Hugh Jackman and fellow actor Deborra-Lee Furness are splitting after more than 25 years of marriage.
The duo announced the amicable decision on Friday. narrate People in a statement that their focus is shifting to “individual growth” for both Hollywood actor-producers.
“We are blessed to have had a beautiful, loving marriage together as husband and wife for almost (three) decades. Our journey is now changing and we have decided to part ways to pursue our individual growth,” they shared in the joint statement. “Our family is and will remain our top priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love and kindness.”
The public comment, which was noted as “the only statement either of us will make,” ended in a request for privacy as “the family goes through this transition in all of our lives.”
Jackman and Furness first met on the set of the Australian legal drama Corelliaired in 1995. Although Furness was already an established actress, the role served as one of the Logan and the Broadway star’s first on-screen roles.
“Two weeks after I met Deb, I knew we were going to be together for the rest of our lives,” Jackman said. Today in a 2018 interview.
They describe their early interest in each other PeopleJackman recalled how he confessed his feelings to Furness, who was a friend at the time, at a dinner party. “I invited twenty people. She came over and I said, ‘Deb, give me a hand with dessert,'” he recalled. “I said, ‘(I’m) in love with you.’ I’ll get over it; I’m sorry.’ She says, ‘Oh? Because I’m in love with you too.’ I never in a million years thought she reciprocated.”
Jackman proposed their relationship for four months and the couple married the following year, in April 1996, and remained together for 27 years.
The duo have been open about their affection — and some of their family issues, including miscarriages — over the years. That includes shouting out each other on social media for anniversaries and birthdays, serenading on tour and sharing kisses at awards shows.
“There is something that I hold (in my heart) that is why I am here today, why all of this is possible… why all of this means something, and that is because my incredible wife and children support me,” says Jackman. said while accept a special Tony at the 2012 Tony Awards, where they shared a kiss. “I love you with all my heart. I know how much you hate public speaking; this is probably the best thing you’ve ever done for me.
The couple, who share a thirteen-year age difference, celebrated their anniversary 27th wedding anniversary on Instagram earlier this year, when Jackman wrote, “I love you so much. Together we have created a beautiful family. And life. Your smile, your spirit, generosity, humor, boldness, courage and loyalty are an incredible gift to me.”
Jackman and Furness share two children, Oscar, 23, and Ava, 18.
