Why Julian McMahon's greatest role had nothing to do with acting.

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of actor Julian McMahon after his devoted wife, Kelly Paniagua, broke the news of his passing.

The 56-year-old passed away on Wednesday after a private battle with cancer.

Known for his magnetic performances in Home and Away, Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and the Fantastic Four films, McMahon will be remembered not just for his on-screen presence, but for the joy he brought to countless lives.

But his greatest performance wasn't captured on camera at all. It was his role as Kelly's devoted husband and father to daughter Madison.

It's a legacy his beloved wife Kelly Paniagua beautifully captured in her heartbreaking farewell.

Watch: Kate Ritchie on leaving Home and Away. Post continues after video.

"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 told Deadline.

"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 wrote. 

Julian and Kelly's romance was one of enduring devotion. The couple dated for 11 years before exchanging vows in 2014 at Lake Tahoe, surrounded by close friends, including a contingent of friends from Australia.

Their engagement came during a family trip to Melbourne in 2013, a fitting location given Julian's Australian roots as the son of former Prime Minister Sir William McMahon and his socialite wife, Lady Sonia McMahon.

Their wedding was an intimate affair that reflected their preference for privacy over publicity. Among the guests was Professor Ross Steele, a longtime friend of Lady McMahon.

As husband and wife, Kelly stood by Julian's side through the highs and lows of his career, from his departure from FBI: Most Wanted in 2022 to his final roles.

She witnessed his evolution from the heartthrob of the 1990s to the seasoned actor who commanded respect in Hollywood, always supporting his artistic choices while maintaining their private sanctuary away from the spotlight.

Julian's journey to finding lasting love with Kelly was marked by two previous marriages.

First, a whirlwind romance with fellow Australian icon Dannii Minogue that began on the set of Home and Away in 1991.

"He stopped me in my tracks," Dannii told Seven of their first meeting.

However, the marriage faced challenges beyond the typical pressures of two rising stars. The demands of their respective careers, Julian pursuing opportunities in the US while Dannii worked in the UK, proved difficult to navigate.

Julian's second marriage to Baywatch star Brooke Burns brought him the joy of fatherhood, with the birth of their daughter Madison in June 2000.

The 25-year-old, who recently started a career as a yoga teacher at a studio in Miami, would often exchange playful interactions with her dad on Instagram.

When he commented "your awesome" on one of her posts, she was quick to correct the actor, replying "no YOU'RE awesome".

Julian and Brooke married in 1999, and their relationship seemed to offer the actor a fresh start in love. However, this union was also brief, ending in divorce just a year later.

While those relationships didn't work out, Julian got his fairytale ending with Kelly.

As tributes pour in from around the world, Julian McMahon's legacy extends beyond his memorable performances to include a love story that reminds us of the power of patience, commitment, and finding the right person at the right time.

Feature Image: Getty