Who is Hugh Jackman’s wife Deborra-Lee Furness? As couple announce their decision to split after 27 years, a look at her life and career
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness sent shockwaves through Hollywood when they announced they were splitting after 27 years.
The news comes as a surprise to fans around the world following the couple’s numerous public comments about their love for each other over the years.
The couple released a statement saying, “We are blessed to have lived together as husband and wife in a beautiful, loving marriage for nearly three decades.
“Our journey is now changing and we have decided to part ways to pursue our individual growth.”
The statement continued: “Our family is and always will be our top 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 throughout our lives.”
As the couple announce their decision to go their separate ways, MailOnline takes a look at the life and career of Hugh’s wife Deborra-Lee Furness.
Couple: Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness sent shockwaves through Hollywood when they announced their decision to split after 27 years.
What does Deborra-Lee do for a living?
Like Hugh, 54, Deborra-Lee, 67, is an actor. She rose to fame in 1988 with her performance in the Australian drama Shame.
The Sydney native also appeared in the Australian TV series The Flying Doctors and the miniseries Start.
Deborra-Lee also had roles in feature films in the 80s and 90s, including Celia, Waiting and Angel Baby.
Career: Like Hugh, Deborra-Lee is an actor. She rose to fame in 1988 with her performance in the Australian drama Shame
How did Hugh meet Deborra-Lee?
Hugh and Deborra-Lee first met when they both appeared in the 1995 TV series Corelli.
Deborra-Lee played the title role of prison psychologist Louisa Correlli, while the series was one of Hugh’s first acting roles.
The attraction between the two was immediate, and Hugh later recalled, “I remember thinking, ‘I like this girl'”.
He also later noted that he knew Deborra-Lee was “the one” within two weeks of their first meeting.
Co-stars: Hugh and Deborra-Lee first met when they both appeared in the 1995 TV series Corelli
Where and when did they get married?
Hugh and Deborra-Lee were married on April 11, 1996 at St. John’s in Toorak, Victoria, a suburb of Melbourne.
The couple had a special message written in Sanskirt on their wedding rings.
Deborra-Lee revealed that they read, “Om paramar to the mainamar,” which means, “we dedicate our union to a greater source.”
The bride looked radiant for the day as she donned white satin trousers and a flowing sheer train.
Wedding day: Hugh and Deborra-Lee were married on April 11, 1996 at St. John’s in Toorak, Victoria, a suburb of Melbourne
Did Hugh and Deborra-Lee have fertility problems?
The couple was open about their struggles with fertility and they tried to start a family immediately after their wedding, as Deborra-Lee was 40 at the time.
Hugh previously told People: ‘We had a hard time, a few miscarriages, IVF – it’s not easy, especially with Deb.’
During an appearance on ABC chat show Katie, he explained: ‘We obviously tried, but it didn’t happen for us, and it’s a difficult time. I’ll never forget that miscarriage thing…
‘It’s good to talk about it. It’s common, and it’s hard. There is a grieving process you have to go through.’
Family: They are parents of two children; Oscar, 23, and Ava, 18, whom they adopted together
Do Hugh and Deborra-Lee have children?
The couple became parents in 2000 when they adopted their son Oscar. Five years later they adopted a second child, daughter Ava Eliot.
Hugh previously said of his children: ‘My children have so many advantages. And I want them to know that they have a responsibility to use those benefits to help others…
‘My children are constantly reminded of how lucky we are in our family. We are ridiculously blessed. We live in a beautiful house in places that other people dream of.’