Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness’ split reportedly occurred after she began falling asleep during his show rehearsals, and according to an insider, it had been a “long time coming”. The couple, who have been married since 1996 and have two adoptive children, announced their breakup in a joint statement, expressing gratitude for their time together.
The source revealed that the split had been in the works for some time, with friends and family being aware of the situation. There may have been underlying issues even before Jackman returned to Broadway in 2022 for his role in ‘The Music Man’, as Furness was not frequently present at rehearsals and was even observed napping during some of them.
The insider clarified that the separation did not involve a third party, but rather, the couple had been living more like “roommates”. The joint statement released to People emphasized their commitment to their family and their intention to pursue individual growth, while also appealing for privacy during this transitional period.
The couple met in 1995 on the set of the TV series ‘Correlli’ in Australia and were often seen together in public. Their marriage was regarded as one of the most enduring in the entertainment industry, with Jackman frequently posting pictures of them together on social media. However, they faced criticism and trolling due to their 13-year age difference, which Deborra addressed in a 2014 interview, dismissing the notion that she was “lucky” to be married to a younger actor.