Why Hugh Jackman And Deborra-Lee Furness Are Ending Their Marriage Of Nearly Three Decades

Reports have revealed why Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness have split after nearly three decades together. The pair, who met on the set of a miniseries back in 1995, recently announced the end of their marriage via a joint statement.

Now, it is being claimed that the COVID pandemic strained their relationship, which was further worsened by the recent Hollywood writer's strike.

Before their separation, they celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary in April. Jackman took to Instagram to shower his now-estranged wife with accolades during that special occasion.

According to the Daily Mail, Jackman and Furness had grown apart long before their recent announcement about the end of their marriage.

The news outlet reported that the COVID pandemic "really put a strain on their relationship," leaving it "broken" by the time restrictions were lifted.

And though the two at first tried to give each other a chance to sort out their marital issues, the recent Hollywood writer strike (WGA) served as another setback. Ultimately, they opted for the next "best option," which was for them to remain as friends.

A source stated, "They worked on it and couldn't get it back…..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."

It comes after the two released a joint statement informing the public that they were ending their marriage of nearly three decades, per People magazine.

'We have been blessed to share almost 3 decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage," the estranged couple said in their statement shared on Friday.

The message also conveyed the couple's present sentiments about themselves, saying that their "journey now is shifting" toward focusing on "individual growth."

They subsequently disclosed that their children, Oscar, aged 23, and Ava, aged 18, continue to be their "highest priority." It seems to signify their commitment to remaining active and involved in their children's lives despite their separation.

They added, "We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition in all of our lives. This is the sole statement either of us will make."

Back in 2017, Jackman reflected on his first meeting with Furness in 1995. The two reportedly met up on the set of the crime drama miniseries "Correlli."

"Deb, she was a big star…I get picked up, and Deb is in the front seat of the car. I'll never forget," Hugh told People in an interview at the time.

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.'"

After their first meeting, the actors struck up a connection that bonded them to each other despite Furness having more experience in the industry than him. One year later, the duo walked down the aisle together.

Five months ago, the estranged couple celebrated their 27th marriage anniversary. At the time, The "Deadpool 3" star took to Instagram to shower accolades on the mother of his two kids.

"I love you Deb…. I love you so much. Together we have created a beautiful family. And life," read the cute post.

"Your laughter, your spirit, generosity, humor, cheekiness, courage and loyalty is an incredible gift to me," he added in the caption. "I love you with all my heart."

He complimented the post with a photograph capturing both of them beaming at the camera with joy while Furness affectionately leaned against his shoulder. In the backdrop, illuminated high-rise buildings provided a picturesque setting, although the location in the photo remains undisclosed.

As of now, Jackman has not removed the picture from his Instagram page and also has several other photos on his page featuring his now estranged wife, Furness.