Hugh Jackman has offered a rare glimpse into his family life, revealing his hopes for his children Oscar Maximilian and Ava Eliot to forge their own paths, amidst the finalization of his nearly three-decade marriage to Deborra-Lee Furness and his new public romance with Sutton Foster.
The acclaimed actor Hugh Jackman, known for his iconic roles like Wolverine and Jean Valjean, recently shared candid thoughts on a topic close to his heart: his children’s futures. At the 2025 AFI Fest premiere of his new film, Song Sung Blue, Jackman, 57, opened up about whether his kids would follow him into the demanding world of Hollywood. This public appearance also marked a significant milestone, as he made his red carpet debut with new partner, actress Sutton Foster.
A Father’s Perspective: Children’s Paths in the Spotlight
Jackman, who shares two children — Oscar Maximilian, 25, and Ava Eliot, 20 — with his ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness, addressed the long-standing speculation about their potential acting careers. Speaking to E! News at the premiere, he stated, “They’d both be very good, but I don’t know. I just want them to do what they love.” This sentiment underscores his desire for his children to pursue their genuine passions rather than feeling pressured to emulate his success.
The Greatest Showman star has consistently prioritized his children’s privacy, largely keeping them out of the public eye. However, he has also been vocal about instilling in them a sense of gratitude and responsibility. In June 2018, Jackman told People, “My kids have so many advantages. And I want them to know that they have a responsibility to use those advantages to help others.” He emphasized their privileged life, reminding them of the stark global disparities, stating, “One out of six people doesn’t have clean drinking water. They can’t comprehend how we live.”
Navigating New Horizons: Divorce and Amicable Transitions
The discussion around his children’s future comes as Jackman navigates a significant personal transition. He and Deborra-Lee Furness, who met in 1995 and wed a year later, announced their amicable separation in September 2023 after nearly three decades of marriage. Their joint statement at the time highlighted, “Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness.”
The divorce was officially finalized in June, following its filing in May, as exclusively revealed by the Daily Mail. While initial reports from Radar Online suggested Furness had described the breakdown as a “traumatic betrayal,” subsequent reports indicate efforts towards repairing their friendship. An insider noted, “Hugh has been trying to make peace with Debs for a long while now,” suggesting that the finalization of legal matters has contributed to a more amicable relationship, which is “fantastic for everyone, most of all their kids.” Sources also confirmed that Furness received a “handsome spousal support payment” as part of the uncontested settlement.
A New Romance Blooms: Sutton Foster Enters the Picture
Amidst these personal changes, Jackman made headlines with his red carpet debut alongside actress Sutton Foster. The pair attended the Los Angeles premiere of Song Sung Blue together, publicly confirming their romance. Jackman and Foster, 50, first crossed paths in the early 2000s while working on different stage musicals, forging a friendship that has now blossomed into a relationship. They later co-starred in the Broadway revival of The Music Man, sparking initial romance speculation.
Foster herself spoke highly of Jackman last June, telling People, “He’s one of the greatest guys ever, an incredible costar.” Her own personal life has also seen recent shifts, as she filed for divorce from her husband Ted Griffin in October 2024 after nearly 10 years of marriage. Foster and Griffin share an 8-year-old daughter, Emily, whom they adopted in 2017. Her divorce, however, has not yet been finalized.
Deborra-Lee Furness on the Profound Journey of Motherhood
While Hugh Jackman shared his perspective, Deborra-Lee Furness has also offered thoughtful insights into her experience of motherhood. In a 2020 interview with People, Furness reflected on the transformative nature of parenting. “It’s so interesting being a parent, and they’ve both made me smarter than I think I ever could have been on my own,” she said. She emphasized the profound self-reflection children inspire: “When you’re a parent, you can’t lie to them or yourself. They will shine a light on every one of your flaws, your Achilles heel, whatever. You’ve got to look at yourself.”
Furness also delved into the concept of epigenetics, particularly relevant for adoptive parents. She explained her interest in “how cells control gene activity without changing the DNA sequence,” and how this concept becomes even more fascinating when considering children with different lineages. “It’s almost like we have more players at the table,” she mused, acknowledging the rich tapestry of influences that shape a family.
A Family’s Evolving Journey
As Hugh Jackman steps into a new phase of his life, both personally and professionally, his commitment to his children’s happiness remains paramount. His reflections, combined with Deborra-Lee Furness‘s insights into motherhood, paint a picture of a family navigating change with an emphasis on individual growth and mutual support. The journey of the Jackman-Furness family continues to evolve, marking new chapters for everyone involved.
