In the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood relationships, few developments have captured public attention quite like Hugh Jackman‘s romantic journey following the end of his 27-year marriage to Deborra-Lee Furness. The Australian actor, known for his charismatic performances and seemingly unshakeable family life, surprised fans worldwide when he announced his separation from Furness in September 2023.
What followed has been a period of significant transition for all involved, with Jackman finding new love with Broadway star Sutton Foster while Furness navigates the complex emotional terrain of watching her former partner build a life with someone else.
This situation reflects the universal challenges of moving forward after long-term relationships end—the delicate balance between embracing new beginnings and processing the grief of what’s been lost. As Foster reportedly begins moving her belongings into the luxurious Manhattan penthouse that Jackman once shared with Furness, we witness a poignant chapter in this ongoing story of love, loss, and renewal. The $21.12 million Chelsea property, once a symbol of Jackman and Furness’s shared life and dreams, now becomes the setting for a new relationship, highlighting how physical spaces can hold profound emotional significance during major life transitions.
Through this intimate glimpse into the personal lives of these public figures, we find reflections of the complex human experiences that connect us all—the simultaneous joy and pain that often accompany significant life changes, and the courage required to move forward while honoring the past.
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From Broadway Co-Stars to Romantic Partners: The Blossoming Relationship
Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster’s relationship has evolved from professional colleagues to romantic partners in a trajectory that many find both surprising and heartwarming. Their initial connection formed during their collaboration on the 2022 Broadway revival of “The Music Man,” where their onstage chemistry captivated audiences. At that time, both were committed to other relationships—Jackman to his decades-long marriage with Deborra-Lee Furness and Foster to her own personal commitments. However, following Jackman’s separation announcement in September 2023, their friendship gradually transformed into something deeper.
The couple first sparked romantic speculation in October 2023 when they were spotted together in more intimate settings away from the Broadway stage. By early January 2025, they confirmed their relationship after being photographed on a date night in Los Angeles, choosing to make their romance public after several months of private courtship. Sources close to the couple have emphasized that their long-standing friendship provided a solid foundation for their romantic relationship, making the transition feel natural despite the significant life changes involved.
Industry insiders report that Jackman and Foster share not only professional respect but also similar values and interests that have strengthened their bond. “They’re living together, they’re inseparable,” one source told New Idea, highlighting how quickly their relationship has progressed. While they haven’t officially announced cohabitation, Foster has reportedly begun gradually moving her belongings into Jackman’s Chelsea penthouse, signaling a significant step forward in their commitment to each other.
Inside the $21.12 Million Manhattan Penthouse: A Home in Transition
The luxurious Manhattan penthouse that now serves as the backdrop for Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster’s evolving relationship represents more than just prime New York real estate—it symbolizes the complex transitions in Jackman’s personal life. Located in Chelsea, one of Manhattan’s most desirable neighborhoods, the property was purchased by Jackman and Furness in 2022 for $21.12 million, reflecting their shared taste and the life they had built together over nearly three decades.
The timing of the purchase—just a year before their separation announcement—adds a layer of poignancy to the current situation. Furness reportedly invested considerable emotional energy into making the penthouse a home, selecting furnishings and design elements that reflected their shared aesthetic and family needs. According to sources close to the situation, seeing another woman now inhabiting and potentially transforming this space has been particularly difficult for Furness, who is said to have “poured her soul” into creating their home.
While specific details about the penthouse’s features remain private, properties in this price range in Chelsea typically offer expansive living spaces, premium finishes, spectacular Manhattan views, and exclusive amenities. The building likely provides the privacy and security essential for a high-profile resident like Jackman, allowing him and Foster to enjoy their developing relationship away from constant public scrutiny despite the media interest in their romance.
Deborra-Lee Furness: Navigating the Emotional Aftermath of Separation
For Deborra-Lee Furness, watching her former partner of 27 years build a new life with someone else has reportedly been an emotionally challenging experience. Sources close to the 69-year-old Australian actress and producer suggest that seeing Foster move into the penthouse she once shared with Jackman has been particularly painful. “Deb is shattered knowing Sutton is making the penthouse her own, the place she poured her soul into,” an insider revealed to New Idea, highlighting the emotional attachment Furness still feels toward the home she helped create.
Despite the personal pain, reports indicate that Furness maintains a mature perspective on Jackman’s new relationship. Sources claim she genuinely wants him to find happiness, though she harbors concerns about the pace of his new relationship. “She wants him to be happy, but Hugh’s completely green when it comes to dating. She’s concerned he’s leaping into living with someone else way too soon,” the insider added, suggesting that Furness’s decades of knowledge about Jackman informs her perspective on his current choices.
Some reports have taken a more skeptical view of Furness’s outlook on the new relationship. According to RadarOnline, sources close to Furness believe she views Jackman’s relationship with Foster as part of a “mid-life crisis” that may not endure. These sources suggest Furness expects the relationship to “collapse within a year,” seeing it as a temporary novelty rather than a lasting connection. While such reports should be viewed with healthy skepticism, they reflect the complex emotions that often accompany the end of long-term relationships, particularly when new partners enter the picture.
