Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness announce plan to separate – The Hollywood Reporter
Hugh Jackman and his actress colleague Deborra-Lee Furness are separating after more than 25 years of marriage.
The duo announced the mutual decision on Friday. tell People in a statement that their focus is shifting to “individual growth” for both Hollywood actors and producers.
“We were lucky enough to be able to almost share [three] Decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our journey is now changing and we have decided to separate to further our individual growth,” they shared in the joint statement. “Our family has always been and will be our top priority. We approach this next chapter with gratitude, love and kindness.”
The public comment, described as “the only statement any of us will make,” ended with a request for privacy as “the family navigates this transition throughout our lives.”
Jackman and Furness first met on the set of the Australian legal drama Corelliwhich aired in 1995. While Furness was already an established actress, the role served as one of the Logan and the Broadway star’s first roles on the big screen.
“Two weeks after I met Deb, I knew we would be together for the rest of our lives,” Jackman said Today in a 2018 interview.
Describe their early interest in each other PeopleJackman recalled confessing his feelings to Furness, who was a friend at the time, at a dinner party. “I invited 20 people. She came over and I said, ‘Deb, help me with dessert,'” he recalls. “I said, ‘[I’ve] I have a crush on you. I’ll get over it; I’m sorry.’ She says, “Oh? Because I have a crush on you too.’ I never in a million years thought she would reciprocate.”
Jackman proposed four months into their relationship and the couple married the following year, in April 1996, and remained together for 27 years.
The duo have spoken openly about their affection over the years – and some of their family problems, including miscarriages. This includes shouting out each other on social media for anniversaries and birthdays, serenading each other on tour, and giving kisses on awards stages.
“There is something I hold [in my heart] “That’s why I’m here today, why all of this is possible… why all of this means something, and that’s because my incredible wife and children support me,” Jackman said Accepting a Special Tony during the 2012 Tony Awards, where they shared a kiss. “I love you with all my heart. I know how much you hate public speaking; this is probably the best thing you’ve ever done for me.”
The couple, who share a 13-year age gap, celebrated their birthday 27th wedding anniversary on Instagram Earlier this year, Jackman wrote: “I love you so much. Together we have created a beautiful family. And life. Your laughter, your spirit, your generosity, your humor, your sass, your courage and your loyalty are an incredible gift to me.”
Jackman and Furness share two children, Oscar, 23, and Ava, 18.
