Hollywood was shaken when Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness, one of the industry’s most admired couples, announced their separation after 27 years of marriage. Their love story was often cited as an example of longevity and mutual respect in show business, making their divorce both surprising and heartbreaking to fans worldwide. Over the years, speculations have swirled about why Hugh Jackman split with his wife, whether Sutton Foster played a role, and what Deborra-Lee herself had to say. This article dives into the details of the Hugh Jackman divorce, addressing key questions and uncovering the real story behind the headlines.
Who Is Divorcing After 27 Years of Marriage?
Hugh Jackman, the Australian actor famous for his role as Wolverine, and Deborra-Lee Furness, an acclaimed actress and producer, ended their marriage after nearly three decades together. Married in 1996, their relationship spanned some of the most significant years of Jackman’s rise to global stardom. Together, they raised two children, Oscar and Ava, and supported each other through the ups and downs of Hollywood.
For years, their bond was admired as one of the rare long-lasting relationships in the entertainment industry. Thus, when news broke in September 2023 that they were separating, fans were stunned. The separation led to official divorce filings in May 2025, finalized shortly afterward. Their 27-year marriage had officially come to an end, closing a remarkable chapter in both their lives.
Why Did Hugh Jackman Split With His Wife?
The couple initially released a joint statement describing their separation as amicable and based on mutual growth. They said their “journey is now shifting” and that they wanted to pursue individual paths while still prioritizing their family. This painted the picture of a respectful and friendly parting.
However, Deborra-Lee Furness later revealed more emotionally charged details, describing the process as a “traumatic journey of betrayal”. She admitted that divorce had been deeply painful, calling it a “profound wound that cuts deep.” Though she did not elaborate on specific incidents, her words suggested that underlying issues had weighed heavily on the marriage.
While fans speculated about possible reasons—including Hugh’s new romance with Sutton Foster—neither Hugh nor Deborra-Lee confirmed a direct link between Sutton and the divorce.
Did Hugh Leave His Wife for Sutton Foster?
One of the biggest questions following the Hugh Jackman divorce was whether Sutton Foster, Broadway actress and longtime friend of Jackman, was the cause of the split. Hugh and Sutton co-starred in The Music Man in 2022, and their friendship blossomed into a close bond.
By January 2025, the two were spotted holding hands in public, confirming that their relationship had become romantic. Sources revealed that their connection grew naturally after years of working together and supporting each other professionally.
While Sutton and Hugh are indeed “going strong” and reportedly building a healthy relationship, there is no evidence that Hugh left Deborra-Lee for Sutton. Instead, their romance appears to have developed after the separation, though the timing fueled speculation about whether Sutton’s closeness played a role in the marriage’s decline.
Who Filed for Divorce, Hugh or Deborah?
Court records confirmed that Deborra-Lee Furness was the one who officially filed for divorce in May 2025, nearly two years after their initial separation. This move surprised some fans, as Jackman had been quiet publicly about the split.
The divorce was finalized in June 2025, with legal papers marking the case as “disposed,” meaning it was officially closed. Despite the painful end, both parties expressed intentions to prioritize their children and remain respectful toward one another.
When Did Hugh Announce His Divorce?
Hugh Jackman never made a personal solo announcement about the divorce itself. Instead, the couple made a joint statement in September 2023 confirming their separation. The official divorce filing came later, followed by public confirmation when records were made available.
Interestingly, Hugh has largely chosen not to comment extensively on the details, preferring to move forward with his career and personal life quietly.
Was Hugh Jackman Shocked by His Ex-Wife’s Comments?
While there are no direct reports of Hugh being shocked, media outlets picked up on Deborra-Lee’s references to betrayal, which cast a different light on their divorce than the amicable statement suggested.
A longtime friend of Jackman, Gus Worland, mentioned that Hugh had endured a “difficult couple of years” but emphasized that the actor is “moving on with his life” and focusing on positivity. Hugh himself has maintained dignity and silence, avoiding public confrontation or direct responses to Deborra-Lee’s emotionally charged words.
Is Sutton Foster in Love With Hugh Jackman?
Although Sutton Foster has not publicly declared being “in love” with Jackman, reports indicate that their relationship is serious and stable. Insiders describe their bond as having a “good foundation,” built on trust and years of working together.
As of August 2025, Hugh and Sutton are still together, appearing happy in public outings and supportive of each other’s careers. While time will tell how their relationship evolves, it’s clear that Sutton has become an important figure in Hugh’s life post-divorce.
What Did Hugh Jackman’s Ex-Wife Say?
Deborra-Lee Furness initially chose grace in the couple’s separation announcement, focusing on growth and family. But her later statement after filing for divorce revealed the depth of her pain. She described feelings of betrayal and heartbreak, which contrasted with the earlier amicable narrative.
Her openness shed light on how difficult the process had been for her personally, leaving fans sympathetic while also raising questions about what really happened behind closed doors.
Why Did Hugh Jackman Leave His Wife?
The true reasons remain personal, and neither Hugh nor Deborra-Lee has provided explicit details. However, combining their public statements paints a clear picture:
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Amicable separation for growth – The initial announcement highlighted respect and a desire to pursue individual journeys.
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Emotional betrayal – Furness later referenced betrayal, suggesting unresolved issues contributed.
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New romance – Hugh’s relationship with Sutton Foster soon after separation fueled rumors, though no evidence directly connects her to the breakup.
Ultimately, the Hugh Jackman divorce seems to be the result of personal changes, emotional struggles, and the complex realities of a marriage lasting nearly three decades.
Conclusion
The Hugh Jackman divorce marks the end of a 27-year marriage admired worldwide for its strength and authenticity. While the couple initially portrayed the split as amicable, later revelations of betrayal and Hugh’s subsequent romance with Sutton Foster added layers of intrigue and speculation. Despite the heartbreak, both Jackman and Furness are moving forward with dignity, prioritizing their children and personal well-being.
Hollywood relationships often face challenges under public scrutiny, and Hugh Jackman’s story is a reminder that even seemingly perfect unions can come to an end. Fans will continue to follow both Hugh and Deborra-Lee as they navigate their new chapters in life.
In the end, their love story—though no longer a marriage—remains a significant part of Hollywood history.
Written by News Zio
