Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness shared one of Hollywood’s best-known long marriages. Their story began on an Australian television set in 1995, led to marriage the following year and grew into a family with two adopted children. After 27 years as husband and wife, they announced their separation in September 2023. Their divorce was finalized in June 2025. Here is a fact-based look at their relationship, family life and the events that brought their marriage to an end.
How Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness met
Jackman and Furness first met in 1995 while working on the Australian television drama Correlli. It was one of Jackman’s first major acting jobs after drama school, while Furness was already an established Australian actor. Jackman later recalled being immediately drawn to her confidence and personality. Their professional connection soon became a relationship.
The pair began dating in 1995. Jackman proposed after only a few months, and they married on 11 April 1996 in Melbourne, Australia. Their relationship attracted public attention in later years, but both often spoke about the importance of friendship, communication and making time for one another.
Marriage and their journey to becoming parents
Jackman and Furness wanted to build a family. They have spoken publicly about experiencing miscarriages and unsuccessful attempts at in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). Adoption was something they had always considered, and they eventually welcomed two children into their family.
Their son, Oscar Maximilian Jackman, joined the family in 2000. Their daughter, Ava Eliot Jackman, was adopted in 2005. Jackman and Furness spoke about wanting to provide a home for children who needed one and about raising their children with respect for their individual backgrounds. They generally kept Oscar and Ava away from the spotlight.
Why their relationship became widely admired
For many years, the couple were seen together at film premieres, award ceremonies and public events. Jackman frequently credited Furness with supporting him through the demands of his acting career. He also shared anniversary tributes that celebrated their family and the life they had built together.
Their public image was not a guarantee that their private life was free of difficulties. Like any couple, they experienced personal challenges, and the details of their marriage belonged to them. What is publicly documented is that they spent more than two decades together, raised two children and repeatedly described family as a central priority.
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness announced their separation in 2023
On 15 September 2023, Jackman and Furness confirmed that they had decided to separate after 27 years of marriage. In a joint statement reported by People, they said their journey was changing and that they were separating to pursue individual growth. They also emphasized that their family would remain their highest priority and asked for privacy as they moved into a new chapter.
The announcement followed their 27th wedding anniversary in April 2023. The former couple did not publicly provide a detailed explanation for the separation in their joint announcement, and it is important not to treat speculation about their private relationship as established fact.
Their divorce was finalized in 2025
In May 2025, Furness filed for divorce in New York, nearly two years after the separation announcement. Court records reported by ABC News and People showed that the divorce was finalized in June 2025. The legal process marked the formal end of their marriage.
In a statement shared after the filing, Furness spoke about the emotional difficulty of the experience and described focusing on personal growth, integrity and moving forward. Her words reflected her own perspective; neither former partner’s private experience should be reduced to unverified claims circulating online.
Their relationship is now part of the past, but the years they spent together remain a significant chapter in both of their lives. They share two adult children, and both have asked for respect around their family’s privacy.
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness relationship timeline
- 1995: They meet while working on the Australian television series Correlli and begin dating.
- 11 April 1996: They marry in Melbourne, Australia.
- 2000: They adopt their son, Oscar.
- 2005: They adopt their daughter, Ava.
- 15 September 2023: They publicly announce their separation after 27 years of marriage.
- May 2025: Furness files for divorce.
- June 2025: Their divorce is finalized.
Frequently asked questions
When did Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness meet?
They met in 1995 while working on the Australian television series Correlli.
When did Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness get married?
They married on 11 April 1996 in Melbourne, Australia.
Do Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness have children?
Yes. They adopted two children: Oscar, in 2000, and Ava, in 2005.
When did Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness separate?
They announced their separation on 15 September 2023, after 27 years of marriage.
Are Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness divorced?
Yes. Their divorce was finalized in June 2025, according to court records reported by ABC News and People.
Sources
Good Morning America: A look back at their relationship
ABC News: Divorce finalized after 27 years of marriage
People: Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness finalize their divorce