Hugh Jackman and Deborra Lee Furness They announced their separation after 27 years of marriage on September 15, 2023, but their separation “happened a while ago” and was not a surprise, according to Page six. “Friends and family knew,” a source told the outlet. They also added that problems in their marriage may have started even before Hugh returned to Broadway in The music man in February 2022.
“Deb wasn’t at rehearsals much,” the source said before adding that “she was even seen sleeping during some of them.” The source also claimed that there was no third partner involved and that they had simply become “roommates.”
However, a separate source told the publication that despite their split, Hugh and Deborra “talk quite regularly” and insisted the couple “will always be friends and go through this together. You just can’t be married for 27 years, share two children and suddenly stop talking.”
The report came less than a day after the former lovebirds announced their intention to divorce in a joint statement. “We have been fortunate to share almost three decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful and loving marriage,” said Hugh and Deborra-Lee. People. “Our journey is now changing and we have decided to part ways to pursue our individual growth.”
I love you @Deborra_lee. Today is our 27th wedding anniversary. 27 YEARS! I love you very much and together we have created a beautiful family. And life. Your laughter, your spirit, generosity, humor, sass, courage, loyalty is an incredible gift to me. I love you with all my… pic.twitter.com/EnPaM8eQSf
-Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) April 11, 2023
“Our family has been and always will be our top priority,” they continued. “We face this next chapter with gratitude, love and kindness. We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition in all of our lives.”
Hugh and Deborra-Lee married in 1996 and share two adopted children, including Oscar and Ava. During their long marriage, Hugh sometimes shared loving posts about his now ex, especially on special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. one of the last Instagram The Deborra-Lee posts she shared were in honor of their 27th wedding anniversary, which took place in April.
“I love you Deb. Today is our 27th wedding anniversary. 27 YEARS!! I love you so much,” she wrote alongside a cozy smiling photo of the two of them. “Together we have created a beautiful family. And life. Your laughter, your spirit, generosity, humor, sass, courage and loyalty is an incredible gift to me. I love you with all my heart.”
Shortly after their separation, Hugh was seen holding hands with the actress. Sutton Foster during a night out in January 2025, as seen in photos shared by People. The actress also recently separated from her ex-spouse, Ted Griffin.
Five months later, Deborra-Lee officially filed for divorce from Hugh in May 2025, according to daily mail. In a statement to the outlet, Deborra-Lee hinted at a “betrayal” without naming Hugh.
“My heart and compassion go out to everyone who has gone through the traumatic journey of betrayal,” he said. “It is a deep wound that cuts deep, however, I believe in a higher power and that God/the universe, whatever its guide, is always working FOR us.”
