Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness, the beloved Australian couple who have been together for nearly three decades, recently made a heartfelt announcement. They revealed their decision to separate in a statement shared with People on September 15, expressing their deep gratitude for the time they have spent together and their commitment to individual growth.
The statement, signed by “Deb and Hugh Jackman,” highlighted the importance of family in their lives. It stated, “Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake 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.”

The couple’s enduring love story began in 1995 when they crossed paths on the set of the Australian TV series “Corelli.” At that time, Deborra-Lee Furness was already an established actress, while Hugh Jackman was just starting his acting career fresh out of drama school. Despite a significant 13-year age gap, their connection was immediate and profound, leading to their marriage on April 11, 1996.
Hugh Jackman fondly recalled their first meeting in a 2017 interview with People, saying, “Deb, she was a big star…I’ll never forget.” He shared how Deb introduced herself when they first met, and it was love at first sight for him. Even when she briefly tried to break up with him three weeks into their relationship, he knew she was the one he wanted to spend his life with.
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“I’m a very indecisive person,” Jackman admitted, “I can count on my hand the amount of times in my life anything has felt that clear to me, and when it happens, it’s such a relief for me.”
Throughout their marriage, Jackman frequently expressed his love and admiration for Furness on social media. On their 27th wedding anniversary in April, he posted a touching photo of the couple, praising her for her qualities that meant the world to him.
Their last public appearances as a couple were notable events, including the Met Gala in May, where they both paid tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld with their outfits, and the men’s finals at Wimbledon in July.
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness’s decision to separate after 27 years of marriage is undoubtedly a significant moment in their lives. However, their shared commitment to family, love, and kindness suggests that their individual journeys will continue with grace and dignity, maintaining their deep respect and admiration for one another.