Highlights
- Deborra-Lee Furness, often seen as just Hugh Jackman's wife, is a talented actress and unbelievably rich.
- Hugh Jackman praised their 27-year marriage and acknowledged Furness as the opposite of him, but their divorce surprised many.
- Furness is worth $50 million, partly attributed to Hugh Jackman, and together they have a fortune that they teach their children to use to help others.
While celebrity relationships are not always celebrated for longevity, Hugh Jackman and his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, seemed to defy the odds. After decades of marriage, the now ex-couple appeared to be extremely happy together. But that happiness came to an unfortunate end in September 2023, when it was announced that Jackman and Furness were divorcing.
Furness was seen by many as just the wife of a very famous celebrity. Those who only saw that, however, would have been mistaken. Furness is a supremely talented individual who is also an actress. But she's also unbelievably rich. Here's how she made her money...
RelatedHugh Jackman And Deborra-Lee Furness Desperately Tried To Keep Their Intimate Life Fresh Before Their Separation
Hugh Jackman And Deborra-Lee Furness divorce took everyone by surprise since they tried so hard to keep their marriage fresh.Updated January 2024: Since the announcement of the divorce in September 2023, both Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman have been mum about what caused their marriage to break down. While Jackman has taken to social media to promote the newest 'Deadpool' film and to post a few winter snaps, Furness has remained quiet. The two are looking as though they are still moving forward with their divorce, with sources claiming the only thing to work out is how to split Jackman's net worth amicably between the two.
What Has Hugh Jackman Said About His Marriage To Deborra-Lee Furness?
Hugh Jackman always spoke highly about his marriage to Deborra-Lee Furness
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness were married in 1996, and the former couple have two children, Oscar and Ava. Born in Annandale, Australia, on Nov. 30, 1955, Furness is quite a bit older than Jackman. He was born in Sydney, Australia, on Oct. 12, 1968. However, there was never an issue between the two when it came to the age difference that existed.
Jackman spoke over the years about meeting Deborra-Lee Furness. In one interview, he recalled just how the two met.
"I was single when I met her, and she was single. I was happy being single," Jackman explained. "I was out of a difficult relationship I'd had through drama school, and it was tumultuous and hard. I'd been living off 120 bucks a week as a student until I was 26. Then, when I met Deb, it was 10 times better than my single life. She was very beautiful. She was unbelievably fun — this energy, this spirit — irrepressible. And she had a confidence in herself. I had a massive crush on her instantly."
Jackman went on to explain, "She was sort of the opposite of me. I was very 'Even Steven,' and she was thrilling to me. I was always really attracted to that — though at one point, as it was getting really serious, it terrified me."
The couple was married for 27 years, having exchanged vows on April 11, 1996 (less than a year after they started dating).
Jackman praised his now ex-wife and their relationship on social media over the years. On their 26th wedding anniversary, he shared a photo of them looking loved up, which he accompanied by a touching caption.
"Today I celebrate 26 years of marriage to my extraordinary wife," Jackman wrote. "Every single day is filled with so much laughter, joy and backgammon!!!!" he wrote. "Deb you light up my life. I love you with all my heart!"
RelatedHugh Jackman's Divorce From Deborra-Lee Furness Was The Biggest Of 2023, According To A Major Study
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness had the most impactful celebrity divorce of 2023 according to a study.The following year, for their 27th wedding anniversary, Jackman again took to social media to celebrate their bond.
"I love you Deb. Today is our 27th wedding anniversary. 27 YEARS!! I love you so much," he wrote. "Together we have created a beautiful family. And life. Your laughter, your spirit, generosity, humor, cheekiness, courage and loyalty is an incredible gift to me. I love you with all my heart."
Unfortunately, just five months after this post, the two would make headlines for divorcing.
What Does Deborra-Lee Furness Do For Work?
Deborra-Lee Furness was once a bigger star than Hugh Jackman
There is no denying that Deborra-Lee Furness' relationship is a talking point because of Hugh Jackman's star status, but that is not to say that she has not enjoyed her own success. She is an actress and producer with several credits to her name.
These include:
- 1988 film Shame
- 1991 film Waiting
- 2010 animated film Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole (voice of Barran)
Interestingly, Furness and Jackman met in their native Australia when they were cast in the same series, Correlli. The show was released in 1995, and Jackman played the role of Kevin Jones while Furness starred as Louisa Correlli. At the time, her star status was much bigger than Jackman's.
"Deb, she was a big star. I get picked up, and Deb is in the front seat of the car. I'll never forget. She took off her seatbelt 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,'" he told People. "I remember thinking, 'I like this girl.'"
RelatedThis Was The One Time Deborra-Lee Furness Led Hugh Jackman Astray In His Career
Deborra-Lee Furness nearly ruined Hugh Jackman's career with one piece of advice. Fortunately, he didn't listen.He continued: "Deb and I were already best friends, and I realized, I've got a crush on my leading lady. This is the thing you do not do. It's unprofessional and embarrassing."
When Jackman was finally ready to address his feelings, he realized they were mutual. And that mutual attraction and love for one another lasted almost 30 years.
How Did Deborra-Lee Furness Amass Her Massive Net Worth?
Deborra-Lee Furness has a net worth of $50 million
We mentioned above that Deborra-Lee Furness was a bigger star than Hugh Jackman when they first met. Although she has not had the same opportunities in Hollywood that he has (with some of Jackman's biggest roles including Wolverine in the X-Men franchise and Deadpool 3), that does not mean she has not been successful as an actress and producer.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Furness' estimated wealth is $50 million, although the publication does note that some of this wealth is "attributed to her husband since 1996, actor Hugh Jackman." In contrast, Jackman's net worth is estimated at $180 million.
It is safe to say their children will want for very little in life, and together, they have amassed a fortune that would be large enough to retire on. Immediately. Speaking of their children, despite growing up with apparent advantages, the former couple has stressed the importance of keeping them grounded and grateful.
"My kids have so many advantages," Jackman told People in 2018. "And I want them to know that they have a responsibility to use those advantages to help others."
He continued, "My kids are constantly reminded about how lucky we are in our family. We're ridiculously blessed. We live in a beautiful home in places that other people dream of."
Source: People, Celebrity Net Worth
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