Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness' separation reportedly unfolded as she began dozing off during his show rehearsals, and insiders claim that their split had been a "long time coming." The 54-year-old 'Wolverine' actor and his 67-year-old partner, who exchanged vows in 1996 and are parents to two adopted children, Oscar Maximilian Jackman, 23, and Ava Eliot Jackman, 18, jointly declared their decision to part ways on Friday (15.09.23) and expressed their gratitude for the cherished moments they shared.
According to a source cited by Page Six shortly after their separation announcement, the couple's breakup had been brewing beneath the surface for quite some time. The source disclosed, "It happened a while ago. Friends and family knew about it." There appeared to be signs of strain between them, possibly even predating Hugh's return to Broadway in February 2022 to star in 'The Music Man.'
Instagram / @thehughjackman
The insider added, "Deb wasn't at rehearsals very much, (and she) was even spotted snoozing during some of them." Despite their separation, it's emphasized that no third party contributed to the dissolution of their union. Instead, it seemed that they had been living more like "roommates" in recent times.
In their statement to People magazine, Hugh and Deborra shared their perspective on their separation, saying, "We have been blessed to share almost three decades together as husband and wife 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. We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition in all of our lives." The statement was signed by "Deb and Hugh Jackman," and they concluded with the assurance that this would be their only public statement on the matter.
Their love story began on the set of the Australian TV series 'Correlli' in 1995, and their marriage was long regarded as one of the most enduring in the entertainment industry. The couple was frequently seen together, enjoying rides around New York City on scooters and relaxing in the Hamptons.
Instagram / @thehughjackman
One of Hugh's recent Instagram posts featuring his now-estranged wife was from their attendance at the Met Gala in May. The reasons behind their separation so soon after that event remain unclear.
Throughout their marriage, they often faced criticism regarding their 13-year age difference. In 2014, Deborra addressed this issue, expressing her discomfort with the notion that she was "lucky" to be married to a younger actor. She stated in Woman's Weekly, "That to me is a putdown. (It's) like you suggesting I won (a)… raffle. I think we create our own destiny. When people look at my life, they don't know the challenges (I face), just like I don't know someone else's (challenges)."
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