Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 13, 2025 · Entertainment

Julian McMahon's Privileged Upbringing: The Tumultuous Family Drama Behind the Hollywood Star

He was born into a life of privilege, but behind the scenes Julian McMahon's family was fractured. Pictured with his sister Melinda, 58, in 2005

Julian McMahon's Shocking Family Secrets Exposed!

In a jaw-dropping revelation, the late Nip/Tuck star Julian McMahon's life was turned upside down by his mother Sonia's scandalous behavior. As the son of former Australian Prime Minister Sir William McMahon and fashion icon Sonia Hopkins, Julian grew up surrounded by privilege and glamour.

But behind the glitz and glam, the McMahon family was plagued by drama and dysfunction. Sonia, once considered the queen bee of the socialite scene, had a tumultuous relationship with her children, especially eldest daughter Deborah.

His parents were Sir William McMahon, who was the 20th prime minister of Australia from 1971 to 1972, and socialite Lady Sonia (née Hopkins)¿he was knighted in 1977

Sonia's Secret Life Revealed!

As soon as Julian finished school at prestigious Sydney Grammar, doors opened for him in Hollywood. But what many don't know is how fractured the McMahon family was behind closed doors. Sonia, left a widow in 1988 after her husband's passing, became increasingly reclusive and isolated.

The Mother-Daughter Feud!

Sonia and her husband are pictured with their three children - Julian, Deborah and Melinda

Deborah, Julian's eldest sister, struggled with mental health issues and sought treatment centers in Sydney. But when she relapsed and admitted herself into a clinic in 2014, Sonia reportedly exiled her from the family, refusing to provide financial assistance or even acknowledge her existence.

Julian's Rocky Love Life!

After his short-lived marriage to pop star Dannii Minogue ended in 1995, Julian tied the knot with American actress Brooke Burns. But behind the scenes, Sonia made things difficult for Dannii, never approving of their union and making her feel unwelcome in the family home.

Sonia was every inch the devoted wife in life and she left her children in the care of a nanny in Sydney to move to Canberra to support his political career

The Family Feud Intensifies!

As Deborah's mental health struggles continued, she took Sonia to court in 2000 to force the sale of their $6 million Bellevue Hill mansion. The mother-daughter feud reached new heights as Deborah sought financial assistance and a chance to rebuild her life.

Julian's Reconciliation Efforts!

Sonia wore a revealing white dress to dinner with the president, one which had slits up both sides and was chosen by her husband, when they visited the White House in 1971

After his mother's passing in 2010, Julian made efforts to reconcile with his sisters, even flying Melinda and Deborah to his hospital bedside when Sonia underwent cancer treatment. But the family's history of dysfunction continued to haunt them.

The Legacy Lives On!

Sonia left her children a whopping $30 million estate, including two Bellevue Hill homes, a Palm Beach retreat, Bathurst rural property, and an eastern suburbs unit. As the family continues to navigate their complex relationships, Julian's legacy lives on through his successful Hollywood career and personal life.

Sonia had a tense relationship with her daughter Deborah. Pictured in 1992

In a shocking twist, Deborah attempted to fill her mother's shoes by carrying on Sonia's fundraising work and appearing at charity events in her name. Meanwhile, Melinda tried to distance herself from the family drama, focusing on her own philanthropic efforts.

The Final Curtain!

Julian McMahon's untimely passing has left his fans reeling. But as we reflect on his remarkable life and career, it's clear that his family's secrets and scandals will forever be a part of his legacy.

The youngest McMahon battled with mental health issues and frequented treatment centres in Sydney to help her manage the condition. Her mother reportedly exiled her from the family

Pop star Dannii Minogue also had a rocky relationship with Sonia during her short-lived marriage to Julian in the early nineties

Julian later began dating author and model Kelly Paniagua in 2003, and after more than a decade together, the pair married in a quiet ceremony at Lake Tahoe in 2014

The couple welcomed daughter Madison, now 25, the following year, but their marriage collapsed in 2001