Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness split: Why the world was so shocked when the Australian star couple announced their split after almost 30 years

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness shocked the world in September 2023 when they announced their split after almost 30 years of marriage.

At the time, the pair released a statement to People, saying in part, “We have been blessed to share almost three 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.”

READ MORE: How Deborra-lee made a name for herself long before meeting Hugh

The former couple, who share two adopted children together, seemed like they had one of the most rock-solid relationships around.

So why did their split come as such a shock to fans? Well, it wasn’t just because they had been together for so long or spoke so lovingly about each other in the press.

The power of a tribute

Perhaps it’s because Hollywood star Jackman, 56, would often share publicly sweet tributes to his actress wife, who he met on set of the show Correlli back in 1995.

They married a year later in April 1996.

READ MORE: ‘Moving on’: Hugh’s best friend opens up on ‘difficult’ divorce

In April 2022, just over a year before they announced their split in late 2023, Jackman shared a tribute to mark his and Furness’ wedding anniversary with his millions of followers on Instagram.

“Today I celebrate 26 years of marriage to my extraordinary wife,” Jackman wrote at the time underneath an image of the pair hugging at the beach.

“Every single day is filled with so much laughter, joy and backgammon!!!! Deb you light up my life. I love you with all my heart!”

The Wolverine star once said in another post to millions in April 2021 that being married to Furness was “as natural as breathing”.

Underneath some never-before-seen images from their wedding day in Victoria, he wrote, “Being married to you Deb is as natural as breathing. From nearly the moment we met… I knew our destiny was to be together.”

“In our 25 years – our love has only grown deeper. The fun, excitement and adventure more exhilarating; the learning even greater. I’m forever grateful to share our love, our life – and, our family together.

“We’ve only just begun. Deb, I love you with all my heart!”

Another recent tribute shared in 2021, before their separation, was posted in honour of Furness’ birthday.

In his post, The Greatest Showman star called Furness his “incredible wife”.

“Not sure if I can declare a public holiday!!! But feels like we should,” Jackman said.

“Because there’s no one on this planet I know who celebrates every moment of every day like her. Deb, you are everything to me. I love you. Happy birthday!”

‘Social media is the fairy tale’

Sex and dating expert Dr. Nikki Goldstein previously told 9honey that sometimes posting about your romance online in incessant displays or “oversharing” might not be a good thing.

We’re talking about all couples and relationships here, not specifically Jackman and Furness. 

“We project this idea that we are all blissfully happy… Relationships can be hard and they are hard work, even if you love someone you still have to work at it,” she said.

“Social media is the fairy tale.”

She added that looking for validation can be “a dangerous thing”.

DailyMail.com first reported the news Furness had filed for divorce from Jackman, after they announced their split in September 2023. 

In a statement shared with Nine, Furness said: “My heart and compassion goes out to everyone who has traversed the traumatic journey of betrayal.

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“It’s a profound wound that cuts deep, however I believe in a higher power and that God/the universe, whatever you relate to as your guidance, is always working FOR us.”

She went on to say she has found “liberation and freedom” post-split and is “grateful” for her life path.

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“It can hurt, but in the long run, returning to yourself and living within your own integrity, values and boundaries is liberation and freedom,” Furness said in part of the statement.

Since the split, Jackman is believed to be dating American actress and Younger star Sutton Foster, 50.

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