Hugh Jackman has spoken out a day after shocking the world with news of his separation from his wife of 27 years, Deborra-lee Furness. The 54-year-old Australian actor told a group of photographers in New York City on Saturday, September 16, 2023 that “it’s a difficult time.” The footage was obtained by TMZ, where Hugh also added, "I appreciate your thoughts, thank you.” He proceeded to decline a request to discus his relationship status any further with the photographers. The news of the couple's separation has shocked many.
In a joint statement posted to Instagram on Friday, September 16, 2023, they shared the news. “We have been blessed to share almost 3 decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage," the post started off. 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.”
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The former couple first met in 1995 on the set of the Australian TV series Corelli. They started dating shortly after.
Hugh shared that Deb later on had mixed feelings about their 13-year age difference. “She kind of [broke up with me], a little bit,” he shared on the Aussies in Hollywood with Jenny Cooney podcast in 2018. “I just knew 100 percent; I even knew when she was trying to work out reasons to break up with me.”
The two, however, came back together and wed in 1996. About 4 years later, they adopted their son Oscar, and they also share their daughter, Ava.
The former pair celebrated their 27th anniversary in April. “I love you Deb. Today is our 27th wedding anniversary," Hugh wrote via Instagram then. "27 YEARS!! I love you so much. Together we have created a beautiful family. And life. Your laughter, your spirit, generosity, humor, cheekiness, courage and loyalty is an incredible gift to me. I love you with all my heart.”
Deb had attended the US Open in New York just two weeks earlier without Hugh by her side and with her wedding ring noticeably missing from her ring finger. According to an insider, the former couple's marriage was left broken by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The insider also claimed that the ongoing writers' strike put further pressure on their marriage. "They worked on it and couldn't get it back," the source said. "The strikes haven't helped one bit, it got them in the same predicament as COVID did, to where they were just kicking the tires, and Hugh found it all to not have the same magic as they once had. Deb had similar concerns and thoughts and separating is the best option."
