Hugh Jackman’s Ex Wife Deborra-lee Furness: Marriage, Kids, Divorce, and Her Life Now
Hugh Jackman’s ex wife is Deborra-lee Furness, an Australian actress, producer, and longtime child-advocacy figure whose identity has always been bigger than “celebrity spouse.” Their relationship lasted nearly three decades, produced a deeply bonded family through adoption, and ended publicly with a respectful separation statement before the divorce was finalized in 2025.
If you’re looking for a clear, accurate explanation of who she is and how the relationship unfolded, the most useful approach is to treat this as two stories that intersect: Deborra-lee’s independent life and work, and the long marriage that made them one of the most recognizable couples in entertainment.
Who is Hugh Jackman’s ex wife?
Hugh Jackman’s ex wife is Deborra-lee Furness (often styled “Deborra-lee”). She is an Australian actress and producer and has also been widely recognized for philanthropic work centered on adoption and children’s welfare.
To many people, she’s “the woman Hugh Jackman married before he became a global megastar.” But in Australia, and in many advocacy circles, she’s known for building real initiatives and earning recognition for contributions that extend far beyond a celebrity marriage.
Deborra-lee Furness’ career before (and during) the marriage
Deborra-lee’s professional life includes acting and producing across film and television. Long before the internet treated celebrity relationships like an ongoing reality show, she was working in entertainment and building a public profile on her own terms.
Her career matters in this story because it helps explain why their relationship was often viewed as a partnership between peers, not a star and someone “orbiting” the star. Even as Hugh’s career grew into global superstardom, Deborra-lee continued to be described as grounded, direct, and independently driven.
How did Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness meet?
They met in 1995 on the set of the Australian television drama Correlli.
This detail comes up again and again because it’s a classic “before the world knew him” origin story. At the time, Deborra-lee was already established in the Australian scene while Hugh was an emerging talent. Their relationship didn’t begin inside a Hollywood publicity machine; it began at work, in a smaller industry, with a more normal pace of life.
When did Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness get married?
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness married on April 11, 1996.
That date matters because it puts their marriage in context. It was early—before the long run of global fame that would make every personal decision feel like a headline. They built a life together while the world was still learning his name.
Did Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness have children?
They did not have biological children together, but they became parents through adoption after experiencing infertility and pregnancy loss.
They share two children:
- Oscar (adopted; born in 2000)
- Ava (adopted; born in 2005)
Those details—adoption, timing, and the way they spoke about family—became a defining part of the couple’s public identity. Their family story wasn’t framed as glossy perfection. It was framed as hard-earned, deeply wanted, and built with intention.
Why Deborra-lee Furness is known for adoption advocacy
Deborra-lee’s activism and advocacy are a central part of her public legacy. She has been associated with adoption reform and child-focused philanthropy, including initiatives and organizations that promoted adoption awareness and support.
In mainstream coverage, she has been described as someone who pushed beyond “awareness” into real structural work—using her platform to advocate for policy attention, better support systems, and more humane public understanding around adoption.
She has also received official recognition in Australia for public service and contributions tied to children and family welfare.
When did Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness separate?
They announced their separation in September 2023, sharing a statement that emphasized gratitude, respect, and a desire to pursue individual growth while continuing to prioritize their family.
That public tone shaped how many people understood the split at the time: not as a messy tabloid explosion, but as a long relationship reaching its end after serious reflection.
When was the divorce filed and finalized?
Deborra-lee Furness filed for divorce in May 2025, and the divorce was finalized in June 2025, as widely reported in major entertainment coverage.
This timeline is important because it clears up a common confusion: many people heard “separation” in 2023 and assumed the legal divorce happened immediately. In reality, the final legal process came later, which is typical for long marriages where privacy, family logistics, and formal legal steps take time to resolve.
What has Deborra-lee Furness said about the breakup?
After the divorce was finalized, public reporting noted that Deborra-lee shared a reflective message about healing and the emotional toll of the end of the relationship, framed through personal growth.
The key point isn’t internet speculation about “what really happened,” but the tone: she appeared to want to close the chapter without turning it into a public fight, while still honoring her own experience and the reality of grief that follows any major ending.
Where Deborra-lee Furness fits in Hugh Jackman’s life story
It’s hard to overstate how foundational this marriage was to the “public Hugh Jackman” image many people grew up with. For years, their relationship was viewed as unusually steady in an industry that often rewards chaos. Even if you never followed celebrity news, you likely absorbed the idea that Hugh Jackman was “the loyal husband guy,” and that reputation was built in large part on the longevity and warmth associated with this marriage.
That’s also why the split landed the way it did: it wasn’t just another celebrity breakup. It felt like the end of a story people thought they understood.
