For twenty-seven years, Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness were the "it" couple of Hollywood—the rare, unbreakable pair that made us all believe long-term marriage wasn't just a PR stunt. Then came September 2023. The world basically stopped for a second when they announced their separation. It felt like watching a landmark building suddenly vanish from the skyline.
Everyone wanted to know why. Was it just "growing apart" as the official statement claimed? Or was there something more specific, maybe even something messy, simmering under that polished surface? Honestly, the hugh jackman divorce reason isn't just one thing; it's a mix of a long-term shift and a massive "Broadway secret" that finally blew the lid off the house.
The Official Story vs. The Quiet Reality
When the news first dropped, Hugh and Deborra-lee released a joint statement to People magazine. They talked about being blessed to share nearly three decades together. They said their journey was shifting and they wanted to "pursue individual growth." Classic celeb-speak. It sounded peaceful. It sounded mutual.
But if you look closer, the timeline tells a different story.
Rumors had been swirling in New York for months before that announcement. People noticed they weren't being photographed together as much. The "growth" they mentioned wasn't just about finding new hobbies. It was about a fundamental break in the foundation of their life together. Some insiders suggest the COVID-19 lockdowns actually played a role. While many couples bonded, others realized that without the constant distraction of film sets and red carpets, they didn't have much left to say to each other.
Hugh was working like a dog, as always. Deborra was focused on her advocacy and their two kids, Oscar and Ava. They were living parallel lives. Eventually, the tracks just stopped running in the same direction.
The "Music Man" Factor and Sutton Foster
Now, here’s where things get complicated. If you follow Broadway, you know about The Music Man. Hugh starred in it from 2021 to early 2023 alongside Sutton Foster. They had incredible chemistry. Like, "the air is crackling" kind of chemistry.
At the time, everyone just called it "acting." They’re professionals, right?
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Well, by late 2024 and early 2025, the narrative shifted. Reports started emerging that their relationship wasn't just professional—it was an affair. This is the hugh jackman divorce reason that actually stuck in the headlines. Sources close to the production allegedly called it "Broadway’s worst-kept secret."
Deborra-lee’s reaction to this was telling. She didn’t go on a late-night talk show to scream about it. Instead, she did what people do in the 2020s: she liked a video. Specifically, a video by gossip blogger Tasha Lustig that claimed Hugh had "blindsided" his wife by running off with a mistress.
"A Traumatic Journey of Betrayal"
By May 2025, when the divorce was being finalized, Deborra-lee broke her silence in a way that left zero doubt about her feelings. She released a statement to the Daily Mail and People talking about the "traumatic journey of betrayal."
"It’s a profound wound that cuts deep," she said.
She didn't name Sutton Foster, but she didn't have to. You don't use the word "betrayal" because your husband forgot to take out the trash or because you "grew apart" after 27 years. You use that word when trust is shattered. It was a massive moment of intellectual honesty from a woman who had spent three decades protecting her family’s private image.
The Money and the Logistics
Divorcing after nearly 30 years isn't just an emotional nightmare; it's a legal maze. They had an estimated $200 million fortune to split. We're talking about a massive property portfolio:
- A $21 million condo in the West Village.
- A Chelsea penthouse bought for $21.25 million just a year before the split.
- The East Hampton house they basically built together.
- Properties back in Australia.
The wildest part? They reportedly didn't have a prenup. Think about that. When they got married in 1996, Hugh wasn't Wolverine. He was just a guy from Australia with a lot of talent and a few credits. They never expected him to become one of the highest-paid actors on the planet.
They eventually settled everything by June 2025. Hugh reportedly kept the Chelsea penthouse—the very place where he and Sutton Foster were later spotted "moving in" together. Deborra-lee got the settlement she felt she deserved, focusing on her own "liberation and freedom."
Where Things Stand Now
It’s now early 2026, and the dust has mostly settled, though the sting clearly remains. Hugh and Sutton are no longer "rumored." They’ve been seen everywhere—from casual dates in Santa Monica to New Year’s trips in Costa Rica. There are even reports they are engaged.
For Hugh, this seems to be a total reinvention. He’s 57, he’s still the biggest action star in the world, and he’s in a "head over heels" relationship. But it came at a massive cost to his "nice guy" reputation.
For Deborra-lee, it’s about starting over at 70. She’s been spotted at the Australian Open and high-profile NYC benefits, looking like a woman who has survived a storm and come out the other side. She’s talked about leaning into her faith and the idea that the universe is "working for us," even when it hurts.
Insights for the Rest of Us
What can we actually learn from the collapse of a "perfect" 27-year marriage?
- Longevity isn't a guarantee of safety. You can put in the work for decades, but people change.
- The "Work-Life" balance is a lie. When one partner's career becomes a global behemoth (like Hugh’s), the gravity of that success can pull the marriage out of orbit.
- Betrayal is universal. Even the richest, most "stable" people in the world deal with the same heartbreak as everyone else.
If you're following this story, keep an eye on how they handle the upcoming year. Hugh has a heavy filming schedule for Song Sung Blue with Kate Hudson, and the public's fascination with his new relationship isn't going away.
To stay informed on the actual legal outcomes and official statements from both parties, you can check the latest court filings in New York's Suffolk County or follow reputable trade publications like The Hollywood Reporter for career impacts.
Next Steps: If you want to understand the legal side of long-term divorces without a prenup, you can research New York's "equitable distribution" laws to see how assets are typically split in high-net-worth cases.