When did Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster start dating? Actor’s ex Deborra Lee posts about “betrayal” after filing for divorce

Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster's relationship reportedly began while they were working together on the Broadway revival of The Music Man, which opened in February 2022. After announcing separations from their respective partners, the couple made their romantic association public in November 2024.

Before the 50-year-old Sutton Foster, Jackman, 56, was married to actress Deborra-Lee Furness. The couple announced their separation in September 2023. Later, on May 23, 2025, Australian actress Furness, who is 69 now, filed for divorce in New York, marking the end of her 27-year marriage with Jackman.

In a conversation with the Daily Mail on May 27, 2025, Furness reflected on her marriage with the Wolverine star, and called it "a journey of betrayal." She got candid about her divorce and expressed,

"My heart and compassion goes out to everyone who has traversed the traumatic journey of betrayal."

Deborra-Lee Furness commented on her divorce in a recent interview

Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman tied the knot in 1996. After staying together for almost three decades, they decided to end their relationship, declaring it was a mutual decision. During her conversation with the outlet, she remarked on this breakup, calling it a "profound wound that cuts deep," People reported.

Continuing her assertion, Deborra-Lee Furnace pointed out:

"However I believe in a higher power and that God/the universe, whatever you relate to as your guidance, is always working FOR us. This belief has helped me navigate the breakdown of an almost three-decade marriage."

Keeping her belief in the higher power, she admitted that she had gained "knowledge and wisdom" during this surprising journey in life.

She added:

"Even when we are presented with apparent adversity, it is leading us to our greatest good, our true purpose. It can hurt, but in the long run, returning to yourself and living within your own integrity, values and boundaries is liberation and freedom."

Deborra-Lee Furnace weighed in on her divorce, sharing that the process has taught her "one thing." She has learnt that "none of this is personal."

Expressing her gratitude, she ended her statement, explaining,

"We are all on our individual journeys and I believe that the relationships in our lives are not random. We are drawn to people, we invite them in, in order to learn our lessons and to recognize and heal the broken parts of ourselves... I remain grateful."

A look at Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster's relationship timeline

They have been colleagues

Over the past years, Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster have collaborated to work on several projects. They were seen dancing together at the 2014 Tony Awards hosted on June 8.

They shared the stage for The Music Man

In December 2021, Sutton Foster and Hugh Jackman kicked off preview performances of The Music Man on Broadway, according to Cosmopolitan.

The duo often shared glimpses of themselves practising for their performances on social media. Sutton Foster dedicated an Instagram post to Hugh Jackman after the iconic musical’s premiere on February 10, 2022.

Sharing memorable snippets from that night, she wrote,

"This man. An honor to be by your side. You. Are. The. BEST."

The sweetest surprise for the birthday girl

In 2022, the X-Men: Apocalypse star celebrated his Broadway co-star's birthday with an amazing gesture. He asked the audience in attendance at the musical to wish Sutton Foster on her special day.

"Hugh Jackman is an evil, horrible, WONDERFUL human. He had the entire audience sing to me last night," she recalled.

From posing at events to giving interviews to the media, Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster have been spotted together at several public places, though mostly for their professional commitments.

An insider confirmed their romantic partnership

While Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster continued referring to their bond as friendship, Cosmopolitan has stated that an Us Weekly report in November 2024 claimed Jackman's relationship with Foster was the reason for his divorce from Furness. According to the publication, the source said:

"Sutton and Hugh’s relationship is the reason Hugh and Deb got divorced. “A lot of people on Broadway knew, and we kept it quiet because both of them are so nice and great people. Everyone respected their privacy. But there was an affair and overlap. They are really happy now."

Meanwhile, Sutton Foster also filed for divorce from her husband in October 2024.

Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster addressed speculation about their relationship

Earlier this year, on January 6, the couple put an end to all dating rumors and confirmed the news that they were together. People photographed them stepping out together for a dinner date.

An insider revealed Deborra-Lee Furness' reactions to Sutton Foster relocating to Hugh Jackman's apartment

According to Page Six, in a conversation with the Australian news outlet New Idea, a source opened up on Sutton Foster living in Jackman's swanky penthouse in New York City. Calling the pair "inseparable," the insider revealed,

"[Sutton is] slowly migrating her things over to Hugh’s place."

The news has clearly affected Deborra. As cited by Page Six, the Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole actress has made her feelings clear. The outlet quoted a source as saying:

“Deb is shattered knowing Sutton is making the penthouse her own — the place she poured her soul into.”

While Furness wants Jackman "to be happy — he deserves it and so do the kids," his decision to rush into this relationship and share the same roof with Sutton Foster seems "way too soon."

The insider added,

"Hugh’s completely green when it comes to dating. She’s concerned he’s leaping into living with someone else way too soon."

Another insider, who spoke with New Idea, shared,

"It’s almost unreal [for Deborra] seeing Sutton reap the rewards of all those years of her supporting Hugh."

The estranged couple is parents to two adopted children, Oscar and Ava. Despite their personal equation, the sources said:

"[They are] fully committed to being the best parents that they can be."