Hugh Jackman and ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness are finding their rhythm after separating in 2023 — but it hasn’t been easy.
“Hugh and Deborra-Lee’s separation has been stressful, hard and not fully amicable,” a source exclusively reveals in the latest issue of Us Weekly, noting that the exes had disagreements about “certain” things after their split.
The former spouses, who share son Oscar, 24, and daughter Ava, 19, have since figured out how to coexist, the insider adds.
“They’re moving forward as [best they can] despite hurt feelings and pain,” the source says. “[But] it will take a while to recover because they were together for so long.”
Jackman, 56, and Furness, 69, met on the set of the Australian TV series Correlli in 1995 and quickly became an item. They tied the knot in 1996 and expanded their family in 2000 when they adopted their son. The pair adopted their daughter five years later.
Throughout their 27-year marriage, Furness shut down rumors that Jackman was gay on multiple occasions.
“If he was gay, he could be gay!” Furness joked during the “Not an Overnight Success” podcast in April 2022. “He didn’t have to hide in the closet anymore, and he’d be dating Brad Pitt, or whatever. Not that Brad’s gay, but you know what I’m saying!”
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness’ Relationship Timeline
Jackman, meanwhile, publicly professed his love for Furness just months before they announced their split.
“I love you Deb. Today is our 27th wedding anniversary. 27 YEARS!! I love you so much. Together we have created a beautiful family. And life,” the Wolverine actor wrote via Instagram in April 2023. “Your laughter, your spirit, generosity, humor, cheekiness, courage and loyalty is an incredible gift to me. I love you with all my heart.”
While their marriage appeared to be strong, Jackman and Furness revealed in September 2023 that they were getting divorced.
“We have been blessed to share almost 3 decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage,” they said in a joint statement at the time. “Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.”
One year later, Jackman raised eyebrows when he was romantically linked to Sutton Foster.
Gossip blogger Tasha Lustig claimed in October 2024 that Jackman “blindsided” his ex-wife by “running off with the mistress.” Furness “liked” the post from a private account, hinting that the intel was correct.
Sutton Foster and Hugh Jackman’s Relationship Timeline
Us reported in November 2024 that Jackman and Foster, 49, were dating after their friendship turned romantic during their 11-month run of Broadway’s The Music Man. (The show began in 2022.)
“Sutton and Hugh’s relationship is the reason Hugh and Deb got divorced,” a source told Us at the time, claiming, “A lot of people on Broadway knew, and we kept it quiet because both of them are so nice and great people. Everyone respected their privacy. But there was an affair and overlap.”
Foster, meanwhile, was married to screenwriter Ted Griffin when the alleged affair began. Foster, who shares 7-year-old daughter Emily with her estranged husband, filed for divorce in October 2024.
Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster Are ‘Happier Than Ever’
Despite the messy foray into their relationship, Jackman and Foster appear to be happy since going public in January. The couple were spotted holding hands in Los Angeles at the start of the year. Foster was also seen supporting Jackman at the opening of his Broadway show From New York, With Love, on January 24.
“They’re not officially living together but spending a lot of time together,” an insider exclusively reveals in the latest issue of Us, noting that the pair are “relieved and happy” to be out of hiding.
The source adds that Jackman and Foster are “madly in love” with each other and although they aren’t “rushing into marriage,” they are “committed” to one another.
Watch the exclusive video above for the latest on Jackman’s love life — and pick up the latest issue of Us Weekly, on newsstands now.
