Here’s complete biography of Deborra-Lee Furness and her Movies and TV Shows, ex Hugh Jackman’s wife career and profile.
Deborra-Lee Furness is a celebrated Australian actress, producer, and philanthropist, best known for her contributions to the entertainment industry and her advocacy for children’s rights and adoption. Born on November 30, 1955, in Sydney, Australia, Furness’s career has spanned decades, featuring roles in both Australian and international films and television series. While many may recognize her as Hugh Jackman’s ex-wife, Deborra-Lee has always maintained a robust and independent career, becoming a beloved figure in her own right.
In 2023, after 27 years of marriage, Deborra-Lee and Hugh Jackman announced their separation, which drew significant media attention. Despite this, she has continued to focus on her career, advocacy work, and family life.
Profile Summary
- Full Name: Deborra-Lee Furness
- Date of Birth: November 30, 1955
- Age: 68 (as of 2024)
- Place of Birth: Sydney, Australia
- Occupation: Actress, Producer, Director, Philanthropist
- Notable Works: “Shame,” “Correlli,” “Force of Nature: The Dry 2”
- Spouse: Hugh Jackman (married 1996; separated 2023)
- Children: Oscar Maximilian Jackman (born 2000), Ava Eliot Jackman (born 2005)
- Advocacy: Adoption, Children’s Welfare
- Education: American Academy of Dramatic Arts, New York City
- Nationality: Australian
Who is Deborra-Lee Furness?
Deborra-Lee Furness is an accomplished Australian actress, producer, and advocate who has left an indelible mark on the film industry and humanitarian work. Raised in Melbourne, Australia, Furness pursued her passion for acting by attending the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.
Her early roles in television and film helped her establish a strong presence in the industry, but it was her performance in the 1988 film Shame that earned her widespread recognition. The role showcased her immense talent, as she played a courageous lawyer fighting against gender injustice, earning her critical acclaim and numerous awards.
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Over the years, Furness has built an extensive body of work in both acting and producing. However, her personal life, particularly her marriage to Hollywood star Hugh Jackman, often placed her in the public eye. Despite the media attention, Deborra-Lee has always maintained her individual identity, dedicating herself to her craft and philanthropic causes.
How Did Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman Meet?
Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman met on the set of the Australian television series Correlli in 1995. At the time, Deborra-Lee was an established actress, while Jackman had just graduated from drama school and was starting his acting career. The series, set in a prison, saw the two playing characters with significant on-screen chemistry, which translated into a real-life romance.
Jackman has often shared how their first meeting left an impression on him, particularly noting Deborra-Lee’s warmth and kindness. Just one year after they met, the couple tied the knot, getting married in a private ceremony in Melbourne on April 11, 1996.
When Did Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman Get Married?
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness were married on April 11, 1996, in a small, intimate ceremony held in Melbourne, Australia. Their wedding took place less than a year after they first met on the set of Correlli. The couple’s marriage was admired by many as one of Hollywood’s most enduring relationships, filled with mutual respect, love, and unwavering support for each other’s careers.
Over the years, the pair became a symbol of a strong Hollywood marriage, openly expressing their love and commitment. They often walked red carpets together, with Jackman frequently crediting Furness as his biggest supporter throughout his illustrious career.
What Led to Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman’s Separation After 27 Years?
In September 2023, after nearly three decades of marriage, Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman shocked fans by announcing their separation. In a joint statement released to People Magazine, the couple explained that their journey as a couple was “shifting” and that they were now focusing on their individual growth. They emphasized that their family, particularly their two children, would remain their highest priority and requested privacy during this transition.
While they did not disclose specific reasons for the separation, it was clear that the decision was mutual, and they remained on amicable terms.
Her Life as a Single Woman After the Split
Following her separation from Hugh Jackman, Deborra-Lee Furness embraced her new chapter as a single woman. She shared in interviews that while the transition had been emotionally challenging, she had learned a great deal about herself. Deborra-Lee spoke about her newfound sense of independence, resilience, and her continuous evolution as a person. She acknowledged that it was a time for personal growth and reflection, and despite the difficulties, she remained optimistic about the future.
