Kelly Paniagua Announces the Death of Husband Julian McMahon at 56
Kelly Paniagua has confirmed that her husband, Australian actor and former model Julian McMahon, has sadly passed away at the age of 56. McMahon died peacefully on 2 July at his home in Florida, just weeks before celebrating his 57th birthday.
Known for his standout performances on both the small and big screen, McMahon gained fame for his role as the smooth and troubled Dr Christian Troy in the award-winning series Nip/Tuck.
Fans also remember him as Cole Turner in the fantasy drama Charmed and as the villainous Mr Doom in Marvel’s Fantastic Four films. His talent didn’t go unnoticed. In 2004, he received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Drama Series.
His final role came earlier this year in Netflix’s The Residence, where he played Steven Ross, the Prime Minister of Australia—a character closely linked to his own life, as his father, Billy McMahon, was Australia’s real Prime Minister from 1971 to 1972.
In a touching statement shared on 4 July, Kelly Paniagua said: “With an open heart, I want to share with the world that my beloved husband, Julian McMahon, passed away peacefully this week after a brave battle with cancer.”
Kelly Paniagua, who married McMahon in 2014, spoke fondly about her husband’s passion for life.
“He loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work and he loved his fans. His deepest desire was to bring joy to as many lives as possible.”
She gently asked for privacy while the family grieves: “We ask for support during this time so our family can grieve in privacy. And we hope that everyone Julian brought joy to will continue to find joy in life. We are grateful for the memories.”
Recently, Kelly Paniagua made headlines following the release of The Surfer, a film that marked one of Julian’s final projects. You can read more about Kelly Paniagua’s appearance after the film’s release here: Kelly Paniagua’s Husband Julian McMahon Dies Aged 56 Weeks After The Surfer Release.
Julian McMahon’s personal life had its own chapters. His first marriage was to singer Dannii Minogue in 1994, though they parted ways after a year. In 1999, he married actress Brooke Burns.
The couple welcomed a daughter, Madison, in June 2000, but divorced two years later. In 2014, he married Kelly Paniagua, and they remained together until his passing.
McMahon’s death has left a lasting impact on the entertainment world. He was a man who loved deeply, worked passionately, and truly lived life to the fullest. His memory will live on through his work and the countless lives he touched along the way.
The family is expected to hold a private farewell in the coming days.