Australian actor Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness have confirmed their separation after 27 years of marriage.
The couple, whose enduring relationship was rare in Hollywood, said they were moving into the next chapter of their lives as individuals.
“We have been blessed to share almost 3 decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage,” said a statement to People.com on Saturday morning (AEDT).
“Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.”
“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.”
Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman have been together for nearly 30 years. Photo: Getty
The statement was signed “Deb and Hugh Jackman.”
People.com reports the announcement also explained: “This is the sole statement either of us will make.”
In April, the Wolverine actor posted a loving message to his wife on social media as they celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary.
“I love you Deb. Today is our 27th wedding anniversary. 27 YEARS!! I love you so much. Together we have created a beautiful family. And life. Your laughter, your generosity, spirit, humour, cheekiness, courage and loyalty is an incredible gift to me. I love you with all my heart,” the star wrote.
Jackman and Furness married in 1996, just four months after meeting on the set of the Australian TV series Corelli in 1995.
“I knew two weeks into meeting Deb that we were going to be together for the rest of our lives,” Jackman told Today of their meeting.
Furness, 13 years older than Jackman, was an established actress and Jackman was fresh out of drama school.
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness, pictured in 1997, met when they were both acting on an Aussie TV series in 1995. Photo: Getty
Jackman later ascended to become a major star in Hollywood and on Broadway.
The couple have been red carpet mainstays for years, posing together at the Oscars, at Broadway events and at the Met Gala, including the most recent edition in May.
They attended Wimbledon together in July.
The couple attended the 2023 Costume Institute Benefit Met Gala in New York in May. Photo: Getty
Furness, 67, is an advocate for orphans and adoption, especially in her native Australia, and one of the founding members of National Adoption Awareness Week.
Jackman, 54, who played the superhero Wolverine in several movies, is reprising the role in Deadpool 3, which is on hold due to the actors strike.
The Aussie couple share two adopted children, Oscar, 23, and Ava, 18.
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