
Intimate Photos of Julian McMahon's Very Private Life – His Last Three-Word Message to His Daughter, Who Has His Gorgeous Crystal Eyes, Resurfaces
A heartwarming final public exchange between the late actor and his daughter has emerged again, underscoring the tender side of a man whose romantic life was marked by scandal and tension until he finally found the one.
Julian McMahon's death at 56 after a battle with cancer shocked fans worldwide, and his last online message to daughter Madison McMahon now offers a glimpse into the private world he protected after his first two marriages ended.

Julian McMahon poses for a portrait circa 2004 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
The handsome actor entered the world on July 27, 1968, in Sydney, Australia. His father, Billy McMahon, briefly led the country as Prime Minister between 1971 and 1972, but despite this political lineage, Julian charted his own course in life.

Julian McMahon during Movieline's Hollywood Life's 3rd Annual "Breakthrough of the Year" Award on November 17, 2003, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
He built an acting career across decades and continents, starting as a model in Australia before landing his first acting role on "The Power, the Passion" in 1989. However, his breakthrough came with "Home and Away" from 1990-91, which led to his move to Hollywood.

Julian McMahon during a photoshoot at 18 Drumalbyn, Bellevue Hill on December 7, 1988, in Sydney, New South Wales | Source: Getty Images
After a stint on "Another World" in 1993, he became a series regular on "Profiler" for four seasons. Subsequently, his role as Cole Turner on "Charmed," where he starred alongside Alyssa Milano, Shannen Doherty, and Holly Marie Combs, made him a household name for three seasons.

Shannen Doherty and Julian McMahon during the Television Critics Association Cable Tour on July 10, 2001, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
However, Julian's career reached new heights with "Nip/Tuck," where he played Dr. Christian Troy for six seasons in the 2000s. This role earned him a Golden Globe nomination and established him as a leading man in television.

Julian McMahon attends a screening of the pilot episode of the FX original television drama series "Nip/Tuck" on July 19, 2003, at the Arclight Theatre in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
He later starred in "FBI: Most Wanted" for three seasons before his unexpected exit in March 2022. On the big screen, he had several credits as well, including playing Dr. Doom in both "Fantastic Four" movies from 2005 and 2007.

Julian McMahon on a selfie posted to social media, dated March 5, 2020 | Source: Instagram/julianmcmahonofficial
Many also know him from films like "Premonition", "RED," "Paranoia," "You’re Not You," and "Swinging Safari." Additionally, he starred alongside Nicolas Cage in "The Surfer" from 2024.

Julian McMahon at the Hôtel Martinez dressed for the screening of his movie "The Surfer" at Cannes, dated May 22, 2024 | Source: Instagram/julianmcmahonofficial
However, younger fans may remember him from his final role on Netflix's "The Residence," where he played the Australian Prime Minister, which seems like life coming full circle considering his father's work.
Yet, Julian's life behind the cameras was just as interesting as his roles. At first, his relationships were right in the spotlight for the world to see, but after scandal and heartbreak, he went private. Let's discover what happened!

Julian McMahon attends the North American premiere of "The Surfer" during the 2025 SXSW Conference and Festival at ZACH Theatre on March 10, 2025, in Austin, Texas | Source: Getty Images
His First Marriage: Short and Tense
Julian's first marriage was romantic, but they also faced some harsh realities. He married "Home and Away" co-star Dannii Minogue in 1994 after meeting on set in the late '80s. The wedding was called a showbiz fairy-tale. Unfortunately, the reality proved far more complicated.

Dannii Minogue and Julian McMahon during the "Secrets" movie premiere in 1992 in Sydney, New South Wales | Source: Getty Images
Their marriage lasted only 18 months. Distance, pressure, and family tensions tore them apart, with Dannii later revealing that Julian's mother, Lady Sonia McMahon, never approved of their union.

Julian McMahon and Dannii Minogue attend an event at the Hollywood Galaxy Theater on February 10, 1993, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
The former Prime Minister's wife made her feelings clear, refusing to speak to Dannii or let her into the family home. In a past interview, Dannii recalled that "there was no relationship" with her, and when Lady Sonia threatened not to attend the wedding, she admitted that they "had no idea how to handle it."

Dannii Minogue and Julian McMahon during the "Cats" musical premiere in 1995 in Sydney, New South Wales | Source: Getty Images
Furthermore, financial struggles made things worse. Dannii claimed she supported Julian monetarily, while his mother refused to help, and the constant travel between countries to maintain their relationship left her in debt.
In the end, Lady Sonia attended their wedding, but her presence still stirred up drama. “I just tried to stay away from it, I just wanted to enjoy the day,” Dannii shared.

Julian McMahon and Lady Sonia McMahon during the 2nd Annual Penfolds Gala Black Tie Dinner on January 15, 2005, at Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, California | Source: Getty Images
The marriage's failure set the stage for the actor's next relationship, which would bring him great joy, but also complications due to rumors with a co-star.
His Second Marriage: A Daughter and Scandal
In 1999, Julian found love again with American actress Brooke Burns, who was widely recognized for her role on "Baywatch." The couple tied the knot that same year and welcomed their daughter, Madison, in 2000.

Brooke Burns and Julian McMahon attend the "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" Century City premiere on August 26, 1998, at the Cineplex Odeon Century Plaza Cinemas in Century City, California | Source: Getty Images
However, this second marriage collapsed in 2001 amid controversy. Julian was reportedly involved in a rumored romance with his "Charmed" co-star Shannen Doherty, who passed away just last year.

