After 27 years of marriage, Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness’s quiet split took a dramatic turn when she publicly described their divorce as a betrayal, leaving Jackman blindsided and sparking rumors of a new romance and a deeper emotional rift behind their once-celebrated love story.

 

Hugh Jackman's Estranged Wife Speaks Out After Divorce Filing - Parade

 

After nearly three decades of what many believed to be one of Hollywood’s most grounded and enduring love stories, Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness have finalized their divorce in a split that now appears far from amicable.

The public first learned of the separation in September 2023, when the couple released a statement describing their decision to part as mutual and rooted in growth.

At the time, the announcement seemed respectful, quiet, and private. But now, as the dust settles, new layers of emotional complexity and alleged betrayal have emerged—painting a very different picture behind the scenes.

On May 23, 2025, Deborra-Lee, 69, formally filed divorce papers, finalizing the end of her 27-year marriage to the beloved actor.

But it wasn’t the legal process that stirred the public’s attention—it was her unexpected and deeply personal statement. In it, she described the experience as “a traumatic journey of betrayal” and referenced a period of spiritual reckoning as she processed what had transpired.

She didn’t name names. She didn’t elaborate. But the undertone of heartbreak, confusion, and disillusionment was unmistakable. Those few emotional words sent shockwaves through fans and media alike.

 

Hugh Jackman's Ex Deborra-Lee Furness Breaks Silence Amid Their Divorce |  In Touch Weekly

 

While Hugh Jackman, now 56, has not made any public comments in response, those close to the actor say he felt “blindsided” by Deborra-Lee’s choice to speak so openly.

Reportedly, the former couple had agreed to keep the details of their separation private, maintaining dignity and discretion.

For Jackman, who has cultivated a reputation for grace, professionalism, and affability over the years, the surprise of her statement—combined with its intensity—was a blow he hadn’t anticipated.

Adding fuel to the public’s speculation is Jackman’s rumored closeness with Broadway star Sutton Foster, his co-lead in the 2022 revival of *The Music Man*.

The chemistry between the two had already been a topic of tabloid whispers during the production’s run, though both were married at the time.

Foster divorced her husband in late 2024 under quiet circumstances, and recently, rumors began circulating that she had moved into Jackman’s luxurious New York penthouse—formerly the marital home he shared with Deborra-Lee.

Neither Foster nor Jackman has confirmed the romance, but sightings of the pair together, both during and after rehearsals, have reignited curiosity.

 

Deborra-lee Furness and Hugh Jackman attend the 2019 Global Citizen Festival

 

If the rumors are true, it would mark a significant pivot in the public’s perception of Jackman, who has long been celebrated not just for his acting and musical talents, but for his seemingly ideal family life.

His and Deborra-Lee’s marriage began in 1996, after meeting on the set of an Australian television show. Despite Jackman’s global fame as the face of the Wolverine franchise and other blockbuster roles, he often credited his wife with grounding him and guiding his career.

The two adopted two children together and frequently spoke about the joys and challenges of parenthood, aging in the spotlight, and remaining committed through it all.

But the romanticized image of their bond has now been interrupted by real-life complexities.

Reports suggest that the divorce settlement includes a carefully structured division of Jackman’s estimated \$250 million net worth, including several high-value properties. Furness is said to have received a favorable spousal support arrangement.

Though the financial terms appear resolved, the emotional detritus of the split is far from cleared.

 

Hugh Jackman & Deborra-Lee Furness' Split: When She Shut Down 'Rude'  Marriage Remarks With A Fiery Comeback

 

Friends of Deborra-Lee have described her as “deeply shaken but resolute,” with some even hinting that she had long suspected changes in their dynamic, but chose to remain silent—for family, for appearances, for hope.

In private circles, she is said to be exploring the possibility of writing a memoir, with several publishing houses already making early overtures.

While nothing is confirmed, such a book would undoubtedly become a major bestseller, not just for its celebrity revelations but for what it might reveal about one of Hollywood’s most admired unions.

Meanwhile, Jackman has been spotted in New York appearing upbeat and physically fit, recently photographed biking through Central Park with a small smile and no wedding ring in sight.

Whether his optimism is authentic or curated remains unclear. His representatives have remained silent throughout the latest developments, perhaps hoping that time—and his upcoming film projects—will shift attention away from the deeply personal nature of this transition.

 

Hugh Jackman and wife Deborra-Lee Furness separate after 27 years of  marriage

 

Jackman’s professional life is as busy as ever. With upcoming roles in both dramatic and musical films, as well as possible returns to Broadway, he shows no sign of slowing down.

His clean-cut, gentlemanly image remains intact for now, but there’s a growing murmur of discomfort among long-time fans.

The possibility that one of Hollywood’s “good guys” might have misstepped—even subtly—has opened the door to a reevaluation of what we think we know about celebrity marriages and the truths they mask.

The story of Jackman and Furness, once a shining example of resilience and love in an industry not known for lasting relationships, now mirrors something more familiar to the average person: a relationship that frayed quietly over time, cracked under the pressure of changing priorities, and perhaps fell victim to the all-too-human desire for something new.

Whether or not betrayal actually occurred—whether emotional, physical, or simply a drifting of affection—is now a matter of public curiosity.

As both parties embark on their separate futures, the public continues to watch, comment, and speculate.

Jackman, who was once defined not just by his talent but by the rock-solid marriage he often praised, may now have to redefine himself again—this time, as a man in transition, still performing, still smiling, but with a new chapter beginning behind very different curtains.