She has leaned on close friends and her children, Oscar and Ava, for support during this time. Deborra-Lee emphasized the importance of strong friendships, particularly among women, and expressed gratitude for the encouragement she had received.
Deborra-Lee Furness’s Career Highlights: Movies and TV Shows
Deborra-Lee Furness has had a remarkable career in both film and television. Some of her most notable works include:
- Shame (1988): This film was a turning point in Deborra-Lee’s career. She portrayed a lawyer who takes on a small town’s entrenched patriarchal system, earning widespread acclaim for her performance.
- Correlli (1995): This Australian television series is where she met Hugh Jackman. Set in a prison, the show featured Deborra-Lee as a prison psychologist navigating complex relationships with inmates.
- Jindabyne (2006): In this Australian drama, she played a supporting role in a film that dealt with complex emotional and moral issues.
- Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole (2010): Deborra-Lee voiced one of the characters in this animated fantasy film.
- Force of Nature: The Dry 2 (2024): Deborra-Lee’s latest film role sees her in a sequel to the 2020 hit The Dry. She was excited to take on a character in this crime mystery, drawn to its female-driven ensemble.
Advocacy Work: Passion for Adoption and Children’s Rights
Deborra-Lee Furness has been a tireless advocate for adoption and children’s welfare. Her personal experience with adoption — she and Hugh Jackman adopted two children, Oscar and Ava — inspired her to take action in improving adoption policies. Furness founded the organization Adopt Change in Australia, which aims to reform adoption laws and provide better support for adoptive families.
She has lobbied for streamlined adoption processes and worked to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a stable, loving home. Deborra-Lee’s work in this area has earned her accolades and recognition for her dedication to children’s welfare.
Deborra-Lee Furness’s Plans Post-Divorce
Despite the end of her marriage, Deborra-Lee Furness remains focused on her career and creative projects. She is currently working on a script with actress Rebecca Rigg, which she intends to both direct and act in. She has also expressed interest in reprising some of her previous roles, including a potential sequel to Shame, the film that catapulted her to fame in the 1980s.
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Her children, Oscar and Ava, continue to be supportive of her career, and she has shared that they are particularly excited about her role in Force of Nature: The Dry 2. Deborra-Lee has emphasized that her passion for storytelling remains strong, and she is eager to continue working on meaningful projects.
FAQs About Deborra-Lee Furness
- How did Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman meet?
Deborra-Lee and Hugh Jackman met on the set of the Australian television series Correlli in 1995. She was already an established actress, while Hugh was just starting his career. - When did Deborra-Lee and Hugh Jackman get married?
They got married on April 11, 1996, in Melbourne, Australia, in a private ceremony. - What led to Deborra-Lee and Hugh Jackman’s separation?
The couple announced their separation in September 2023, citing their desire to focus on individual growth. - What is Deborra-Lee Furness known for?
She is best known for her acting career and her advocacy for adoption and children’s rights. - What is Deborra-Lee Furness’s most famous role?
Her most famous role is in the 1988 film Shame, where she portrayed a lawyer fighting against gender injustice. - How many children does Deborra-Lee Furness have?
She has two adopted children, Oscar and Ava, with her ex-husband Hugh Jackman. - What advocacy work is Deborra-Lee involved in?
Deborra-Lee is a passionate advocate for adoption and children’s rights, working through her organization Adopt Change to improve adoption policies. - What are Deborra-Lee’s upcoming projects?
She is working on a script with Rebecca Rigg and is also starring in Force of Nature: The Dry 2. - Where did Deborra-Lee Furness study acting?
She studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. - How old is Deborra-Lee Furness?
As of 2024, Deborra-Lee Furness is 68 years old.
Conclusion
Deborra-Lee Furness has led a remarkable life, full of professional achievements, personal growth, and unwavering commitment to social causes. From her early days in Australian cinema to her international success, she has proven herself to be a versatile and talented actress.