At 69, Hugh Jackman Wife Divorced Him Immediately After This Happened
Hollywood has witnessed many love stories, but few have captured public admiration like that of Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness. With nearly three decades of marriage, they were once the embodiment of unconditional love despite a 13-year age gap. Yet, in September 2023, the couple shocked fans worldwide with a joint statement announcing their separation.

“We have been blessed to share nearly 30 years together. Now, our journey is changing, and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth,”* they wrote.

What seemed like an idyllic partnership met an unexpected end, leaving fans questioning: *If Hugh and Deb couldn’t make it, who can?*

This is the untold story behind their divorce—their fairy-tale beginning, silent struggles, and the moment love was no longer enough.

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I. The Fairy-Tale Beginning: Love at First Sight (1995-1996)
Hugh Jackman was a 26-year-old unknown actor when he met Deborra-Lee Furness, then 39, on the set of the Australian TV series *Corelli* in 1995.

While Jackman had just graduated from acting school, Furness was already a respected actress, known for films like *Shame* and *Angel Baby*.

Jackman later recalled his first impression in an interview with Today:
“She turned around in the front seat, took off her sunglasses, and said, ‘Hi, I’m Deborra-Lee Furness.’ I was spellbound.”

Their romance moved at lightning speed. Jackman confessed his love within two weeks, proposed in four months, and married Furness in April 1996 in a private ceremony in Melbourne. Unlike typical Hollywood weddings, theirs was simple—Jackman even designed her engagement ring himself.

At the time, Furness was the bigger star—leading some to dismiss Jackman as a rising actor benefiting from her fame. But their love seemed unbreakable.

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II. The Highs and Lows: Triumphs and Heartbreaks (1996-2010s)

A. Family Struggles and Adoption Journey
The couple’s first trials came when Furness suffered multiple miscarriages, leading them to adopt two children:
– Oscar Maximillian (adopted from Ethiopia in 2000)
– Ava Eliot (adopted domestically in 2005)

Furness candidly shared her pain:
“I lost faith in my ability to be a mother. Adoption wasn’t just a choice—it was a lifeline.” (Herald Sun, 2007)

Meanwhile, Jackman’s career skyrocketed with X-Men (2000), transforming him into Hollywood’s beloved Wolverine. Furness stepped back from acting, focusing on motherhood and her charity, Adopt Change.

B. The Perfect Couple Image
Publicly, they remained #CoupleGoals:
– Dubbed “Hollywood’s Most Stable Marriage” – People Magazine
– Annual vow renewals – A private tradition to “keep the spark alive”
– “Happy wife, happy life” – Jackman’s mantra in interviews

But behind closed doors, cracks were forming.

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III. The Cracks Beneath the Surface: When Love Wasn’t Enough

A. The Age Gap and Career Disparity
As Jackman’s stardom grew, Furness faded into the background. The media labeled her “Hugh Jackman’s wife” rather than recognizing her as a once-celebrated actress.

A friend told *New Idea:
“Deb was once the star. Hugh’s fame shifted the balance—she felt invisible.”

B. Emotional Distancing and Silent Struggles
Jackman later admitted:
– “We didn’t talk through everything before adopting. Love doesn’t always fill the gaps.” (Radio Times, 2023)
– After Les Misérables, he faced depression: “I didn’t know who I was outside Wolverine.”

Meanwhile, Furness hinted at conflicts:
“Different backgrounds mean different parenting styles. Love isn’t always enough.”

Their rituals (mediation, therapy)—once seen as romantic—were now holding a fragile bond together.

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IV. The Final Straw: The Breakup (2021-2025)

A. The Sutton Foster Factor
In 2021, Jackman returned to Broadway in *The Music Man* with Sutton Foster. Their chemistry sparked rumors:
– Foster called him “the greatest stage partner.”
– Backstage sources noted their “electric energy” (US Weekly)

Furness skipped opening night—unlike her usual support. A source told Daily Mail:
“Deb was in the audience but left early—no flowers, no backstage visit.

B. The Divorce Announcement
By 2023:
– They stopped appearing together in public.
– Jackman posted fewer tributes to Furness.

The final statement was cordial but final:
“We ask for privacy as we navigate this transition.”

C. Furness Breaks Her Silence (2025)
Furness shocked fans with a rare statement after filing for divorce:
“Being forgotten and replaced in silence—that’s the real betrayal.” (Daily Mail)

The backlash against Jackman was swift:
– “Team Deborra” trended globally.
– Critics accused Jackman of prioritizing fame over family.

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V. The Aftermath: Life After “Happily Ever After”

A. Jackman’s Silence and New Chapter
Jackman remained silent, focusing on work and appearing with Foster—fueling more speculation.

B. Furness’s Rebirth
Furness stepped back into the spotlight—smiling at the 2025 Australian Open with Ava, no longer in Jackman’s shadow.

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Conclusion: What Went Wrong?
Their love was real—but so was its erosion. Factors included:
1. The Hollywood Machine – Fame disparities destabilized the relationship.
2. Unspoken Resentments – They prioritized image over addressing issues.
3. The Third Party Question – While infidelity was never confirmed, emotional distance played a role.

Their story is a cautionary tale: even the strongest love can fade when the emotional connection dies.

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What do you think caused their split? Was it the age gap, fame, or something deeper? Share your thoughts below.