly expressed gratitude for the joy Julian brought to the lives of many and requested privacy for their family during this difficult time.
Born on July 27, 1968, in Sydney, Australia, Julian McMahon was the only son of former Australian Prime Minister Sir William McMahon and his wife, fashion icon Sonia Hopkins. He grew up alongside two sisters, Melinda and Deborah McMahon. The family resided in a lavish home in Bellevue Hill while Sir William served as Prime Minister from March 1971 to December 1972. During this time, Sonia faced the challenge of balancing her roles as a mother and a supportive wife, stating in an interview, “It was a hard decision. I loved being with Bill and I loved being a mum.”
Julian’s academic journey began at the University of Wollongong, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree. However, he soon shifted his focus to modeling. By 1987, he had made a name for himself in major fashion capitals, including Los Angeles, New York, and Milan. His big break came with a television commercial in Australia, leading to his role in the series The Power, The Passion, and subsequently in Home and Away.
Tragedy struck early in Julian’s life when his father passed away on March 31, 1988, just months before Julian’s 20th birthday. Sonia’s subsequent battle with cancer culminated in her death on April 2, 2010, with Julian and his sisters by her side. Despite her philanthropic efforts in the years following her husband’s death, Sonia’s relationships with her children became strained. Reports suggest that while Julian maintained a relatively close connection with her, tensions grew particularly between Sonia and Deborah, who faced mental health challenges.
Deborah’s struggles led to a legal dispute over the family estate, resulting in a court case against their mother over the sale of the Bellevue Hill mansion, valued at $6 million. The case was eventually settled out of court, highlighting the complex dynamics within the family.
Julian’s romantic relationships also faced scrutiny, particularly from his mother. He met his first wife, Dannii Minogue, on the set of Home and Away. They married in 1994, but their union lasted only 18 months. Dannii later revealed that Sonia did not approve of their relationship, stating, “There was no relationship, she wouldn’t speak to me, I wasn’t allowed to be near her in the house.” This tension was further complicated by financial struggles, with Dannii noting that she bore the burden of their expenses during their marriage.
Following his marriage to Dannii, Julian wed actress Brooke Burns in 1999, with whom he had a daughter named Madison in 2000. Their marriage ended in 2001, after which Julian found lasting love with Kelly Paniagua. The couple married in a quiet ceremony at Lake Tahoe in 2014, and Kelly remained by his side until his untimely death.
As Hollywood continues to reflect on Julian McMahon’s legacy, his remarkable journey from a privileged upbringing to a beloved star is marked by both professional achievements and personal challenges. His family’s history reveals the complexities of love, loss, and resilience, leaving behind a legacy of joy for many who admired his work.
