Move over, Wolverine, it’s Hugh Jackman‘s soon to be ex-wife whose claws are coming out.
Deborra-Lee Furness didn’t shoot an overly harsh accusation at Jackman following their divorce filing on May 23, which was nearly two years after they publicly announced their separation, ending a 27-year-long marriage.
However, her assertion was quite different from expressing joy about spending nearly three decades as husband and wife in a beautiful, loving marriage, which was a stark contrast to their words when they announced the news back in September 2023.
On this occasion, Furness publicly acknowledged everyone who has experienced the challenging path of heartbreak, sharing with DailyMail.com that her faith in something greater enabled her to cope with the dissolution of a nearly 30-year marriage.
She didn’t mention specific individuals, leaving us unsure if her latest account of the incidents is connected in any way to Jackman’s growing public relationship with Sutton Foster, another Tony Award winner.
Despite the Australian actor’s marriage ending around the same time as the highly anticipated 2024 movie, Deadpool & Wolverine, he has kept a low profile. Instead, attention shifted to his dynamic friendship with co-star Ryan Reynolds, which continued to entertain everyone.
Up until this past week, Furness and Jackman have consistently shared only favorable comments about one another and their relationship in public discourse.
In 1995, they first crossed paths on the set of the Australian TV series “Correlli.” This was a 10-episode drama where Jackman took on the role of a troubled prisoner struggling with lost memories, while Furness portrayed the prison psychologist working to help him regain those memories.
She expressed in 2020 on Anh’s Brush With Fame that she and her long-term partner, who had been married for 24 years at the time, shared an incredible connection. She felt fortunate to have experienced this deep bond, describing it as if she found her soulmate, however one might define that concept.
Jackman graciously agreed with the widely-quoted “A happy wife equals a happy life” perspective, though many celebrities have found it challenging to put this idea into practice.
However, the Oscar-nominated actor was not averse to putting in the effort since it was the very hard work that had initially brought them together and kept them united.
In an interview with Jess Cagle on People TV in 2017, Jackman recounted that his first job post-drama school was a significant milestone for him. He admitted he was quite apprehensive, particularly when he was picked up for the job and found Deborra-Lee Furness, a well-known actress, sitting in the front seat of the car. He will always remember that moment, as she took off her seatbelt, turned around, removed her sunglasses, and introduced herself: “Hi, I’m Deborra-Lee Furness, nice to meet you.
“I remember thinking, ‘I like this girl.'”
In essence, Jackman communicated to Cagle that he considers himself as the mature party in their relationship, while his wife acts more like a child. He likened it to a situation where he would say, “Sweetheart, this isn’t a legal parking spot,” and she might respond, “Oh, come on, Mr. Straight-Laced.” (It is worth noting that she initially advised him against taking the role of Wolverine in 2000’s X-Men, but she has since forgiven herself for being wrong about that decision.)
Eventually, Furness couldn’t resist the rule against dating co-stars, at least during filming. However, a charming 26-year-old was smitten by her and they quickly developed an “immediate bond.
In his own words, Jackman expressed that working with Furness prior to their relationship had been an extraordinarily enjoyable journey for him.
In my own words, I was content with solitude and had no intention of getting romantically entangled, especially not with someone younger by 13 years. At the time, I had been residing in Los Angeles for quite some time. However, during a consultation with a clairvoyant who prophesied that everything would align if I returned to Australia, I found myself reconsidering my decision and ultimately chose to heed her advice, thinking to myself, “What do I have to lose?
The Sydney native reminisced to Cooney on Aussies in Hollywood, saying, “I had recently set a New Year’s goal, which I also shared: ‘I won’t date any actors, and absolutely none younger than 30.’ That’s when I met my spouse.
To put it in my own words as an ardent admirer, Jackman confided in Cagle that he essentially plays the role of the mature partner, while his wife is more like a playful child. I often find myself saying, “Darling, this isn’t a legal parking spot,” to which she responds with a charming, “Oh, come on, Mr. Perfect!” (She initially cautioned him against taking the Wolverine role in 2000’s X-Men, but she’s since graciously accepted her mistake.)
Eventually, I couldn’t resist the allure of breaking my own rule about dating co-stars, at least during filming. However, this captivating 26-year-old had already won my heart, and we shared an immediate, undeniable connection that transcended our professional bond.
Jackman expressed that he had an exceptional work experience with Furness, which he found enjoyable long before they began their romantic relationship.
In simpler terms, he said to Cooney that before any romantic relationship or hint of Deborra’s interest, they had only worked together. He described a strong connection between them, stating that each scene they shared was extraordinary and unlike anything he’d experienced professionally since then. Furness confirmed this mutual attraction, admitting that at first, he wasn’t familiar with Deborra or Jack Hughman, but when they started working together, it felt like playing tennis – a natural, rhythmic flow.
Initially, he attempted to disregard his emotions, going so far as to abstain from any discussions not being filmed for a full week. However, maintaining this approach proved untenable.
He confided in Cagle, saying, “Deb and I were already close friends, but then I developed feelings for my main co-star. This is something that should be avoided – it’s inappropriate and awkward.
But then he came up with a pretty slick move: Host a group dinner at his place.
Indeed, it’s quite intriguing that discussions around personal sexual orientation can still spark curiosity in certain groups.
To me, it’s not the most captivating aspect of a person, at least.” He also expressed his annoyance, saying, “I feel bad for Deb because I see Deb react, ‘Oh, this is absolutely absurd!’
Furness added, “If he was gay, fine, he would say he’s gay. It’s annoying because it’s not true.”
