Hugh Jackman "devastated" after marriage split
Hugh Jackman has publicly addressed his recent separation for the first time since the news surfaced on Friday September 15. Photographed while running errands in the streets of New York, Jackman's ring finger conspicuously lacked a wedding ring. When approached by a photographer about the breakup, he declined to delve into details, simply stating, "It doesn't feel quite right talking about it on the street."
The 54-year-old actor did, however, acknowledge the challenging situation with a brief remark, saying, "It's a difficult time," before courteously smiling at the photographer and resuming his errands.
His appearance comes in the wake of reports indicating that he was profoundly affected by his split from his wife of 27 years, Deborra-lee Furness. However, some sources suggest that the separation had been a long time coming.
The New York Post's Page Six section cited a source close to Jackman who said that he is “devastated” by the split and that he is “very sad".
An insider from Broadway, where Jackman returned for "The Music Man" in February 2022, revealed that the breakup wasn't a recent development, sharing, "It happened a while ago. Friends and family knew about it."
They added that there was no involvement of a third party and that the couple had gradually evolved into more like "roommates"
The announcement of their separation came as a shock to their worldwide fanbase. The couple shared their decision to part ways through a statement released via People magazine, expressing their gratitude for nearly three decades of marriage and explaining their choice to separate in pursuit of individual growth. The statement concluded by requesting privacy during this transitional phase in their lives.
“We have been blessed to share almost three decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage,” the statement read. “Our journey now is shifting, and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.”
Jackman and Furness then added that “our family has been and always will be our highest priority” as “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,” the statement continued before they signed off as “Deb and Hugh Jackman”.
“This is the sole statement either of us will make,” the pair concluded.
Jackman and Furness first crossed paths while working together on the Australian miniseries Correlli in 1995. Jackman, who had previously described their connection as love at first sight, knew he wanted to marry Furness just weeks after meeting her. They tied the knot on April 11, 1996.
Their journey together included overcoming miscarriages and embarking on an IVF journey before deciding to adopt. In 2000, they welcomed their son, Oscar, into their family, followed by the adoption of their daughter, Ava, five years later.
Jackman had often openly expressed his deep affection for Furness throughout their marriage. Shortly before the news of their separation emerged, he shared a heartfelt message on Instagram celebrating their 27th wedding anniversary, professing his enduring love and admiration for his wife.
In a recent development, Furness was spotted without her wedding ring just days before the news of their separation became public.
Images: Instagram