Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness’ Relationship Timeline: The Way They Were

Credit: Cindy Ord/MG22/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness' Relationship Timeline: The Way They Were

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness were together for more than two decades before going their separate ways.

Jackman and Furness started dating shortly after they met on the set of the Australian TV series Correlli in 1995.

“Deb, she was a big star," he recalled to Jess Cagle in 2017. “I get picked up [to go to set], and Deb is in the front seat of the car. I’ll never forget. She took off her seatbelt, and she turned around and put out her hand and took off her sunglasses and said, ‘Hi, I’m Deborra-Lee Furness, nice to meet you.’ I remember thinking, ‘I like this girl.'”

Despite initial concerns over their 13-year age gap, the pair exchanged vows in 1996. Jackman and Furness later expanded their family with son Oscar and daughter Ava.

Nearly five months after celebrating their 27th anniversary in 2023, Jackman and Furness announced their separation.

Scroll down for Jackman and Furness' complete relationship timeline:

Credit: Cindy Ord/MG22/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness' Relationship Timeline: The Way They Were

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness were together for more than two decades before going their separate ways.

Jackman and Furness started dating shortly after they met on the set of the Australian TV series Correlli in 1995.

“Deb, she was a big star," he recalled to Jess Cagle in 2017. “I get picked up [to go to set], and Deb is in the front seat of the car. I’ll never forget. She took off her seatbelt, and she turned around and put out her hand and took off her sunglasses and said, ‘Hi, I’m Deborra-Lee Furness, nice to meet you.’ I remember thinking, ‘I like this girl.'”

Despite initial concerns over their 13-year age gap, the pair exchanged vows in 1996. Jackman and Furness later expanded their family with son Oscar and daughter Ava.

Nearly five months after celebrating their 27th anniversary in 2023, Jackman and Furness announced their separation.

Scroll down for Jackman and Furness' complete relationship timeline:

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1995

The duo met while filming the Australian television series Corelli and started dating several weeks later. "I knew two weeks into meeting Deb that we were going to be together for the rest of our lives," Jackman told Today in 2018.

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1996

The twosome, who tied the knot in Melbourne, Australia, solidified their union with a special message on their wedding rings. According to Furness, their bands read "Om paramar to the mainamar" which translates to: "We dedicate our union to a greater source.”

Credit: Youtube

2000

Jackman and Furness adopted their first child, son Oscar.

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2004

After winning a Tony Award for his role in The Boy From Oz, the X-Men star dedicated his acceptance speech to his wife.

“I’m gonna start with the most important — my wife,” he said at the time. “I love you. I couldn’t have done this without you, and even if I could, it certainly wouldn’t be as much fun as it is. You’re the best musical theatre widow a man could ever, ever have, and I love you, darling.”

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2005

Jackman and Furness adopted their daughter, Ava, in 2005.

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2012

After getting surprised with a humanitarian award at the Tonys, the Australia native gushed about his marriage on stage. 

“There is something I hold [in my heart] that is the reason why I’m here today, why any of this is possible, why any of this means anything, and that is because my incredible wife and kids support me,” he said. “I love you with all my heart. I know how much you hate public speaking. This is probably the greatest thing you’ve ever done for me.”

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2016

The pair celebrated their 20-year anniversary with a trip to the Caribbean. “It’ll be just the two of us," Jackman told The Daily Telegraph. "We love the kids, but they can rack off and find something else to do for a week.”

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2020

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Emmy winner revealed to Extra that he had never felt more connected to Furness.

“We have never spent this much time together,” he detailed. “Having this time without either of us working, being with the family, we've had the opportunity to be together, and the results are in: closer.”

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2021

“Being married to you, Deb is as natural as breathing,” the singer wrote via Instagram in honor of their wedding anniversary. “From nearly the moment we met... I knew our destiny was to be together. In our 25 years, our love has only grown deeper—the fun, excitement, and adventure more exhilarating; the learning even greater. I’m forever grateful to share our love, our life—and our family together. We’ve only just begun. Deb, I love you with all my heart!”

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2022

"Happy birthday to my extraordinary wife. This is the 28th time I’ve celebrated this day with you. You’ve taught me many things, including how to celebrate. Celebrate life, family, friendship and love," Jackman captioned an Instagram tribute. "Your light and joy lights up all around you! The kids are I bask in that glow every day and today we pray you feel all the love reflected back at you. x I love you."

Credit: Courtesy of Hugh Jackman/Instagram

2023

"Happy Valentine's love. You light up the room wherever you go," Jackman wrote via Instagram. "Your humor, generosity, wisdom and spirit shines so bright. I celebrate you on our 28th Valentine's together. I ❤️ you."

Credit: Courtesy of Hugh Jackman/Instagram

2023

"I love you Deb. Today is our 27th wedding anniversary. 27 YEARS!! I love you so much," Jackman captioned a sweet photo of himself and Furness via Instagram in April 2023. "Together we have created a beautiful family. And life. Your laughter, your spirit, generosity, humor, cheekiness, courage and loyalty is an incredible gift to me. I love you with all my heart."

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2023

The twosome split, announcing a separation via a joint statement.

“We have been blessed to share almost 3 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," Jackman and Furness said in September, five months after their 27th wedding anniversary. “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."