People
Hugh Jackman’s ex-wife: All about Deborra-lee Furness and her separation from the Wolverine star

Deborra-Lee Furness is an Australian actress, producer, and philanthropist known for her extensive work in film and television. Born on November 30, 1955, in Sydney, Australia, she has become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Deborra-Lee is also widely recognized for advocating adoption and children’s rights. Her marriage to renowned actor Hugh Jackman further spotlighted her in the global media, but she has always maintained her individuality and professional identity.
Profile summary
Full Name | Deborra-Lee Furness |
Date of Birth | November 30, 1955 |
Place of Birth | Sydney, Australia |
Occupation | Actress, Producer, Director, Philanthropist |
Notable Works | “Shame,” “Correlli,” “Force of Nature: The Dry 2” |
Spouse | Hugh Jackman (married 1996; separated 2023) |
Children | Oscar (born 2000), Ava (born 2005) |
Advocacy | Adoption, Children’s Welfare |
Education | American Academy of Dramatic Arts |
Who is Deborra-Lee Furness?
Deborra-Lee Furness is a renowned Australian actress, producer, and director born in Sydney, Australia on November 30, 1955. With a career spanning several decades, she has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry in Australia and internationally. Deborra-Lee graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City and has been involved in various films and television series. She is also a passionate advocate for adoption and children’s welfare. She began her career in the 1980s, appearing in various television series and films. Her breakthrough role came with the 1988 film “Shame,” where she played a courageous lawyer fighting against injustice. This performance earned her critical acclaim and solidified her reputation as a talented actress.
How did Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman meet?
Deborra-Lee Furness met Hugh Jackman in 1995 on the set of the Australian television series “Correlli.” At that time, Deborra-Lee was an established actress, while Hugh was a newcomer fresh out of drama school. Their on-screen collaboration quickly blossomed into a real-life romance. Hugh fondly recalled their first meeting, mentioning how Deborra-Lee introduced herself warmly, which left a lasting impression on him.
When did Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman get married?

April 11, 1996: Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness get married.
Source: Instagram
The couple married on April 11, 1996, less than a year after meeting. The wedding took place in a private ceremony in Melbourne, Australia. Over the years, Deborra-Lee and Hugh became one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples, admired for their strong bond and mutual support in personal and professional endeavours.
What led to Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman’s separation after 27 years of marriage?
In September 2023, Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman decided to separate after 27 years of marriage. In a joint statement shared exclusively with People Magazine, they expressed gratitude for their time together and explained that their journey was shifting as they decided to pursue individual growth. They emphasized that their family would remain their highest priority and requested privacy as they navigated this new chapter.
Her life as a single woman after the split
Deborra-Lee Furness has spent time reflecting on her new life after the separation. She shared that she has learned she is strong and resilient, embracing her continuous evolution. Deborra-Lee acknowledged that this period has been scary and filled with many emotions. Still, she is grateful for the opportunity to learn more about herself and to embrace personal growth.
What has Deborra-Lee Furness learned about herself since the separation?

Deborra-Lee Furness embraces ‘evolution’ following split from Hugh Jackman.
Source: Getty Images
Deborra-Lee Furness has discovered her inner strength and resilience during the past year’s challenges. She emphasized that everyone constantly evolves and that embracing change can lead to personal development. Deborra-Lee has learned to navigate through difficult times with optimism and a focus on self-improvement.
How have friends and family supported Deborra-Lee Furness?
Deborra-Lee has leaned on her close friends and family for support during her separation from Hugh Jackman. She highlighted the importance of friendships, especially among women, stating that her girlfriends have been essential. Her children, Oscar and Ava, have also supported her return to acting and are enthusiastic about her new projects.
She emphasized that friends, particularly girlfriends, are a necessity in life. Deborra-Lee believes that having a strong support system is crucial when navigating through tough times. She has relied on her friends for encouragement and companionship, highlighting their invaluable role in her life.
Deborra Jackman recent role
Deborra-Lee Furness has returned to the big screen with her role in the film “Force of Nature: The Dry 2,” a sequel to the 2020 hit “The Dry.” Directed by Robert Connolly and based on Jane Harper’s novel, the movie follows a gripping crime mystery. Deborra-Lee was drawn to the project due to its female-driven ensemble and the opportunity to portray strong women who are great role models for younger generations.
Her children, Oscar and Ava, are thrilled about her role in “Force of Nature: The Dry 2.” They have watched the movie several times and are very supportive of her artistic pursuits. She mentioned that her family supports each other in all their creative works, fostering an environment of mutual encouragement.
Deborra-Lee Furness’s plans post-divource

Eric Bana and Deborra-Lee Furness attended the Sydney premiere of The Dry 2 on Tuesday night. Deborra-Lee Furness returns to Sydney months after Hugh Jackman split to promote new movie.
Source: Getty Images
Deborra-Lee Furness has big plans for her career following her separation. She is working on a script with actress Rebecca Rigg, which she intends to direct and act in. Deborra-Lee has also expressed interest in reprising roles from her past, including a potential sequel to her acclaimed performance in the 1988 film “Shame.” She is excited about exploring new projects and continuing her passion for storytelling.
Deborra-lee has expressed gratitude for the experiences that have allowed her to grow personally and professionally. She views this new chapter as an opportunity to embrace evolution and learn more about herself. Despite the challenges, she is optimistic and appreciative of the journey ahead.
How Did Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman Announce Their Separation?
Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman announced their separation through a joint statement shared with People Magazine in September 2023. They stated:
“We have been blessed to share almost three decades together in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our journey now is shifting, and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth. Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness.”
They concluded by expressing appreciation for understanding and respecting their privacy during this transition.
FAQs
How did Deborra-Lee and Hugh Jackman meet, and when did they get married? They met on the set of “Correlli” in 1995, where Deborra-Lee was the lead actress, and Hugh Jackman was a newcomer. Their connection was immediate, and they married on April 11, 1996, in Melbourne, Australia.
What led to their separation after 27 years of marriage? In September 2023, they announced their separation to pursue individual growth. While they did not disclose specific reasons, they emphasized their mutual respect and the importance of their family’s well-being.
What advocacy work is Deborra-Lee known for? She is a passionate advocate for adoption and children’s rights. Through “Adopt Change,” she works to improve adoption policies and support systems, aiming to provide stable homes for children in need
