The entertainment world is still reeling from the loss of beloved Australian actor Julian McMahon, and now his daughter Madison has broken her silence in a deeply emotional tribute to mark what would have been his 57th birthday.
In a poignant Instagram post, Madison McMahon, 25, poured out her grief just three weeks after losing her father, who died following a private battle with cancer.
“Happy birthday,” she wrote. “There will never be enough words to describe how much I miss you. And somehow, [there are] even less that capture how deeply I love you. All I know is that I’ll miss you and love you forever.”
Her message accompanied a touching photo of the two sharing a warm embrace. She chose Ray Stevens’ For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow as the soundtrack for the post – a bittersweet nod to the joy McMahon brought to those around him.
Julian McMahon, known for his breakout roles in Nip/Tuck, Charmed and Fantastic Four, passed away earlier this month. The news came as a shock to fans and colleagues alike, many unaware of his quiet health battle.
The actor’s wife, Kelly McMahon, confirmed his death in a heartfelt statement to Deadline. “Julian loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans,” she wrote. “His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible.”
She added, “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.”
Tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry. Nine’s entertainment editor Richard Wilkins said the news was “just terrible to wake up to”, remembering Julian as “a nice fella” with a big presence on both sides of the Pacific.
Actor Lincoln Lewis described McMahon’s “magnetic” energy, while Rebel Wilson called him an “extraordinarily gifted and kind” soul.
“All my love and deepest sympathies to the family of our friend @julianmcmahonofficial,” Wilson posted. “It was an honour to work with such an Aussie gem.”
Among the many public farewells, Madison’s tributes have struck a particularly emotional chord. Alongside her birthday post, she also re-shared a black-and-white portrait of her father, set to Van Morrison’s Sometimes We Cry, a song believed to be one of his favourites.
Madison is Julian’s only child, whom he welcomed with his second wife, Baywatch actress Brooke Burns.
As the tributes continue, one thing is certain: Julian McMahon’s legacy, as a performer, a friend, and above all a father, live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Images: Instagram
