“X-Men” star Hugh Jackman and his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, are reportedly ending their relationship of almost three decades of marriage.
In a statement, the pair revealed their reason for splitting up, saying, “We have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.”
The couple, who met on the set of the Australian TV series “Corelli,” have been married for over 27 years and share two kids together.
Hugh Jackman Is Divorcing Wife Deborra-Lee Jackman
The couple opened up about the reason behind their shocking decision, while emphasizing that it was all done amicably.
“We have been blessed to share almost 3 decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth,” the statement started, per People Magazine.
It continued, “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.”
Interestingly, the couple concluded by signing “Deb and Hugh Jackman” while adding that this would be the sole statement either would make on their marriage ending.
Hugh Jackman’s Marriage Was A Huge Success By Hollywood Standards
Jackman and Furness’ marriage spanned almost three decades. The pair, who first met on the set of an Australian TV show called “Corelli,” immediately fell in love and eventually got married on April 11, 1996. Their lengthy union produced two kids: Oscar, 23, and Ava, 18.
During a chat with People, Jackman said of their first meeting, “Deb, she was a big star…I get picked up, and Deb is in the front seat of the car. I’ll never forget.”
He added, “She took off her seatbelt and she turned around and put out her hand and took off her sunglasses and said, ‘Hi, I’m Deborra-lee Furness, nice to meet you.’ I remember thinking, ‘I like this girl.'”
Hugh Jackman Just Celebrated 27th Marriage Anniversary
The news of Jackman and Furness’ split might come as a shock to many, considering how happy they have always seemed.
Very recently, Jackman celebrated their 27th anniversary by sharing a touching tribute to Furness. Taking to Instagram, he wrote, “I love you Deb. Today is our 27th wedding anniversary. 27 YEARS!! I love you so much. Together we have created a beautiful family. And life.”
The “Deadpool 3” star added, “Your laughter, your spirit, generosity, humor, cheekiness, courage and loyalty is an incredible gift to me. I love you with all my heart.”
Deborra-Lee Defends Hugh Jackman From Rumors About His Sexuality
Although Lee and Jackman seemed very content with each other, the duo’s relationship was plagued by rumors surrounding Jackman’s sexuality.
The “Rat Tamer” actress appeared on the podcast “Not An Overnight Success,” where she addressed rumors that re-surfaced about her husband’s sexuality. Furness insisted that it was a false rumor and that the famous actor had no reason to keep that part of his life a secret if that was the case.
Furness said at the time, “Hugh’s been gay for whatever, I mean, hello guys — if he was gay, he could be gay. He didn’t have to hide in the closet anymore, and he’d be dating Brad Pitt or whatever. Not that Brad’s gay, but you know what I’m saying!”
She continued, “[We] don’t read much of that stuff. It is so silly, and then people perpetuate silly things, and it’s boring.”
Besides the rumors being “silly” and “boring” to Furness, it constantly amazed her how tabloids could continually perpetuate a false narrative about Jackman’s personal life.
“What they’re selling is schadenfreude,” she noted. “They are selling misery. People must be wanting to buy that other people are miserable because it makes them feel better about themselves.”
Jackman has previously spoken about rumors surrounding his sexuality, revealing that he was “sick” of it and that the speculations bugged his wife, Furness.
In a chat with Australia’s “60 Minutes,” he said of his wife seeing the rumors online, “Just recently, it bugs her.” The actor added, “She goes: ‘It’s big. It’s everywhere!'”
Furness also spoke to “60 Minutes,” saying, “If he was gay, fine, he would say he’s gay. It’s annoying because it’s not true.”
