Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra-lee Furness are splitting up after 27 years of marriage. In a mutual statement shared with PEOPLE Magazine, the now-former couple said, “We have been blessed to share almost three decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our journey now is shifting, and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.”
They continued, “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.” The statement concluded, “This is the sole statement either of us will make.”
After meeting on the Australian TV series “Corelli” set in 1995, the costars fell hard and fast for each other. Deb was already an established actress, while Hugh was an upstart actor fresh out of drama school. The couple married less than a year later. In 2017, Jackman told PEOPLE of their first meeting, “Deb, she was a big star. I get picked up, and Deb is in the front seat of the car. I’ll never forget.”
Jackman continued, “She took off her seat belt, and she turned around and put out her hand and took off her sunglasses and said, ‘Hi, I’m Deborra-lee Furness. Nice to meet you.’ I remember thinking, ‘I like this girl.’” The two wed on April 11, 1996, and became one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples over the years. Jackman and Furness have never been exceeding open about the ins and outs of their relationship.
However, he made a moving statement about her in a 2018 acceptance speech at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Jackman said, “You believed in me when I couldn’t. You’ve loved me with a passion and a depth that I didn’t even know existed, and I don’t think I even felt that I deserved. You have pushed and encouraged me when I was scared to venture out. You have smiled me into smiling. You have sung me into singing. You have loved me into loving, and like everything I do in my life, I share this with you. I love you.”
He made an Instagram post dedicated to her to celebrate their anniversary last year, writing, “Today I celebrate 26 years of marriage to my extraordinary wife. Every single day is filled with so much laughter, joy and backgammon!!!! Deb, you light up my life. I love you with all my heart.” The two were recently spotted at a Pink concert in a rare public appearance. They were all smiles and holding hands, with Jackman placing his hand on her shoulder as he smiled towards the camera in one photo.
He also took to Instagram to dedicate a sweet message to her on her birthday last year, writing, “Happy birthday to my extraordinary wife. This is the 28th time I’ve celebrated this day with you. You’ve taught me many things, including how to celebrate. Celebrate life, family, friendship and love. Your light and joy lights up all around you!” He concluded, “The kids and I bask in that glow every day, and today, we pray you feel all the love reflected back at you. x I love you.”
Their last red carpet appearance was at the Met Gala, and they attended the men’s finals at Wimbledon. The couple share two children, Oscar and Ava.