Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness are separating after 27 years of marriage.
“We have been blessed to share almost three decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage,” the pair told People in a joint statement. “Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth. … We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness.”
Jackman and Furness met in 1995 while working as actors on Australian miniseries Correlli. At the time, Furness was already an established actress, while Jackman had only recently graduated acting school. They tied the knot in April the following year.
The pair share two children — 23-year-old son Oscar and 18-year-old daughter Ava — both of whom were adopted after the couple suffered two miscarriages. Jackman and Furness told People that, despite their separation, their family will remain their “highest priority.”
Jackman, 54, has won an Emmy, a Grammy and two Tony Awards. His performance in “Les Miserable” earned an Academy Award nomination in 2013. He’s also known for playing Wolverine in Marvel’s “X-Men” franchise.
Furness, 67, gained critical acclaim for her award-winning performance in the 1988 Australian drama “Shame.” She also won the title of Best Supporting Actress at the 2006 Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards for her role in “Jindabyne,” alongside Laura Linney.
Back in February, Jackman spoke to Smooth Radio about the effort involved in making a long-term relationship work, citing “honesty and intimacy and making time” as his secrets to success.
“You can’t assume that things will just tick along. You have to make time,” he told the station. “And intimacy is about really sharing what you’re going through, feelings and checking in with the other person, checking in what they need from you.”
“It’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day of life,” he continued. “So you have to be checking in with each other.”