Timeline of Hugh Jackman’s Relationship Transitions
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Broadway Collaboration | Jackman and Foster star together in “The Music Man” revival |
| 2022 | Real Estate Purchase | Jackman and Furness buy $21.12 million Chelsea penthouse |
| September 2023 | Separation Announcement | Jackman and Furness announce end of 27-year marriage |
| October 2023 | First Romance Rumors | Jackman and Foster first romantically linked in media |
| January 2025 | Relationship Confirmation | Couple confirms relationship after LA date night |
| May 2025 | Moving In Reports | Foster reportedly begins moving belongings into Jackman’s penthouse |
| Present | Divorce Proceedings | Jackman and Furness reportedly still working through divorce details |
The Complicated Divorce: Financial Entanglements and Emotional Closure
Despite their public separation announcement in September 2023, Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness have yet to finalize their divorce, with financial considerations reportedly playing a significant role in the delay. According to Daily Mail reports, the absence of a prenuptial agreement has complicated the division of assets accumulated during their 27-year marriage, which includes substantial real estate holdings, investment portfolios, and earnings from Jackman’s highly successful film career.
Industry experts estimate Jackman’s net worth at approximately $100 million, with significant income derived from his roles in the X-Men franchise and other blockbuster films, as well as his Broadway performances. The couple’s joint assets reportedly include multiple properties in New York and Australia, including the Chelsea penthouse now at the center of attention. Without a prenuptial agreement, New York state law typically considers assets acquired during marriage to be subject to equitable distribution, though not necessarily equal division.
Beyond the financial aspects, sources suggest the emotional complexity of ending such a long-term relationship has contributed to the prolonged divorce process. The couple shares two adopted children, Oscar and Ava, now adults, whose well-being remains a priority for both parents despite the separation. “She wants to be treated fairly so she can move on,” one insider noted, suggesting that Furness seeks both financial equity and emotional closure from the divorce proceedings.
The situation highlights the challenges of disentangling lives after decades together, particularly when new relationships begin before legal proceedings are complete. While Jackman moves forward with Foster, the unresolved divorce represents an ongoing connection to his past with Furness that must be addressed for all parties to fully transition to their new life chapters.
Hugh Jackman’s Relationship Comparison
| Aspect | Relationship with Deborra-Lee Furness | Relationship with Sutton Foster |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 27 years of marriage (1996-2023) | Dating since late 2023 |
| Age Difference | Furness is 13 years older than Jackman | Foster is 7 years younger than Jackman |
| Professional Connection | Met on set of Australian TV show “Correlli” | Met during Broadway’s “The Music Man” |
| Children | Two adopted children together (Oscar and Ava) | No children together (Foster has one daughter) |
| Public Perception | Long viewed as one of Hollywood’s most stable marriages | New relationship still developing in public eye |
| Current Status | Separated, divorce not finalized | Reportedly moving in together |
Industry Reactions and Future Prospects for the New Couple
The entertainment industry has responded to Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster’s relationship with a mixture of surprise and support, reflecting the general public’s fascination with this unexpected pairing. Broadway insiders, who witnessed their professional chemistry during “The Music Man,” have been less surprised than the general public, with many noting the natural rapport the two shared both onstage and behind the scenes during the production’s run.
Professional colleagues have largely respected the couple’s privacy while offering subtle support. Ryan Reynolds, Jackman’s longtime friend and “Deadpool & Wolverine” co-star, has reportedly been supportive of Jackman’s new relationship, understanding the importance of finding happiness after significant life changes. Similarly, Foster’s Broadway community has embraced the relationship, recognizing the authentic connection between two performers who share similar professional passions and work ethics.
Looking ahead, industry observers speculate about how this relationship might influence both stars’ career choices. With Jackman balancing his ongoing film commitments, including the highly successful revival of his Wolverine character, and Foster’s established Broadway career, the couple faces the common challenge of managing two high-profile careers while nurturing their relationship. Some sources suggest they may seek opportunities to work together again, building on the professional chemistry they established during “The Music Man.”
While celebrity relationships often face intense scrutiny and pressure, those close to the couple express optimism about their future. “They’re relieved and happy to go public after keeping things private in the beginning,” one source told US Weekly, suggesting that moving past the initial secrecy has allowed their relationship to develop more naturally despite the public interest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hugh Jackman’s New Relationship
Q1: How did Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster meet?
Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster first met professionally while co-starring in the 2022 Broadway revival of “The Music Man.” Their working relationship developed into a friendship during the production’s run, which laid the groundwork for their romantic relationship that began after Jackman’s separation from Deborra-Lee Furness was announced in September 2023. Their shared experience in musical theater created a strong professional bond that eventually evolved into a personal connection once both were available for a relationship.
Q2: Why haven’t Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness finalized their divorce yet?
According to multiple reports, the absence of a prenuptial agreement has complicated the divorce proceedings between Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness. After 27 years of marriage, the couple accumulated substantial shared assets, including multiple properties and investment portfolios. Daily Mail reports suggest that negotiations regarding the equitable division of these assets have extended the legal process. Additionally, the emotional complexity of ending such a long-term relationship likely contributes to the deliberate pace of their separation, as both parties work through the personal and financial implications of their divorce.
