Julian McMahon’s Legacy Lives On In Touching Tributes From Ex-Wife And Former Co-Stars

Julian McMahon’s legacy is being honored by those closest to him, including his ex-wife, actress and model Brooke Burns.

On Saturday, July 5, just days after McMahon’s passing from cancer at the age of 56, Burns shared a touching tribute on Instagram.

The "Baywatch" alum posted a heartfelt photo of Julian McMahon posing cheek-to-cheek with their daughter, Madison McMahon.

“Rest in Peace,” Burns captioned the sweet snapshot, offering a quiet but emotional farewell to the man with whom she shared a chapter of her life and parenthood.

McMahon and Burns were married from 1999 to 2001, welcoming Madison in June 2000 during their time together. Burns has since remarried, tying the knot with director and screenwriter Gavin O’Connor in 2013, while McMahon wed his wife Kelly Paniagua in July 2014.

Paniagua announced McMahon’s passing in a statement to Deadline, revealing he died from cancer on July 2 in Clearwater, Florida.

“Julian loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans,” she said. “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.”

The Australian actor was best known for his roles in "Charmed," "Nip/Tuck," and "Fantastic Four."

On "Charmed," McMahon portrayed Cole Turner, the complex demon-turned-lover to Alyssa Milano’s character, Phoebe Halliwell, from 2000 to 2005.

Milano, too, paid tribute to her former co-star, remembering him as a force of light and talent.

“Julian McMahon was magic,” she wrote on Instagram. “That smile. That laugh. That talent. That presence. He walked into a room and lit it up, not just with charisma, but with kindness. With mischief. With soulful understanding.”

She added, “We spent years together on 'Charmed,' years of scenes, stories, and so many in-between moments. He made me feel safe as an actor. Seen as a woman. He challenged me, teased me, supported me. We were so different, and yet somehow we always understood each other.”

Actress Holly Marie Combs also honored McMahon’s memory with a heartfelt Instagram Reel featuring throwback photos of the actor alongside the "Charmed" cast.

“Your unyielding zest for life and crazy-making sense of humor will be sorely missed. The joy and laughter you were the direct cause of will always be remembered,” Combs wrote in her caption.

She closed with a poignant nod to their late co-star, Shannen Doherty, who passed away from cancer in July 2024, “I hope you find our lady friend and dance in those rose petals.”

Actor Nicolas Cage, who recently starred alongside McMahon in the Cannes midnight premiere "The Surfer," shared a heartfelt tribute following news of McMahon’s passing.

“Such deeply saddening news,” Cage said in a statement to Deadline. “I spent six weeks working with Julian, and he was the most talented of actors. Our scenes together on 'The Surfer' were amongst my favorites I have ever participated in, and Julian is one of my favorite people.”

Cage went on to praise McMahon’s character both on and off screen, adding, “He was a kind and intelligent man. My love to his family.”

Brian Krause, who starred alongside McMahon on "Charmed," shared his grief in a heartfelt post. “Sad day for our Charmed family! Julian was one of the funniest, devilishly handsome and kind souls! Prayers to his family and close friends! He will surely be missed!”

And his "Nip/Tuck" co-star Kelly Carlson also paid tribute in an emotional video posted online. “I just heard about the passing of Julian McMahon,” she said. “I’m completely shocked and saddened by it. I didn’t know he wasn’t well for a while.”

McMahon's passing leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances, genuine connections, and a profound impact on fans and colleagues alike.