Julian McMahon’s sweet final exchanges with his lookalike daughter Madison surface as tributes pour in for the late TV star

Actor Julian McMahon was one of Australia’s brightest stars.

After getting his start on soap The Power, The Passion in 1989, starring as Kane Edmonds he went on to star in beloved Aussie soap Home and Away, starring as Ben Lucini from 1990 to 1991.

McMahon quickly found success on US TV with a number of hits, including as Detective John Grant in Profiler before hitting it big as Cole Turner on Charmed, from 2000 to 2005, and Dr Christian Troy in Nip/Tuck from 2003 to 2010.

The talented star then moved to the Hollywood big screen playing Victor Von Doom in superhero franchise Fantastic Four in 2005 and again in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer in 2007.

Sadly, he passed away in Florida on Thursday, at just 56, following a private battle with cancer.

However, away from the big and small screen, McMahon appeared to be the model dad to daughter Madison McMahon, 25, his only child and who he shares with ex-wife, Baywatch star Brooke Burns.

In a series of public exchanges on Instagram, McMahon was playful and supportive with Madison, who only recently started a career as a yoga teacher at a studio in Miami.

A cheerful Madison posted in March: “Taught my first yoga class today. I guess dreams do come true.”

The famous actor, appearing every inch the loving dad, fired back: “Your (sic) awesome!!!!!”

Madison took a playful dig at her actor father, correcting his post: “no YOU’RE awesome.”

Elsewhere, Madison posted of losing her childhood dog, Sandy, in 2023.

The sweet tribute read in part: “To the best puppy there is and ever was, my love for you is infinite Sandy. I will forever be missing you until we meet again.”

Julian sweetly replied: “Love. That’s it! Right there. Thank you!”

McMahon’s death was announced by wife Kelly McMahon on Saturday, giving a statement to Deadline.

“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,” she said.

She continued: “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.”

Tributes have already started pouring in for the beloved actor.

Charmed co-star Rose McGowan led the celebrity tributes writing on Instagram, “Julian you force of brilliance, wild talent and humour.

“For you, your family and loving fans all over the world, I pray comfort.”

Fellow Charmed actress Holly Marie Combs also shared a tribute.

“One of a kind is an understatement. Your zest for life and crazy making sense of humour will be sorely missed,” she wrote.

“The joy and laughter you were the direct cause of will always be remembered. I hope you find our lady friend and dance in those rose petals.”

Fantastic Four co-star Ioan Gruffudd also shared a tribute.

“This is terribly sad news. Even though we played each other’s nemeses, there was always so much lightness and laughter working together. Every encounter with him was a joy,” he said.

“It was an honour to be Dr. Richards to his Dr. Doom. My heart goes out to his family

“God speed, Julian.”