Deborra-lee Furness, the former wife of Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman, has recently made headlines as she breaks her silence on what she described as ‘betrayal’ following the finalization of their divorce. The couple, who met in 1995 and tied the knot in April 1996, decided to end their 27-year-long marriage in September 2023. Furness filed for divorce from Jackman in May 2025, marking the end of an era for the pair who share two children, son Oscar and daughter Ava.
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The Australian actress, born in Sydney and raised in Melbourne, initially aspired to be an actress, although her mother encouraged her to take a secretarial course for backup. Despite following her mother’s advice temporarily, Furness soon found her way back to acting after working in a newsroom. She honed her craft at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York and has since appeared in numerous projects, including films like ‘Newsies’ and ‘Shame,’ as well as producing Australian TV series.
Apart from her successful acting career, Furness has been deeply involved in philanthropy over the years, particularly in child advocacy and adoption campaigning. Her dedication to social causes led to her being honoured with awards such as the NSW Australian of the Year in 2015 and being named an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2022. Furness has dedicated herself to making a positive impact through various initiatives, including founding National Adoption Awareness Week and launching Adopt Change.
Furness and Jackman’s love story began on the set of the Australian TV show ‘Corelli,’ where they co-starred. Their friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship, with Jackman revealing that he knew early on that he wanted to marry Furness. After overcoming some initial hesitations and relationship bumps, the couple exchanged vows in a ceremony outside Melbourne in April 1996. Their decision to adopt children, Oscar and Ava, came after struggles with miscarriages and IVF treatments, highlighting their commitment to building a family through adoption.
Despite nearly three decades of shared history, Furness and Jackman’s relationship took a turn when they announced their separation in 2023 and subsequently filed for divorce in 2025. Furness, in a statement to the Daily Mail, candidly shared her feelings of betrayal and reflected on the profound impact of the divorce process. She emphasised her belief in a higher power guiding their paths, noting that relationships serve as opportunities for personal growth and healing. Furness expressed gratitude for the lessons learned from their marriage and separation, highlighting a sense of acceptance and resilience in moving forward.
The end of Furness and Jackman’s long-standing marriage marks a new chapter in both their lives, with Furness embracing the challenges of change and self-discovery. As she navigates this period of transition, Furness’s resilience and commitment to making a difference through her philanthropic work serve as a testament to her strength and compassion. While the details of their divorce settlement remain private, the public acknowledgment of their journey reflects a sense of closure and a hopeful outlook towards the future for both individuals.
In conclusion, the story of Deborra-lee Furness and Hugh Jackman’s relationship highlights the complexities of love, growth, and resilience in the face of challenges. As Furness continues to navigate this period of change with grace and courage, her journey serves as an inspiration to many facing similar life transitions. Despite the end of their marriage, Furness’s legacy of dedication to social causes and her impactful contributions to the arts sector continue to shine brightly, embodying a spirit of strength and purpose in all she pursues.