Julian McMahon’s Sisters ‘Shattered’ by His Tragic Cancer Death at 56

Julian McMahon’s sisters are devastated by his death, according to a new report. 

The Australian star, who died last week at age 56 following a private health struggle, having battled cancer. 

His siblings, Melinda, 58, and Debbie, 52, are said to be in deep mourning over the loss of their beloved brother. 

‘Melinda’s completely shattered,’ a family friend told Woman’s Day on Monday. 

‘If anything, she and Julian became even closer after their mum died, and she was always very protective of Julian – he’s her little brother and she loved him fiercely’ they continued. 

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Julian McMahon’s sisters are devastated by his death, according to a new report. His siblings, Melinda, 58, and Debbie, 52, are said to be in deep mourning over the loss of their beloved brother. Pictured with mother Sonia and sister Melinda in 2005

Debbie is additionally struggling after the siblings lost their mother, Lady Sonia McMahon, who died in 2010.  

‘His death also must have left Deb in pieces,’ the friend told the publication. 

‘He was her kind and handsome big brother, and I know he really stepped up after Sonia died and helped Deb in so many big and small ways.’

The trio’s father, Sir William McMahon, died in 1988. 

He was a former Prime Minister of Australia, who served from 1971 to 1972 and held office as the leader of the Liberal Party of Australia. 

The 56-year-old Australian-American actor had been secretly battling cancer, his widow Kelly revealed in a heartbreaking statement on Friday.

Julian’s last public appearance was alongside Nicolas Cage at SXSW in Austin, Texas back in March, as they promoted their new psychological thriller The Surfer.

In her statement on Julian’s death, his widow Kelly, whom he married in 2014, wrote: ‘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.

‘Melinda’s completely shattered,’ a family friend told Woman’s Day on Monday. ‘If anything, she and Julian became even closer after their mum died’

Debbie is additionally struggling after the siblings lost their mother, Lady Sonia McMahon (pictured), who died in 2010

‘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. 

‘We ask for support during this time to allow our family to grieve in privacy. And we wish for all of those to whom Julian brought joy, to continue to find joy in life. We are grateful for the memories, she added in her statement obtained by Deadline.

The talented actor was best known for his role as Dr. Christian Troy on the FX series Nip/Tuck.

He starred alongside Dylan Walsh who portrayed Sean McNamara in the campy medical drama which ran for six seasons from 2003 to 2010.

The star was even nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama Television Series in 2004 where he was bested by Ian McShane for his role in HBO series Deadwood.

Julian later starred as Jess LaCroix on the CBS series FBI: Most Wanted beginning 2020 but made a surprise exit in March 2022 after three seasons. 

He previously made his name on Australian television soap opera Home & Away in which he starred as main star Ben Lucini from 1990 to 1991.

The actor went on to star as Detective John Grant in American crime drama Profiler from 1996 to 2000.

Julian also leaves behind his wife Kelly Paniagua. Pictured together in 2017

Julian shared 25-year-old daughter Madison Elizabeth McMahon (pictured) with his second ex-wife Brooke Burns

He then won the hearts of many as he portrayed Cole Turner in Charmed seasons 3 through 5 from 2000 to 2003 before returning as a guest for season 7 in 2005. 

The Sydney, Australia native also had success on the big screen as he starred as iconic supervillain Dr. Doom in two Marvel movies Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer (2007).

He also starred alongside Sandra Bullock in 2007 supernatural psychological thriller Premonition. 

Julian and wife Kelly had been together for 11 years before marrying in a romantic ceremony in Lake Tahoe, a lakeside area on the edge of California and Nevada, in 2014. It was his third marriage.

Julian was previously married to model and Baywatch actress Brooke Burns from 1999 to 2001 as they share their 25-year-old daughter Madison Elizabeth McMahon together.

He also was famously married to Australian singer and TV personality, Dannii Minogue from 1994 to 1995.

His final role was a bit of a full circle moment as he portrayed the Australian Prime Minister in Netflix murder mystery series The Residence.