Kelly Paniagua – Everything about Julian McMahon’s Wife

Julian McMahon’s wife, Kelly Paniagua, is close to his daughter from a previous marriage. Here’s a closer look at the Australian actress and her relationship with the “Nip/Tuck” star.

American actor Julian McMahon and Australian actress Kelly Paniagua were long-time lovers before becoming husband and wife. 

They appeared on the red carpet several times in the past few years, including the premiere night of “How to Train Your Dragon 2” in Los Angeles.

Julian McMahon and Kelly Paniagua arrive during the 6th AACTA International Awards at Avalon Hollywood on January 6, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Aside from her on-screen career, Paniagua is also the author of the children’s book “Bedtime for Sarah Sullivan,” inspired by McMahon’s relationship with his daughter, Madison.

The couple has grown close over the years, especially since the “Nip/Tuck” star’s mother’s death. They have also increased the quality time spent with Madison.

KELLY PANIAGUA’S MARRIAGE TO JULIAN MCMAHON

Paniagua and McMahon were together for eleven years before he proposed to her with the help of his then-13-year-old daughter. He recalled:

“When we got on the plane, I told Maddy that I wanted to propose to Kelly in Paris, but I wasn’t sure we were going to get there, so ‘Do you think maybe we should propose on the plane together?'”

The proposal ended up being spontaneous yet sincere. In 2014, McMahon walked down the aisle for the third time to marry Paniagua in Lake Tahoe. They later settled down in Los Angeles, California, with Madison.

KELLY PANIAGUA’S RELATIONSHIP WITH HER STEPDAUGHTER, MADISON MCMAHON

The actor welcomed Madison during his relationship with Brooke Burns, whom he married in 1999, after his divorce with Dannii Minogue. Although Paniagua isn’t her biological mother, Madison has a close relationship with her stepmom and sees her as a parent.

McMahon’s mother did not like Minogue, a stance she made clear. “She wouldn’t speak to me,” Minogue recalled. “I wasn’t allowed to be near her in the house [and] she said she wasn’t coming to the wedding.”

In fact, Madison penned a sweet Mother’s Day tribute to Paniagua in 2021 and ended the post with an “I love you.” Madison’s post included a beautiful photo of the two during what appears to be a vacation.

JULIAN MCMAHON’S PREVIOUS MARRIAGES

Although not much is known about Paniagua’s life before McMahon, details on the actor’s previous relationship can be found on the internet. In particular, his love story with Minogue could be compared to a soap opera.

Minogue was 19 when she enjoyed the fruits of her success on “Young Talent Time.” She was on the way home to take a role in an Australian television show when McMahon “stopped me in my tracks.”

However, their relationship was filled with challenges. “There was such a storm around it, and then there was the private storm of Julian’s mom,” she said.

McMahon’s mother did not like Minogue, a stance she made clear. “She wouldn’t speak to me,” Minogue recalled. “I wasn’t allowed to be near her in the house [and] she said she wasn’t coming to the wedding.”

Although she fought to be with McMahan, their marriage ended in divorce due to many problems, including finances. Both have since moved on with their lives.

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