Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness Announce Separation: “We Undertake This Subsequent Chapter With Gratitude, Love and Kindness”

Hugh Jackman and fellow actor Deborra-Lee Furness are separating after over 25 years of marriage.

The duo introduced the amicable determination on Friday, telling Individuals in a press release that their focus is shifting towards “particular person development” for each Hollywood actor-producers.

“We have now been blessed to share virtually [three] many years collectively as husband and spouse in an exquisite, loving marriage. Our journey now could be shifting, and now we have determined to separate to pursue our particular person development,” they shared within the joint assertion. “Our household has been and at all times will likely be our highest precedence. We undertake this subsequent chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness.”

The general public remark, which was famous as “the only real assertion both of us will make,” concluded in an ask for privateness because the “household navigates this transition in all of our lives.”

Jackman and Furness first met on the set of the Australian authorized drama Corelli, which aired in 1995. Whereas Furness was already a longtime actress, the function served as one of many Logan and Broadway star’s earliest onscreen roles.

“I knew two weeks into assembly Deb that we had been going to be collectively for the remainder of our lives,” Jackman advised Right this moment in a 2018 interview.

Describing their early curiosity in each other to Individuals, Jackman recalled how he confessed his emotions to Furness, who was then a buddy, at a cocktail party. “I invited 20 folks. She came to visit, and I mentioned, ‘Deb, give me a hand with the dessert,’” he recalled. “I mentioned, ‘[I’ve] acquired a crush on you. I’ll recover from it; I’m sorry.’ She goes, ‘Oh? As a result of I’ve acquired a crush on you too.’ I by no means in 1,000,000 years thought she reciprocated.”

Jackman proposed 4 months into their relationship and the pair had been married the subsequent 12 months in April 1996, remaining collectively for 27 years.

The duo have been open about their affection — and a few of their familial struggles, together with miscarriages — over time. That features shouting one another out on social media for anniversaries and birthdays, serenades on tour and sharing kisses on award levels.

“There’s something I maintain [in my heart] that’s the reason why I’m right here immediately, why any of that is doable, … why any of this implies something, and that’s as a result of my unbelievable spouse and youngsters assist me,” Jackman mentioned whereas accepting a Particular Tony throughout the 2012 Tony Awards, the place they shared a kiss. “I really like you with all my coronary heart. I understand how a lot you hate public talking; that is most likely the best factor you’ve ever finished for me.”

The couple, who share a 13-year age distinction, celebrated their twenty seventh marriage ceremony anniversary on Instagram earlier this 12 months, with Jackman writing: “I really like you a lot. Collectively now we have created a gorgeous household. And life. Your laughter, your spirit, generosity, humor, cheekiness, braveness and loyalty is an unbelievable reward to me.”

Jackman and Furness share two youngsters, Oscar, 23, and Ava, 18.