Amidst significant personal changes, Hugh Jackman is openly sharing candid insights into his approach to parenting his now adult children, Oscar and Ava. The beloved star, known for his iconic role as Wolverine, emphasizes fostering their individual passions and a deep connection to their diverse cultural heritages, even as he navigates life after his divorce from Deborra-Lee Furness and embarks on a new chapter with Sutton Foster.
Hugh Jackman, the global superstar recognized for embodying the fierce Wolverine, offered a rare glimpse into his personal life, specifically concerning his children, Oscar, 25, and Ava, 20. At the world premiere of his latest film, Song Sung Blue, on October 26, 2025, Jackman, 57, spoke with E! News about whether his kids might follow him into acting. His response was both simple and profound: “They’d both be very good, but I don’t know. I just want them to do what they love.”
This sentiment underscores a consistent theme in Jackman‘s parenting philosophy, a journey he has navigated alongside his now ex-wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, 69. Their 27-year marriage concluded with their divorce finalized in June 2025, following their separation announcement in September 2023. As Jackman steps into a new romantic relationship with his Music Man costar, Sutton Foster, confirmed by Us Weekly in November 2024, his focus on his children’s well-being remains steadfast.
A Father’s Evolving Perspective on Parenthood
Parenting has been a deeply transformative experience for Hugh Jackman. He has previously confessed that he and Deborra-Lee Furness initially held “really different ideas” about raising children, a challenge they hadn’t fully discussed before becoming parents. This candid admission highlights the organic, often unpredictable nature of family life, even for Hollywood’s most composed stars.
His role in the film The Son, where he portrayed a father grappling with his teenage son’s mental health, particularly impacted him. Jackman revealed how the intensity of the role made him a “hot mess,” as noted by Furness, and taught him the profound importance of parental vulnerability. He learned to lead with his doubts and worries rather than a façade of certainty, fostering more open and honest conversations with Oscar and Ava.
This shift from expecting strength and surety from a father figure to embracing shared vulnerability has proven invaluable in his relationship with his children. It speaks to a modern, empathetic approach to parenting that many fans find resonant and admirable.
Embracing Diverse Heritage: A Cornerstone of Their Upbringing
A significant aspect of Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness‘s parenting has been their commitment to fostering their children’s connections to their unique cultural backgrounds. Both Jackman, an Australian immigrant, and his former wife, understood the importance of identity rooted in heritage.
During a conversation with Ryan Reynolds, Jackman expressed his desire for Oscar and Ava to feel strongly connected to his Australian roots, a wish that has clearly resonated. “I think if you ask them, they’ll say, ‘Oh I’m Australian. I’m American too, but I’m Australian,'” he shared. This blend of identities is a point of pride for the actor.
However, their cultural exploration extends far beyond Australia. Deborra-Lee Furness previously revealed to People that their adopted children have even richer tapestries of heritage:
- Oscar Maximillian Jackman: Born in May 2000, Oscar discovered he was part Bosnian. To honor this, the family sourced a Croatian/Bosnian cookbook, which a young Oscar proudly carried.
- Ava Eliot Jackman: Born in July 2005, Ava has a Mexican lineage, leading the family to travel to Mexico to connect with her roots.
This proactive embrace of “ancestors and the extended family” highlights their dedication to a holistic sense of identity for Oscar and Ava, ensuring they understand and appreciate their diverse backgrounds.
The Path to Parenthood: Adoption and Family Values
The decision to adopt was a deeply personal one for Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness. After experiencing miscarriages and undergoing IVF, they consciously chose adoption, driven by a desire to fulfill a need. Jackman told People in 2017, “Our motivation behind adopting was, ‘where is the need?’ And we just knew from talking with people in that space, when we were looking around, that the biggest need is in mixed-race kids.”
Throughout their children’s formative years, both parents prioritized raising them out of the intense public spotlight, ensuring a semblance of normalcy. They instilled in Oscar and Ava a strong sense of humility and responsibility. Jackman once stated, “My kids have so many advantages, and I want them to know that they have a responsibility to use those advantages to help others.” This commitment to character development over celebrity privilege shaped their upbringing.
Oscar Maximillian Jackman
As Oscar, born May 15, 2000, grew up, Jackman was acutely aware of the potential pressures of being “Wolverine’s son.” He adjusted his parenting style from setting rigid rules to engaging in reasoned discussions, recognizing that as his children matured, they needed understanding more than directives. This thoughtful approach allowed for deeper, more meaningful conversations as Oscar approached adulthood.
Ava Eliot Jackman
The arrival of Ava, born July 10, 2005, brought a different dynamic to the family, with Jackman feeling “a little more relaxed.” He often expressed a protective instinct for his daughter, wishing she would “not face anything bad ever in her life.” Both parents also carefully managed their children’s screen time, advocating for a balanced childhood filled with activities outside of digital media.
The journey of Hugh Jackman as a father, from the initial challenges of differing parenting ideas to his evolving understanding of vulnerability and his unwavering commitment to his children’s heritage and passions, paints a portrait of a star who prioritizes family above all. His recent comments reaffirm that despite significant personal transitions, his children’s happiness and authentic self-discovery remain his highest priority.
