Hugh Jackman and his now-ex-wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, have always been ready to shut down rumors about Jackman’s sexuality throughout his career. In a 2013 interview with Australia’s “60 Minutes,” Jackman expressed his frustration over the constant speculation. He stated: “It’s, to me, not the most interesting thing about a person, anyway.” Furness, who was also present for the interview, added: “If he was gay, fine, he would say he’s gay. It’s annoying because it’s not true.”
However, in a separate interview with the Hollywood Reporter that same year, Jackman shared that the rumors about him being gay had started to take a toll on his then-wife. The “Greatest Showman” star revealed: “Just recently, it bugs her… She goes: ‘It’s big. It’s everywhere!'” Furness would often peruse the internet and spiral afterwards.
Hugh Jackman, wife Deborra-Lee Furness addressed rumors he’s gay years before splitting https://t.co/B3Byx0R63rpic.twitter.com/KELzv4Eupj
? Page Six (@PageSix) September 16, 2023
During a Q&A on “Anh’s Brush With Fame” in 2020, Furness joked about the chatter surrounding Jackman’s sexuality. She quipped: “He’s been gay so many years. I was gay, too. You know when I did ‘Shame’? I was gay. They were shocked when I got married.” However, Furness then put the jokes aside to reiterate that the persistent badgering was “just wrong.” She compared it to someone saying to Elton John, “He’s straight.” “I’m sure he’d be pissed,” she said at the time.
Jackman and Furness met in 1995 on the set of the Australian TV series “Correlli” and appeared to have a happy marriage for nearly three decades. Their 13-year age gap was always a topic of discussion amongst the peanut gallery, but the “Wolverine” star maintained that he was the more mature one in the relationship.
Jackman and Furness had to withstand so much abuse over their relationship. People just couldn’t accept him marrying an older woman and that they were happy. It had to be “he’s gay” or something else. Must have been v hard to deal with.https://t.co/8gukK501Zf
? Charlotte Gill (@CharlotteCGill) September 16, 2023
Announced their separation after 27 years
Jackman and Furness decided to part ways after 27 years of marriage. In a joint statement to People, they stated: “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.” They also noted that they look forward to their next chapter with “gratitude, love and kindness” and asked for privacy as they transition into this next phase.
Jackman and Furness tied the knot in 1996 and share two kids, Oscar Maximilian Jackman, 23, and Ava Eliot Jackman, 18, whom are both adopted. Despite their separation, it is clear that the former couple still holds a deep respect and love for each other.
Hugh Jackman SPLITS with wife Deborra-Lee Furness: Couple separate after 27 years of marriage – as they issue statement saying theyre moving forward with gratitude, love, and kindness https://t.co/iu9d7fjPDf
? Daily Mail Australia (@DailyMailAU) September 15, 2023