Australian actor Julian McMahon’s cause of death confirmed as cancer

Julian McMahon died last week of head and neck cancer, aged 56. Photo / AFP

Julian McMahon’s cause of death has been confirmed.

The Nip/Tuck actor died last week, aged 56, after a battle with cancer and documents obtained by People magazine have revealed that he died from lung metastasis as a result of head and neck metastatic cancer.

A Cremation Approval Summary Report from Pinellas County Medical Examiner’s Office in Florida ruled the manner of McMahon’s death as natural, and his remains have since been cremated.

Julian’s wife, Kelly Paniagua, shared the news that the Australian star had died last week.

She said in a statement: “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.

“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 those to whom Julian brought joy, to continue to find joy in life. We are grateful for the memories.”

A post was shared on Julian’s Instagram page this week thanking the Charmed star’s fans for the love and support they have shown since his death.

The post featured Van Morrison’s track Sometimes We Cry, which is thought to have been one of McMahon’s favourite songs.

A black and white image of the star was captioned: “Julian loved @vanmorrisonofficial ... For all those who loved Julian, thank you.”

Tributes poured in for Julian across the industry after his death, and his former Charmed co-star Alyssa Milano shared her sorrow at losing her friend.

The 52-year-old star wrote on Instagram: “I’m heartbroken.

“Julian McMahon was magic. 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.

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A post shared by Alyssa Milano (@milano_alyssa)

“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.”

Alyssa remembered Julian – who leaves behind daughter Madison, 25, from his relationship with ex-wife Brooke Burns – as a “dear friend” and offered her condolences to his loved ones.

The post continued: “Julian was more than my TV husband. He was a dear friend. The kind who checks in. The kind who remembers. The kind who shares. The kind who tells you the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable – but always with love.

“My heart is with Kelly, with Madison, and with Iliana – his girls, his world. He adored them. You could feel it in every conversation, every story, every text. He was a family man above all, and he loved deeply.

“Losing him feels unreal. Too soon. Too unfair.”