In an unexpected turn of events, Australian power couple Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness recently announced their decision to part ways after nearly 30 years of marriage.
Amidst speculations, several indicators hinted at underlying issues in their union.
Earlier in the year, the 54-year-old Hugh, renowned for his iconic Wolverine role, and Deborra-Lee, a notable Australian actress at 67, had listed their lavish Hamptons holiday home for rent.
This East Hampton property, worth USD$3.5 million, had been their labor of love. The couple had dedicated six years to meticulously renovate this 'dream' abode.
In 2021, Deborra-Lee shared her sentiments with Architectural Digest, remarking, "This was my lifelong dream. It's like, bucket list, tick it off. I've done it, and I loved it."
© GettyNestled in an affluent summer hotspot, their 460sqm stylish residence boasts five bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, and luxuries like a private gym, home cinema, and swimming pool. Situated atop a broad escarpment, residents are offered a breathtaking view of Gardiner Bay on the Atlantic Ocean.
However, behind the architectural marvels and opulence, rumblings of discord seemed evident. Reports attributed the strain in their relationship to the COVID pandemic, asserting that lockdown had adversely affected their dynamic. Additionally, the ongoing writers' strike posed another challenge.
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© Jason LaVeris1. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
Known by the legendary portmanteau 'Brangelina', the uber A-listers wed in a French chateau in 2014 some nine years after first becoming entwined on the set of 2005 blockbuster Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Things went south soon after with allegations of abuse surfacing in 2016, the same year Angelina filed for divorce. After seven years of legal wrangling light appeared at the tunnel's end, with the MailOnline reporting in July 2023 that the pair had agreed to a mediation which could resolve their dispute.
2. Ryan Reynolds and Scarlett Johansson
Ryan and Scarlett married in 2008 in a secretive ceremony on Vancouver Island. Both actors' stars were firmly in the ascendancy but professional success wasn't conducive to conjugal happiness, and their union was annulled just over two years later with Scarlett subsequently revealing the couple hardly saw each other.
3. Russell Brand and Katy Perry
The polysyllabic and polyamorous British actor/comedian/presenter met popstar Katy in 2009 during rehearsals for the MTV Video Music Awards. The following year the pair married in a traditional Hindu ceremony in India and all seemed set fair. But with Katy away on her California Dreams tour for most 2011, the couple supposedly determined they had different priorities and Russell filed for divorce - via text message - at the end of that year.
4. Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore
The couple divorced in 2013 after it emerged Ashton had been unfaithful on the weekend of their sixth anniversary. In 2015 Ashton remarried, this time to his That '70s Show costar Mila Kunis who was five years his junior - a notable change in dynamic from his relationship with Demi who was 15 years his senior.
5. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes
The archetypal whirlwind romance, Tom and Katie got engaged after just seven weeks of dating in 2005. The pair didn't muck about and the following year they both welcomed daughter Suri and got married in a Scientologist ceremony in Italy. The marriage lasted for five and half years before Katie filed for divorce.
Nevertheless, a representative for Hugh acknowledged the impact of both the pandemic and the writers' strike on their relationship.
© GettyThe couple's joint statement read: "We have been blessed to share almost three decades together... Our journey now is shifting, and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth."
This parting seems especially poignant, given their love story's beginnings. Hugh and Deborra-Lee's romance blossomed back in 1995 on the sets of the Australian TV show Correlli.
© GettyHugh often reminisced about their instant connection, once noting that he instantly knew they were "going to be together for the rest of our lives."
A year after their first meeting, the two tied the knot, later adopting their children Oscar and Ava Eliot.
The relationship, which Hugh frequently described as being built on "honesty and intimacy," seemed unshakeable.
© GettyThe actor once told Smooth Radio that the secret to their enduring bond was constant communication and dedicated time together. He lovingly described Deborra-Lee as his "best friend" and the backbone of both his professional and personal successes.
The couple's decision has taken many by surprise, especially as they've consistently been the picture of unity.
© GettyJust five months ago, Hugh had taken to Instagram to celebrate their 27th anniversary, professing his deep love for Deborra-Lee to his 79.1 million followers.
Furthermore, their recent public appearances, including a shared kiss at the Venice Film Festival last September, seemed to depict a still-thriving relationship.
