Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster are madly in love despite his ex, Deborra-Lee Furness, allegedly putting an expiration date on their relationship.
Hugh and Sutton confirmed their romance in January when they were photographed holding hands during a dinner date in Santa Monica. A few weeks later, they were spotted kissing during another outing.
Highlights
- Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster are "relieved" to have finally confirmed their relationship, an insider said.
- People speculate that they got together while working on 'The Music Man' Broadway production, when they were both married.
- Deborra-Lee Furness, Hugh's ex-wife of 27 years, allegedly gave his new love 12 months.
While the two are not living together, an insider told Us Weekly that they've been "spending a lot of time together" and are "relieved and happy" to finally be out of hiding.
Image credits: Dia Dipasupil / Getty
The actors became friends while working on the 2022 Broadway revival of The Music Man. At the time, Hugh was with Deborra, and Sutton was married to screenwriter Ted Griffin.
Their friendship blossomed into a romantic connection, with rumors of them dating beginning in October 2024. According to the source, January felt like the "right time" to confirm the relationship, as their love has recently "gotten stronger."
"They're not rushing into marriage but are committed to taking the next steps together," another insider added.
Image credits: thehughjackman
However, Deborra-Lee is certain it won't last, a source close to the actress told RadarOnline. She predicts the couple will be over in 12 months.
"Debs can spot a mid-life crisis from miles away, and she knows Hugh better than anyone."
One of the reasons for the potential split will be Hugh's personality, the insider claimed. "He's needy, and he will cry on Sutton's shoulder and try to help her solve her problems, but he won't give her space – and that's just the beginning of why it won't work out, in her opinion."
An insider said Deborra-Lee, who was married to Hugh for 27 years, believes "passion will fade"
Image credits: Roadshow Films
Deborra-Lee allegedly predicts that the honeymoon phase will soon be over for the former co-stars, as Sutton won't tolerate Hugh's "neediness."
"The passion and novelty of this once secretive affair will fade, along with those love hormones."
Hugh and Deborra-Lee met on the set of the Australian show Correlli in 1995 and tied the knot the following year.
In September 2023, the Aussie actors announced that they were separating after 27 years of marriage.
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"We have been blessed to share almost 3 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," the couple shared in a joint statement.
"Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness."
They concluded by asking for privacy as their family "navigates this transition in all of our lives."
Hugh and Deborra-Lee share two children: Oscar and Ava.
Sutton filed for divorce from Ted in October 2024, ending their 10-year marriage. They share a daughter, Emily.
Sutton and Hugh confirmed their relationship in January
Image credits: suttonlenore
Their romance has been marred by speculation about infidelity, with some believing they got together while working on the play before separating from their respective spouses.
An insider previously told Us Weekly that the relationship was "Broadway's worst-kept secret."
"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."
The actors worked together on the 2022 Broadway revival of The Music Man
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The Music Man revival ran for 11 months on Broadway. In June 2022, Sutton gushed about her close friendship with the Wolverine actor, saying they were spending time with each other's families.
"He has an impeccable reputation of being the hardest working man, incredibly kind, and generous—and all of that is true," she told Vogue.
"He disarms everyone, and he doesn't make anything about him. And he's now become one of my best friends, which was a surprise because you usually go into these things thinking, Well, I hope we get along. But we just spent Memorial Day with our families. It's really fun to meet new friends after 40."
While some people supported Hugh's new relationship, others empathized with Deborra-Lee
