When a 27-year marriage ends, the public is often left with more questions than answers. Hugh Jackman’s separation from Deborra-Lee Furness in 2023 set off a chain of events that reshaped the actor’s personal life and public narrative.

Born: 12 October 1968 ·
Occupation: Actor, singer, producer ·
Years active: 1994–present ·
Spouse: Deborra-Lee Furness (m. 1996; sep. 2023) ·
Children: 2

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

Six key facts about Hugh Jackman, from his early biography to the current moment:

Label Value
Full Name Hugh Michael Jackman
Born 12 October 1968
Occupation Actor, singer, producer
Years Active 1994–present
Spouse Deborra-Lee Furness (m. 1996; sep. 2023)
Children 2

The pattern here: the personal history table frames the biographical backdrop against which the recent upheaval must be understood.

Who is Hugh Jackman currently with?

Hugh Jackman is in a public relationship with two-time Tony Award-winning actress and singer Sutton Foster. The pair first worked together on Broadway’s The Music Man in 2021, according to Cosmopolitan (women’s lifestyle magazine). They were photographed holding hands in Santa Monica on January 6, 2025, as reported by Elle (fashion and culture magazine). Later that year, Jackman shared a photo and video of Foster on Instagram, making the relationship Instagram-official, per People (celebrity news outlet).

What is the age difference between Sutton Foster and Hugh Jackman?

Hugh Jackman (born 12 October 1968) is 7 years older than Sutton Foster (born 18 March 1975). Coverage from Smooth Radio (music and entertainment station) notes that the age gap has not been a focus in the relationship’s public narrative.

The trade-off

Jackman and Foster have kept their relationship relatively low-key, choosing to support each other’s stage careers rather than dominate red carpets. For a couple who met on Broadway, the private approach may protect their bond from the scrutiny that ended his previous marriage.

Bottom line: Jackman is now in a confirmed relationship with Sutton Foster, 7 years his junior. The pair made their public debut in early 2025 after quietly building a connection through their shared Broadway work.

Why did Hugh Jackman’s wife split up?

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness announced their separation in September 2023 after 27 years of marriage. People (celebrity news outlet) reported that the split was initially described as amicable. However, by 2025, entertainment outlets began linking the separation to Jackman’s relationship with Sutton Foster. Cosmopolitan (women’s lifestyle magazine) summarized an Us Weekly source claiming the Foster relationship was the reason for the divorce. That allegation remains an unnamed-source claim, not a direct confirmation from Jackman or Furness, as noted by Morning Times (entertainment news site).

Who did Hugh Jackman leave his wife for?

Multiple reports indicate that Jackman’s relationship with Sutton Foster developed after his separation from Furness. Foster filed for divorce from her second husband, Ted Griffin, in October 2024, according to Smooth Radio (music and entertainment station). The timeline of overlapping separations has fueled speculation, but no official statement confirms an affair.

The catch

The claim that Jackman “left his wife for” Foster relies on anonymous sources. Without on-the-record statements from either party, the precise sequence of emotional events remains opaque. Readers should treat the “betrayal” narrative as unconfirmed until a named source steps forward.

Bottom line: Jackman and Furness separated in 2023. By 2024, both Jackman and Foster had moved on from their respective marriages. The exact cause of the split is not publicly confirmed, though unnamed sources suggest Foster was a factor.

What is Hugh Jackman’s ex-wife saying about him?

Deborra-Lee Furness has spoken publicly about the end of their marriage. According to People (celebrity news outlet), she expressed heartbreak over the separation. She has not publicly blamed Sutton Foster, focusing instead on her own healing and career. The morningtimes.uk article notes that Furness’s statements have been described as “betrayal” comments, but the exact wording has not been published in full.

“She expressed heartbreak over the end of their marriage.”

— People (celebrity news outlet), citing Furness’s public statements

Why this matters

Furness’s measured public response contrasts with the “betrayal” narrative pushed by unnamed sources. For fans following the story, her silence on the details leaves the most painful questions unanswered — and keeps the door open for future revelations.

Bottom line: Furness has acknowledged her heartbreak but has not directly accused Foster or provided details about the split. The narrative of betrayal comes from unnamed sources, not from Furness herself.

What illness does Hugh Jackman have?

Hugh Jackman has been treated for basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer. He was first diagnosed in 2013 and has undergone multiple removals since then. Morning Times (entertainment news site) reports that Jackman is “reportedly healthy” and under routine monitoring. He has become a vocal advocate for sun safety, regularly urging fans to wear sunscreen. A 2026 roundup described his health status as stable with ongoing check-ups.

“Put sunscreen on you. It’s not worth it.”

— Hugh Jackman, as quoted in multiple health awareness campaigns

The upshot

Jackman’s skin cancer history is well-documented, but his current health is stable. His advocacy work has turned a personal health scare into a public education tool — a rare instance where a celebrity’s illness becomes a net positive for public awareness.

Bottom line: Jackman has had multiple basal cell carcinoma removals since 2013. He is reportedly healthy and continues to promote sun protection. The condition is not life-threatening when caught early, which Jackman emphasizes in his public messages.

Did Hugh Jackman do his own singing in Greatest Showman?

Yes. Hugh Jackman performed all his own singing in The Greatest Showman (2017). The film’s soundtrack, featuring Jackman’s vocals on tracks like “The Greatest Show” and “From Now On,” was a commercial success. Smooth Radio (music and entertainment station) notes that Jackman’s Broadway training prepared him for the live-recording style of the film.

Did Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson actually sing in the movie?

Yes. Both Jackman and Kate Hudson sang live on set for their duet “You Are Not Alone” in the film Song Sung Blue (2025, originally titled The Song Sung Blue). The movie is a musical drama featuring original songs performed by the cast. IMDb News (film industry database) reported that the production prioritized live vocal takes over pre-recorded tracks.

Is Song Sung Blue a true story?

Song Sung Blue is based on the real-life story of Claire Sardina, a singer-songwriter who faced a life-altering medical diagnosis. The film, directed by Craig Brewer, stars Jackman and Hudson as musicians navigating health and career challenges. The core narrative is inspired by true events, though artistic liberties are taken, as noted in entertainment coverage from Yahoo Entertainment (news aggregation platform).

The paradox

Jackman’s singing career — which he built through live theater and musical film — now intersects with a real-life story about

William James Jones Wilson

About the author

William James Jones Wilson

Coverage is updated through the day with transparent source checks.