Hugh Jackman's wife has always been more than just a celebrity spouse. Deborra-Lee Furness, an Australian actress and advocate, stood by the Wolverine star’s side for over 27 years before their separation made headlines earlier this year. Their story is one of love, partnership, and shared parenthood, but also one of change and personal evolution. So, who exactly is Hugh Jackman’s wife, and what led to their split after nearly three decades together?
Their journey began in 1995 when the two first met on the set of the Australian TV series *Correlli*. Deborra played the lead role, and Hugh was just starting out in his acting career. Their chemistry was undeniable, and they married in April 1996, embarking on a life filled with red carpets, parenting, and mutual support through the ups and downs of Hollywood life.
Now, after a long and public marriage, Deborra has opened up about their separation, calling it a “profound” moment in their lives. So, what else do we know about the woman behind the headlines? Let’s take a closer look at her life, career, and the legacy of her relationship with Hugh Jackman.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Deborra-Lee Furness
- Deborra-Lee Furness’ Career Highlights
- Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee’s Marriage Timeline
- Raising a Family Together
- The Split: What We Know
- Frequently Asked Questions
Biography of Deborra-Lee Furness
Full Name | Deborra-Lee Furness |
---|---|
Date of Birth | October 30, 1965 |
Place of Birth | Geelong, Victoria, Australia |
Profession | Actress, Producer, Philanthropist |
Spouse | Hugh Jackman (1996–2024) |
Children | Two adopted children |
Notable Works | Correlli, Fire, Blue Heelers, Wolverine (cameo) |
Deborra-Lee Furness has lived a life in the spotlight, though she’s often preferred to stay behind the scenes. Born in Geelong, Australia, she began her acting career in the 1980s and quickly became a familiar face in Australian television. From 1995 to 1996, she starred in the television series *Fire*, and earlier that year, she played the title role in *Correlli*, where she met Hugh Jackman.
Though her acting career slowed as she focused more on family life and advocacy work, Deborra remained a strong presence in Hugh’s life and public appearances. She was often seen supporting him at movie premieres and award shows, and even made a brief cameo in *X-Men Origins: Wolverine*.
Deborra-Lee Furness’ Career Highlights
Before becoming known as Hugh Jackman’s wife, Deborra had already built a respectable career in the entertainment industry. She started out in theater and quickly transitioned to television. Her role in *Correlli* was one of her most significant, earning her critical acclaim and a Logie Award for Most Popular Actress in 1996.
From 1995 to 1996, Deborra starred in the television series *Fire*, which showcased her dramatic range. She continued to appear in Australian TV shows like *Blue Heelers*, though she gradually stepped away from the spotlight after marrying Hugh in 1996.
- Starred in *Correlli* (1995)
- Played lead role in *Fire* (1995–1996)
- Won Logie Award for Most Popular Actress (1996)
- Appeared in *Blue Heelers* and other Australian dramas
- Featured in *X-Men Origins: Wolverine* (2009)
Despite stepping back from acting, Deborra remained active in the entertainment world behind the scenes, working as a producer and advocate for various causes, including adoption and children’s rights.
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee’s Marriage Timeline
Their love story began on the set of *Correlli* in 1995, and it didn’t take long for sparks to fly. Hugh and Deborra tied the knot in April 1996, and their marriage became one of Hollywood’s most enduring partnerships. They celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary just five months before announcing their split in 2024.
- 1995 – Met on set of *Correlli*
- 1996 – Married in April
- 2000s–2020s – Supported each other through career highs and lows
- 2023 – Celebrated 27th wedding anniversary
- 2024 – Announced separation after 27 years
Throughout their time together, the couple was known for their strong bond and mutual support. They rarely made public appearances without each other and were often praised for maintaining a long-lasting, loving relationship in an industry where that’s rare.
Raising a Family Together
Hugh and Deborra didn’t have biological children, but they chose to grow their family through adoption. They adopted two children, a son and a daughter, and were vocal about the importance of adoption and fostering.
Deborra, in particular, was passionate about helping children in need. She served as an ambassador for several charities and often spoke publicly about the challenges and rewards of adoption. Their parenting journey was central to their lives, and they were often seen as a united front when it came to raising their kids.
In interviews, Hugh has often credited Deborra for being the heart of their family, describing her as the one who kept everything together while he focused on his career. They were known for keeping their children out of the public eye, prioritizing their privacy and well-being over fame.
The Split: What We Know
In 2024, after nearly 27 years of marriage, Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness announced their decision to separate. The news came as a surprise to many, given how closely the couple had always appeared in public and how often they spoke about their love for one another.
Deborra recently broke her silence on the split, describing it as a “profound” moment in their lives. Though she didn’t go into specific details, her words suggested that the decision was made with mutual respect and care. The couple has emphasized that their focus remains on supporting each other and their children during this time.
Despite the separation, both Hugh and Deborra have continued to appear at public events, showing that their personal lives haven’t affected their individual careers or their shared commitment to family. Fans have been supportive, recognizing that even the strongest relationships sometimes reach a turning point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hugh Jackman’s wife?
Hugh Jackman’s wife is Deborra-Lee Furness, an Australian actress and philanthropist. The two met in 1995 and married in 1996. They were together for 27 years before announcing their separation in 2024.
How did Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness meet?
Hugh and Deborra met on the set of the Australian television series *Correlli* in 1995. They married the following year and became one of Hollywood’s most admired couples.
Why did Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness separate?
While the couple has not shared specific reasons, Deborra described their split as “profound,” suggesting it was a deeply personal and thoughtful decision. Both have remained committed to co-parenting their children and maintaining a respectful relationship.
Learn more about Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness’ separation here.
Want to know more about celebrity marriages and what makes them work? Learn more about celebrity relationships on our site.



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