Actress and producer Deborra-Lee Furness has opened up publicly for the first time since her separation from Hollywood star Hugh Jackman , describing the end of their 27-year marriage as “a profound wound that cuts deep.”
In a statement shared with the Daily Mail, Furness, expressed empathy for others facing similar struggles. “My heart and compassion goes out to everyone who has traversed the traumatic journey of betrayal,” she said.
Jackman, best known for his roles in Deadpool & Wolverine and The Greatest Showman, married Furness in 1996. The couple was one of Hollywood's power duos until their surprise separation in 2023.
Reflecting on the emotional toll of the breakup, Furness credited her faith in a higher power for guiding her through the experience. “I believe in a higher power and that God, or the universe, whatever you relate to as your guidance, is always working FOR us. This belief has helped me navigate the breakdown of an almost three-decade marriage.”
Speaking to People, the Australian philanthropist said the process had brought her unexpected clarity and strength. “Even when we are presented with apparent adversity, it is leading us to our greatest good, our true purpose. It can hurt, but in the long run, returning to yourself and living within your own integrity, values and boundaries is liberation and freedom.”
She added that the most powerful lesson she has learned is not to take any of it personally. “We are all on our individual journeys and I believe that the relationships in our lives are not random. We are drawn to people, we invite them in, in order to learn our lessons and to recognise and heal the broken parts of ourselves... I remain grateful.”
Jackman has remained largely private about the separation but has seemingly started a new romance with actress Sutton Foster , his former Music Man co-star. Foster, had filed for divorce from screenwriter Ted Griffin in October 2024 after a decade of marriage.