Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness sent shockwaves through Hollywood by announcing their decision to separate after 27 years.
The news comes as a surprise to fans around the world after both men’s numerous public comments about their love for each other over the years.
The couple released a statement saying: “We have been blessed to share nearly three decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful and loving marriage.
“Our journey is now changing and we have decided to part ways to pursue our individual growth.”
The statement continued: “Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We begin this next chapter with gratitude, love and kindness.
“We greatly appreciate your understanding of respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition in all of our lives.”
As the couple announce their decision to separate, MailOnline takes a look at the life and career of Hugh’s wife Deborra-Lee Furness.
Couple: Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness caused shockwaves in Hollywood by announcing their decision to separate after 27 years.
What does Deborra-Lee do for a living?
Like Hugh, 54, Deborra-Lee, 67, is an actress. She rose to fame in 1988 with her appearance in the Australian drama Shame.
The Sydney native also appeared in the Australian television series The Flying Doctors and the miniseries Start.
Deborra-Lee also had roles in feature films throughout the 80s and 90s, including Celia, Waiting and Angel Baby.
Career: Like Hugh, Deborra-Lee is an actress. She rose to fame in 1988 with her appearance in the Australian drama Shame.
How did Hugh meet Deborra-Lee?
Hugh and Deborra-Lee first met when they both appeared in the 1995 TV series Corelli.
Deborra-Lee played the title role of prison psychologist Louisa Correlli while the series was one of Hugh’s first acting roles.
The attraction was instantaneous between the two men, with Hugh later recalling: “I remember thinking, ‘I like this girl’.”
He also later remarked that he knew Deborra-Lee was “the one” two weeks after they first met.
Co-stars: Hugh and Deborra-Lee first met when they both appeared in the 1995 TV series Corelli.
Where and when did they get married?
Hugh and Deborra-Lee were married on 11 April 1996 at St. John’s in Toorak, Victoria, a suburb of Melbourne.
The couple had a special message written in sansskirt on their wedding rings.
Deborra-Lee revealed that they read: “Om paramar to the mainamar,” meaning “we dedicate our union to a greater source.”
The bride looked radiant for the day as she donned white satin pants and a flowing sheer train.
Wedding day: Hugh and Deborra-Lee were married on April 11, 1996 at St. John’s in Toorak, Victoria, a suburb of Melbourne
Did Hugh and Deborra-Lee have fertility problems?
The couple spoke candidly about their fertility struggles and tried to start a family immediately after their marriage, as Deborra-Lee was 40 at the time.
Hugh previously told People: “We’ve had a tough time, a few miscarriages, IVF, it’s not easy, especially for Deb.”
During an appearance on ABC chat show Katie, he explained: “Obviously we tried, and it didn’t happen for us, and it’s a tough time. I will never forget this miscarriage story…
“It’s a good thing to talk about it. It’s more common and it’s difficult. There is grief that you must go through.
Family: They are parents of two children; Oscar, 23, and Ava, 18, whom they adopted together
Do Hugh and Deborra-Lee have children?
The couple became parents in 2000 when they adopted their son Oscar. They adopted a second child, daughter Ava Eliot, five years later.
Hugh previously said of his children: “My children have so many advantages. And I want them to know that they have a responsibility to use these benefits to help others…
“My children are constantly reminded of how lucky we are in our family. We are ridiculously blessed. We live in a beautiful house in places others dream of.
