You know him as the guy with the adamantium claws, or maybe the guy singing his heart out in a top hat. But behind the blockbuster movies and the Broadway shows, Hugh Jackman is mostly just a dad trying to figure it out like the rest of us. People ask all the time: does Hugh Jackman have kids? The answer is yes, though his path to fatherhood wasn't the straight line he probably expected.
He has two children, Oscar and Ava. They’re adults now, which is wild to think about if you still picture them as the little kids being chased by paparazzi on the streets of New York.
The Real Story Behind the Jackman Family
Hugh and his ex-wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, didn't have biological children. They were very open about this, which is honestly pretty refreshing for a Hollywood couple. They went through the wringer—IVF, multiple miscarriages, the whole heartbreaking cycle. It’s the kind of thing that breaks a lot of couples, but for them, it led to adoption.
Hugh has said in plenty of interviews that adoption was always on their radar anyway. It wasn't a "plan B" so much as it was "plan A-minus." Once they started the adoption process, Hugh mentioned that all that crushing anxiety about having a "biological" child just sort of evaporated.
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Who Are Hugh Jackman’s Kids?
If you’re looking for names and ages, here’s the breakdown.
Oscar Maximilian Jackman is the oldest. He was born in May 2000 and joined the family as a newborn. As of 2026, he’s 25. Oscar is biracial—his heritage includes African-American, Caucasian, Hawaiian, and Cherokee roots. Hugh and Deb were very specific about wanting to adopt children of mixed race because they knew those kids often wait the longest for a home.
Then there’s Ava Eliot Jackman. She was born in July 2005, making her 20 now. She has Mexican and German roots. While Oscar is often described as the more reserved one, Ava was the kid who allegedly used to tell her dad he wasn't allowed to dance at her recitals because he was "too famous" and embarrassing. Typical daughter stuff, really.
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Raising Kids in the "Wolverine" Shadow
Imagine your dad is Wolverine. Sounds cool, right? Well, according to Hugh, his kids weren't all that impressed. There’s a hilarious story he tells about Oscar, when he was around 13, using his dad as the ultimate wingman. Apparently, Oscar was talking to a girl on the beach and told her, "My dad is Wolverine, just go with it." Hugh just had to stand there and play along.
But it wasn't all fun and games. Hugh and Deborra-Lee were pretty strict about a few things:
- Staying Humble: They were big on making sure the kids knew how lucky they were. Hugh has mentioned that he constantly reminded them that their lifestyle was a privilege, not a right.
- Cultural Connection: They didn't just adopt and move on. They made a massive effort to help the kids connect with their heritage. When Oscar found out he had Bosnian roots, they bought cookbooks and dived into the culture. For Ava, they made sure Mexico was part of her life.
- Privacy: You won't find Oscar or Ava on a reality show. They’ve stayed mostly out of the spotlight, which is probably why they seem so well-adjusted.
What’s the Family Dynamic Like Now?
The big elephant in the room is the 2023 split between Hugh and Deborra-Lee after 27 years. It shocked everyone. But if you look at their joint statements, the kids were the first thing they mentioned. They’ve stuck to that.
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In late 2024 and through 2025, Oscar and Ava have been seen out and about with both parents separately. Ava was recently spotted at the Australian Open with her mom, looking every bit the supportive daughter. Meanwhile, Oscar has been seen walking through Manhattan with Hugh. They’re tall, low-key, and clearly still very close to their dad.
There have been some tabloid rumors about the kids "struggling" with Hugh’s new relationship with Sutton Foster, but honestly, that’s just life in your 20s when your parents' world shifts. By all accounts, the "Jackman-Furness" unit is still a unit, even if the marriage part is over.
Key Takeaways for Fans
If you're wondering how Hugh Jackman's parenting journey affects his "brand" or why it matters, consider these points:
- Advocacy: Deborra-Lee is a huge advocate for adoption reform through her work with Adopt Change. The family doesn't just talk the talk; they’ve spent decades trying to make it easier for kids to find permanent homes.
- Inspiration: Their openness about infertility and the "destiny" of adoption has helped a lot of families feel less alone in that struggle.
- No "Biological" Distinction: Hugh has famously said he doesn't even think of them as "adopted." To him, they are just his kids, period.
If you’re interested in following the family’s journey, keep an eye on Hugh’s social media—he occasionally shares throwback photos, but he mostly respects their privacy now that they’re adults. You can also look into the work of Hopeland, the organization Deborra-Lee co-founded, to see the real-world impact their family story has had on global adoption awareness.
Actionable Insight: If you or someone you know is considering adoption, looking into the resources provided by organizations like Adopt Change or Hopeland can provide a realistic view of the process, much like the path the Jackman family took. It’s a complex journey, but as Hugh’s family shows, it often leads exactly where it's supposed to.