After nearly three decades of marriage and almost two years of living separately, Deborra-Lee Furness has formally filed for divorce from Hugh Jackman. The legal filing was made in a New York court on May 23, 2025, signaling the final chapter in one of Hollywood’s most enduring and once-admired relationships.
The Australian-born couple, who married in 1996, had been together for 27 years before announcing their separation in September 2023. Despite their long union and shared public persona, the couple had been living apart quietly while working out the terms of their separation privately. According to legal documents and sources close to the pair, the divorce filing was uncontested, with both parties having agreed to a structured settlement that includes spousal support and matters concerning their adopted children, Oscar, 24, and Ava, 19.
A Private Breakup Enters the Public Stage
While the couple has maintained a cordial front throughout the separation process, the internal dynamics have reportedly been more complex. The delay between the separation announcement and the official filing is attributed to extended negotiations over the division of their estimated $250 million in combined assets. Sources familiar with the situation suggest that financial arrangements proved challenging, particularly because much of the couple’s fortune is tied to real estate holdings, investments, and joint ventures.
Despite those hurdles, both Jackman and Furness aimed to keep the proceedings as low-profile and respectful as possible, prioritizing their family’s privacy. “They’ve built a life together, raised two kids, and navigated fame in a way that kept their personal values intact,” said one family friend. “This was never going to be a hostile split.”
Allegations and Speculation
Fueling public intrigue around the divorce are persistent rumors of Hugh Jackman’s alleged affair with his former “Music Man” Broadway co-star Sutton Foster. The pair were seen frequently together during and after their theatrical run in 2022, and whispers about the nature of their relationship gained momentum when Foster herself filed for divorce from her husband, Ted Griffin, in October 2024.
While neither Jackman nor Foster has publicly addressed the speculation, insiders claim that the closeness between the two may have played a role in accelerating Furness’s decision to formalize the divorce. Multiple sources have indicated that Jackman and Foster are now cohabiting in his Manhattan penthouse, although representatives for both have declined to comment.
Furness Finds Renewal Amid Heartbreak
For her part, Deborra-Lee Furness has taken a reflective and healing approach to the life transition. Close friends report that she has leaned heavily on a tight-knit support circle that includes longtime confidantes from both the entertainment and philanthropic communities. Most recently, Furness took a trip to Bhutan—a journey she has described as spiritually restorative and symbolic of her path forward.
In a rare public statement, Furness referred to the divorce as “a traumatic journey of betrayal,” adding, “My heart is with those who have walked this path. Relationships are mirrors—they show us where healing is needed. I remain grateful for what was and am hopeful for what’s next.”
Her remarks have resonated widely, particularly among fans and followers who have long admired her advocacy for adoption reform and women’s rights. Furness has hinted at returning more actively to her charity work and creative projects, saying she plans to channel her experience into empowering others.
What Comes Next
With the divorce filing now in process, only judicial approval remains for the separation to be finalized. Legal analysts suggest that, given the uncontested nature of the filing and existing agreements, a resolution could be reached in a matter of weeks.
As the public continues to watch this high-profile split unfold, both Jackman and Furness are expected to focus on their personal and professional next chapters. Jackman remains active in film and theater, while Furness is reportedly in talks to produce a documentary exploring themes of resilience and reinvention in later life.
Their story, once held up as a rare example of enduring love in show business, now enters a new phase—one marked not by mutual failure, but by individual growth.