From Dannii Minogue To Kelly Paniagua: The Untold Love Story And Wives Of Julian McMahon

The world of Hollywood continues to mourn the loss of one of its most charismatic stars, Julian McMahon, who reportedly passed away in July 2025. Known for his devilishly handsome roles as Cole Turner in Charmed and the slick surgeon Dr. Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck, McMahon’s professional life was a string of successes, but his personal life was equally captivating. As of this current date in December 2025, fans and media are reflecting on the actor’s journey, particularly his romantic path which saw him marry three times, ultimately finding enduring love with his final wife, Kelly Paniagua.

Julian McMahon’s relationships were as high-profile and dramatic as some of his on-screen roles, spanning from a whirlwind marriage to a pop icon to a quiet, decade-long partnership that brought him peace. This article explores the complete relationship history of the Australian-American actor, detailing the women who shared his life and the legacy of love he leaves behind, including his daughter, Maddison Elizabeth.

Julian McMahon: A Complete Biographical Profile

Julian Dana William McMahon was an Australian-American actor and former model whose career spanned over three decades, captivating audiences across television and film. His lineage was notable, as his father was a former Prime Minister of Australia. McMahon's path led him from the runways of the fashion world to the soundstages of Hollywood, where he became a household name.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

• Full Name: Julian Dana William McMahon
• Date of Birth: July 27, 1968
• Reported Date of Passing: July 2, 2025
• Age at Passing: 56
• Place of Birth: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
• Nationality: Australian-American
• Parents: Sir William McMahon (Father, former Prime Minister of Australia) and Lady Sonia McMahon (Mother)
• Notable Roles: Dr. Christian Troy (Nip/Tuck), Cole Turner (Charmed), Victor Von Doom / Doctor Doom (Fantastic Four), Jess Peters (Home and Away)
• Spouses: Dannii Minogue (m. 1994, div. 1995), Brooke Burns (m. 1999, div. 2002), Kelly Paniagua (m. 2014, until 2025)
• Child: Maddison Elizabeth McMahon (Daughter, with Brooke Burns)
• Cause of Reported Death: Cancer (private battle)

The Three Marriages: From Pop Icon to Lasting Love

Julian McMahon’s journey through marriage was marked by three distinct chapters, each a significant period in his life. His romantic history is often discussed in the context of his high-profile celebrity status, but his final marriage reflected a desire for a more private, enduring connection.

1. Dannii Minogue: The Whirlwind First Marriage (1994–1995)

McMahon’s first walk down the aisle was with Australian pop singer and actress Dannii Minogue, the younger sister of Kylie Minogue. The two first met on the set of the Australian soap opera Home and Away in 1991, where McMahon played the character of Jess Peters. Their relationship quickly escalated, and they married in January 1994.

The marriage, however, was brief, lasting only 18 months before they divorced in 1995. The short duration of their union sparked various rumors at the time, including speculation that his politically powerful mother, Lady McMahon, may have influenced the split. Despite the quick end, this relationship cemented Julian McMahon as a fixture in the celebrity world and remains a key part of his romantic history.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

2. Brooke Burns: Daughter and the Hollywood Union (1999–2002)

Four years after his divorce from Minogue, McMahon married American actress and model Brooke Burns in 1999. Burns, known for her role on Baywatch, was a fellow star in the American television scene. This marriage was particularly significant as it brought McMahon his only child.

In June 2000, the couple welcomed their daughter, Maddison Elizabeth McMahon. Maddison’s birth was a profound moment in McMahon’s life, and he remained a devoted father to her even after his divorce. The marriage to the Baywatch alum lasted three years, ending in 2002. Following his reported passing, Brooke Burns shared a heartfelt tribute to the late actor, featuring a photo of him and their now 25-year-old daughter, Maddison, underscoring the enduring family bond.

3. Kelly Paniagua: The Final, Enduring Love (2003–2025)

After his second divorce, McMahon began a relationship that would become the longest and most stable of his life. He started dating Australian model and actress Kelly Paniagua in 2003. Their partnership spanned over a decade before they finally decided to marry.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

The couple tied the knot in June 2014 in a private ceremony at Lake Tahoe, California, a decision that reflected the private nature of their long-term love. Kelly Paniagua remained McMahon's devoted wife until his reported death in July 2025. Following his passing, Kelly released a moving statement, confirming his death and asking for privacy to grieve, highlighting the deep affection and respect in their relationship.

The stability of this 22-year relationship (11 years dating, 11 years married) offered a stark contrast to his earlier, more tumultuous unions, suggesting that the Nip/Tuck star had finally found his true, lasting partner in Paniagua.

Other Notable Relationships and Romantic Encounters

Beyond his three marriages, Julian McMahon’s Hollywood career naturally led to other romantic connections that captured media attention. These relationships, though shorter-lived, are part of the complex tapestry of his dating history.

• Shannen Doherty (2000–2001): While filming Charmed, McMahon was reportedly in a relationship with his co-star, Shannen Doherty, who played Prue Halliwell. Their on-screen chemistry as Cole Turner and Prue was undeniable, and their brief off-screen romance was a major topic of discussion among fans of the hit show.
• Noa Tishby (2002–2003): Following his divorce from Brooke Burns, McMahon had an encounter with Israeli actress and model Noa Tishby. This relationship was another brief but notable connection in the early 2000s, further cementing his status as one of Hollywood’s most eligible bachelors.

The Legacy of Love and Family

Julian McMahon’s passing in July 2025 brought a wave of tributes from his family, friends, and former co-stars, all of whom spoke to his dedication to his loved ones. His life, often viewed through the lens of his on-screen charm and dramatic roles, was anchored by his family.

His daughter, Maddison Elizabeth McMahon, remains a central figure in his legacy. Born in 2000, she is the enduring connection between McMahon and his ex-wife, Brooke Burns. The tributes shared by both his ex-wife and his final wife, Kelly Paniagua, emphasized his role as a loving husband and father, a testament to the private man behind the famous face.

The journey of Julian McMahon’s relationships—from the short, intense marriage to Dannii Minogue, to the family-creating union with Brooke Burns, and finally, the quiet, decade-spanning commitment to Kelly Paniagua—illustrates a life lived fully. While the world remembers the magnetic star of Nip/Tuck and Charmed, his closest circle remembers a devoted partner whose deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible. His story is a powerful reminder that even the most public lives are defined by the private search for love and connection.