Deborra-lee Furness is opening up about life following her high-profile split from Hugh Jackman. The 68-year-old Australian actress opened up about some introspection, sharing what she’s learned about herself following the divorce in September 2023 after nearly three decades of marriage to the 55-year-old Australian actor.
At the New York special screening of Force of Nature: The Dry 2, Deborra opened up to People magazine saying, “[I learned] that I’m strong and resilient. And that I — we are all a constant evolution.”
She went on to talk about the support she's received from her kids, 23-year-old Oscar Maximilian and 18-year-old Ava Eliot, whom she shares with Hugh. She explained that the two are “thrilled” for her new film and have watched it “several times already.”
“They're very supportive of any pursuits,” she said of her children. “We're all supportive of each other in any artistic pursuit that we do.”
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As far as her role in Force of Nature: The Dry 2, Deborra revealed that she was drawn to it because of the opportunity to portray a "strong" female lead. “I love playing women that are great role models for younger girls,” she said. “Women are great leaders or women can do this. So, I like to play women who've got something to say.”
Deborra and Hugh divorced in September 2023. "We have been blessed to share almost 3 decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage," the statement read. "Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth."
"Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness. We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition in all of our lives," it concluded. "This is the sole statement either of us will make."
The former couple was married for 27 years. They tied the knot less than a year after meeting in 1995 on the set of the Australian TV series Corelli. “Deb, she was a big star," Hugh said in a former interview of their first time meeting. "I get picked up, and Deb is in the front seat of the car. I’ll never forget."
Though they've split, the pair still seems to be in each other’s lives. Deborra celebrated Hugh's 55th birthday alongside family and friends at Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar in New York City a month after they announced plans to divorce.
"I'm not a fan, but this is legit making me want to cry," one person said in the comments. "They are such beautiful people together. I wish them all the best."
