Hugh Jackman Subtly Addresses 'Difficult' Split From Deborra-Lee Furness After 27 Years Together
By Favour Adegoke on September 18, 2023 at 2:32 PM EDT
Updated on September 19, 2023 at 1:29 AM EDT
Actor Hugh Jackman subtly addressed his split from his wife of 27 years, Deborra-Lee Furness, calling it a "difficult" time for him.
In a joint statement, the estranged couple revealed the end of their nearly three-decade-long union, where they maintained that they were ending things amicably.
Jackman and Furness met on the set of an Australian TV series in 1995 and got wedded less than a year later, going on to have two children.
Keep on reading to learn more.
Hugh Jackman Says Split Has Been Difficult
The "The Greatest Showman" actor, Hugh Jackman, recently gave insight into his life amid his split from his wife Deborra-Lee Furness, whom he has been married to for 27 years.
According to the New York Post, Jackman subtly addressed his marriage situation during an outing on Saturday after being questioned by a photographer.
He revealed that he had no plans to speak about his and Furness' separation on the streets but made it clear that he was going through a challenging time.
"I don't feel quite right talking about it on the street," Jackman told the cameraman. "But I appreciate your thoughts, man."
He added, "It's a difficult time." According to the news outlet, the photographer also asked Jackman about his upcoming movie "Deadpool 3," which is among the many Hollywood projects affected by the WGA strike.
To this inquiry, Jackman emphasized that he had no idea about what was happening and "can't really know" until he gets back to work.
Hugh Jackman And Deborra-Lee Furness Are Pursuing 'Individual Growth'
On Friday, news of Jackman and Furness' split made headlines after the duo released a joint statement to People Magazine on the end of their marriage.
The actors noted how grateful they were to have shared almost thirty years, noting that they were now looking to pursue their "individual growth."
The statement read, "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."
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 estranged couple concluded by signing "Deb and Hugh Jackman" while adding that this would be either's sole statement on their marriage ending.
Hugh Jackman Recalls Crush On Deborra-Lee Furness After Their First Meeting
Jackman and Furness' union spanned almost three decades, which is a long time by Hollywood standards.
The former couple, who first met on the set "Corelli," an Australian TV show, immediately fell in love and married on April 11, 1996. Their marriage produced two kids: Oscar, 23, and Ava, 18.
During a chat with People in 2017, the "X-Men: Days of Future Past" actor opened up about their first meeting and shared how much he tried to overcome his crush on Furness.
"Deb, she was a big star…I get picked up, and Deb is in the front seat of the car. I'll never forget," Jackman said.
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.'"
Despite their instant chemistry, it took Jackman over six weeks to gain the courage to ask Furness out. "Deb and I were already best friends, and I realized, I've got a crush on my leading lady. This is the thing you do not do. It's unprofessional and embarrassing," he noted.
Jackman eventually made his feelings for Furness known after inviting her to his house for dinner, along with several other friends.
"She said, 'I noticed you haven't talked to me in like a week, what's going on?' I said, 'I got a crush on you. I'll get over it, I'm sorry.' She goes, 'Oh? Because I've got a crush on you too.' I never in a million years thought she reciprocated," Jackman said.
They Marked Their 27th Anniversary In April
Jackman and Furness' split comes shortly after the duo celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary.
Taking to Instagram, Jackman wrote a touching tribute to Furness that reads, "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."
He added, "Your laughter, your spirit, generosity, humor, cheekiness, courage and loyalty is an incredible gift to me. I love you with all my heart."