Shannen Doherty and Julian McMahon during the 2005 Park City Shutterfly Panasonic Lounge at Marquee in Park City, Utah | Source: Getty Images
The alleged romance reportedly happened during the final season of Shannen's role on the show in 2000-2001. Brooke claimed to have discovered the affair through tabloid reports.

Julian McMahon and Brooke Burns at a musical celebration honoring Liza Minnelli on June 7, 1999, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
"It was the straw that broke the camel's back," Brooke once said to Nicki Swift, later adding that Julian "got carried away by all the Los Angeles hoopla."

Julian McMahon and Brooke Burns attend the "Pleasantville" Westwood premiere on October 19, 1998, at the Mann National Theatre in Westwood, California | Source: Getty Images
Despite the difficult end to their relationship, Julian and Brooke successfully established a cooperative co-parenting dynamic.

Julian McMahon and Brooke Burns attend the "Cookie's Fortune" Century City premiere on March 29, 1999, at the Cineplex Odeon Showcase Cinemas in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
The actor often spoke about their shared commitment to Madison, noting in 2003 that they simply took things "day by day" and whoever had the lighter workload would have their daughter that day.

Brooke Burns and Julian McMahon attend the "Baywatch" 10th Anniversary Celebration hosted by David Hasselhoff on May 2, 2000, at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica, California | Source: Getty Images
He also emphasized that their focus was no longer on conflict, but on ensuring Madison had “the best life” and “everything we can offer her.”

Julian McMahon and Brooke Burns at Dodger Stadium on May 31, 2002, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
This dynamic seemed to succeed because as the news about Julian's passing on July 2, 2025, spread, Brooke took to her Instagram and posted a picture of him and Madison with the words "Rest in Peace" next to them. The caption was a simple, "💔," showing that she still cared for her daughter's father.

Julian and Madison McMahon together on a tribute post, dated July 5, 2025 | Source: Instagram/brookeburns22
The rest of Brooke's social media shows her daughter over the years, and it's clear that she and Julian both raised Madison well, even though their relationship ended on complicated terms. Afterward, the actor learned from his experiences, which shaped his final, most enduring romance.

Brooke Burns and Madison McMahon from a post dated March 13, 2016 | Source: Instagram/brookeburns22
His Last Marriage: The Most Private One
After two public breakups, Julian chose a different path. He began dating author and model Kelly Paniagua in 2003, and their relationship was kept private, as they only appeared together at a few events. Additionally, they didn't discuss much about each other in interviews.

Julian McMahon and Kelly Paniagua arrive at the Los Angeles premiere of "How to Train Your Dragon 2" on June 8, 2014, at the Regency Village Theatre in Westwood, California | Source: Getty Images

Julian McMahon and Kelly Paniagua attend Day 5 of the 2014 US Open on August 29, 2014, at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, New York City | Source: Getty Images
After spending over ten years together, Julian popped the question during a romantic getaway to Melbourne in late 2013.

Julian McMahon and Kelly Paniagua attend KIIS FM's Jingle Ball 2014 powered by LINE gifting lounge at Staples Center on December 5, 2014, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
After a six-month engagement, the couple tied the knot the following year in an intimate ceremony by Lake Tahoe. The lakeside location, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and forest, provided the perfect backdrop.

Julian McMahon poses with wife Kelly McMahon at the Emirates Marquee on Melbourne Cup Day on November 3, 2015, at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria | Source: Getty Images
Kelly confirmed Julian’s passing on July 4, 2025, through a heartfelt statement shared with Deadline. She revealed that he had died "peacefully" after a "valiant effort to overcome cancer."

Julian McMahon and Kelly Paniagua arrive at the 6th AACTA International Awards on January 6, 2017, at Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Kelly Paniagua and Julian McMahon during the G'Day USA Gala on January 28, 2017, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Remembering her husband, she wrote that he "loved life," along with his family, friends, work, and fans. Kelly also expressed gratitude for the support they had received and kindly requested privacy as they navigated their loss.

Julian McMahon, Kelly Paniagua, and guests during the "Runaways" film premiere on November 16, 2017, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Despite how private he had become after all his experiences, Julian was not afraid to show that love for family that Kelly talked about, especially when it came to his daughter, as evidenced by the final public conversation they had.

Julian and Madison McMahon from a post dated October 16, 2022 | Source: Instagram/madison.em
His Last Message: A Father's Love
Madison, now 25, has grown into a beautiful young woman who clearly inherited her father's striking crystal eyes that made him such a heartthrob during his "Charmed" and "Nip/Tuck" eras.

Madison McMahon from a post dated December 31, 2022 | Source: Instagram/madison.em
She works as a yoga teacher and has built her own path away from the spotlight. Her Instagram posts show her confident side with proud selfies, and even a few travels.

Madison McMahon from a post dated December 31, 2022 | Source: Instagram/madison.em

Madison McMahon from a post dated October 16, 2022 | Source: Instagram/madison.em
But one conversation resurfaced after Julian's passing. On March 8, Madison posted a video showing her teaching a yoga class. She added the caption, "Taught my first yoga class today at @ahanayoga!! I guess dreams do come true ✨."
In the comment section, her proud dad wrote, "Your [sic] awesome!!!!!" to which Madison responded, "No YOU’RE awesome," playfully correcting his grammar.
The timing makes this interaction even more poignant, as the actor was already battling cancer privately when he left this comment. Yet he took the time to support his daughter's new career milestone.

Julian and Madison McMahon, Kelly Paniagua, and family from a post dated December 31, 2022 | Source: Instagram/madison.em
Julian McMahon's life story reveals a man who learned from his past and became private to have a more stable personal life. Now, he has left behind a legacy of great television performances, as well as family and fans who will always remember him.
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