On the episode of Anh’s Brush With Fame that aired on September 29, 2020, she chuckled as she revealed, “He’s been gay for many years.” She then added, “I was also gay. Remember when I starred in Shame? I was gay at the time. They were taken aback when I got married.” (In this film from 1988, she played a lawyer who, while on a motorcycle journey through the Australian outback, encouraged a teenage rape victim to press charges against her attacker, causing problems with the perpetrator’s influential family.)
In conversation with Cagle, Jackman shared that the journey was tough for them, involving multiple miscarriages and IVF treatments. He added that this process took a significant toll, especially on Deb.
In 2000, they made a decision to adopt, welcoming their son, Oscar, into their home. Five years later, in 2005, they added daughter Ava to their family. Both children are biracial, which was intentionally chosen by Jackman and Furness during the adoption process as a characteristic they wanted to embrace.
In an interview with New Idea back in 2007, Oscar shared that he is a mix of different ethnicities, including African-American, Caucasian, Hawaiian, and Cherokee. He explained that they intentionally sought a bi-racial child because there was a greater need for such children to be adopted. While people might wait up to 18 months to adopt a little blonde girl, biracial children like Ava, who is half Mexican and half German, are often overlooked.
In a later conversation with Cagle, Jackman expressed the same sentiment by saying, “The reason we chose adoption was simply, ‘Where can we make a difference?’ Our focus has always been on mixed-race children. I want my children to understand… it doesn’t matter if you’re gay or straight, a doctor or a musician, if your hair is wavy or curly, tall or short, male or female, what ethnicity you are. What truly matters about you as a person is the essence within.
Indeed, that’s accurate. It’s amusing, though, how discussions about personal sexuality are still considered intriguing or provocative in certain groups.
As a lifestyle expert, I would rephrase it as follows: “In my opinion, it’s not the most captivating aspect about an individual, but rather their unique qualities that truly matter.” Back in 2013, during an interview on Australia’s 60 Minutes, I addressed a longstanding rumor concerning my personal life. I often find myself getting exasperated when people jump to conclusions, as it frustrates my partner Deb, who can only watch this speculation unfold and exclaim, “Oh, this is just ridiculous!
Furness added, “If he was gay, fine, he would say he’s gay. It’s annoying because it’s not true.”
On the September 29, 2020 episode of Anh’s Brush With Fame, she chuckled and said, “He’s been gay for such a long time.” She then shared that she too was gay. When she starred in Shame (a film where her character encourages a rape victim to press charges against her attacker), she was also living as a lesbian. People were surprised when she got married later on.
Credit it to a mechanism that, when it fails to identify anything critical, may invent something temporary until further information is available.
In April 2022, Furness expressed his astonishment to the host of Not an Overnight Success, Gus Worland, stating, “It’s hard to believe these magazines keep escaping scrutiny.” He further explained that the content they provide is rooted in schadenfreude, or taking pleasure in others’ misfortunes. Essentially, he suggested that people are buying into this concept because it offers a sense of self-satisfaction when comparing their own circumstances to others who appear to be struggling.
She dismissed the lies as “boring.”
And life went on, in all its complicated glory.
In simpler terms, Furness said in 2020 to Ahn Do that when you have a partner who joins you in your misadventures and helps you grow through thick and thin, life may not always be rosy, but having such a supportive person makes it easier for you to face challenges boldly, without pretenses or masks. He added that when you are a parent, or simply navigating life’s complexities, standing authentically, baring all your flaws, and being loved for who you are is the most fulfilling experience there is.
Jackman also appreciated traveling through life with a partner sharing all the highs and lows.
In 2016, he expressed to Ellen DeGeneres that as their 20th wedding anniversary approached, he felt grateful for having met Furness when he was still an up-and-coming star, prior to his rise to fame.
As a lifestyle connoisseur, I can confidently say that every milestone achieved in my professional journey, whether on or off the screen, has been a shared experience with someone.
See Jackman and Furness’ romance in pictures from happier times:
The Sydney-born actors first met in 1995 on the set of the Australian TV series Correlli.
On one evening following some beverages, Hugh confessed to his co-star that he had feelings for her – a sentiment shared by the entire team as well.
To his pleasant surprise, Deborra returned the sentiment. Somehow, we are not surprised.
The pair were all smiles in 1997, about a year after they tied the knot.
The two embraced each other during a sweet moment.
Not long after their 10th wedding anniversary, the Australian stars were still hot for each other.
In the year 2009, Deborra and her daughter Ava Eliot, along with her son Oscar Maximillian, stood by Hugh during his hand-and-footprint ceremony held in Hollywood.
Deborra and her kids were proud to cheer Hugh on at the ceremony at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.
In 2009, the family had their photo taken alongside Vivica A. Fox during the 7th yearly Istar Charity Shootout held at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
The then-couple attended the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House in 2013.
The classy couple were dressed to the nines at the 2014 Met Gala.
The family enjoyed quality time at Disneyland.
Deborra was Hugh’s date at the Eddie the Eagle premiere in Sydney in 2016.
Read More
- PI PREDICTION. PI cryptocurrency
- Gold Rate Forecast
- WCT PREDICTION. WCT cryptocurrency
- Guide: 18 PS5, PS4 Games You Should Buy in PS Store’s Extended Play Sale
- LPT PREDICTION. LPT cryptocurrency
- SOL PREDICTION. SOL cryptocurrency
- FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time digital pre-orders now available for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series, and PC
- Shrek Fans Have Mixed Feelings About New Shrek 5 Character Designs (And There’s A Good Reason)
- Playmates’ Power Rangers Toyline Teaser Reveals First Lineup of Figures
- Despite Bitcoin’s $64K surprise, some major concerns persist
2025-05-28 20:17