Twenty-seven years is an eternity in Hollywood. Honestly, when Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness announced they were calling it quits in September 2023, it felt like one of the last "safe" celebrity marriages had finally hit the wall. People were genuinely shocked.
The joint statement they released was classic PR—full of words like "growth," "gratitude," and "kindness." But as the dust settled and the news cycles turned, a different name started popping up in every tabloid and Broadway locker room: Sutton Foster.
If you've been following the breadcrumbs, the answer to the question of who did Hugh Jackman leave his wife for points directly to his former Broadway co-star. It wasn't just a random fling. This was a slow burn that apparently started under the bright lights of the Winter Garden Theatre.
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The Music Man and the "Worst-Kept Secret"
Hugh and Sutton spent over a year together on Broadway reviving The Music Man. He was Harold Hill; she was Marian the Librarian. They did 400-plus shows together. That's a lot of time to spend looking into someone’s eyes while singing love songs.
Insiders have since claimed that their chemistry wasn't just great acting. Sources close to the production eventually started leaking that the two were "100% a couple" long before the public had a clue. In Broadway circles, it was reportedly labeled the "worst-kept secret" in the industry.
While the official line from the Jackman camp was always about "individual growth," the timing of everything else paints a more complicated picture.
- September 2023: Hugh and Deborra-Lee announce their separation.
- October 2024: Sutton Foster files for divorce from her husband of ten years, screenwriter Ted Griffin.
- January 2025: Hugh and Sutton are spotted holding hands in Santa Monica, essentially confirming what everyone suspected.
Was it an Affair?
This is where things get messy. Deborra-Lee Furness hasn't sat down for a "tell-all" interview, but she hasn't been silent either. In late 2024, she "liked" a video on Instagram that alleged Hugh had "blindsided" her by running off with a mistress. That’s a pretty loud move for someone who usually stays out of the gossip fray.
Some sources insist it was an emotional affair that began during the run of The Music Man (2021-2023). Others say it didn't turn romantic until after both had already decided to end their respective marriages. Whatever the exact start date, the overlap is hard to ignore. Sutton was still married to Ted Griffin when the rumors first reached a fever pitch, and Hugh was still "happily" posting anniversary tributes to Deborra-Lee just months before their split.
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It sucks to think about, but even the "nicest man in Hollywood" isn't immune to the complications of long-term marriage and new sparks.
Life in 2026: Engagement and New Beginnings
Fast forward to right now. It is January 2026, and the "secret" is long gone. Hugh and Sutton are no longer sneaking around side doors in New York City.
Just a few days ago, the couple was photographed on a New Year's getaway in Costa Rica. They weren't just grabbing coffee; they were full-on packing on the PDA in the surf. Recent reports from outlets like New Idea and PerthNow suggest that Hugh has already popped the question. Word is there’s a diamond solitaire involved, though they’re keeping the official announcement under wraps until Sutton’s divorce from Ted Griffin is fully finalized.
Basically, they are living in a bubble. Insiders say Hugh has never been happier, and he's even told his team to clear a massive window in his 2026 schedule for a potential summer wedding and a honeymoon tour of Europe.
What This Means for Deborra-Lee
While Hugh is planning a second act with a Broadway star who shares his love for the stage, Deborra-Lee is reportedly focused on her own "evolution." She’s been traveling—Bhutan was a big trip for her recently—and leaning on a tight-knit circle of friends.
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The divorce settlement hasn't been entirely smooth. With an estate worth an estimated $250 million and no prenup (because she was the bigger star when they married in 1996), the financial negotiations have been tense. Reports suggest the "financial stalemate" was partly fueled by the hurt feelings surrounding Hugh’s immediate pivot to Sutton.
The Takeaway
If you're looking for a villain, it’s rarely that simple. Marriages of 27 years don't usually end because of one person; they often end because the foundation had cracks that a new person just made more obvious.
Hugh Jackman didn't just "leave his wife for a younger model"—Sutton Foster is a 50-year-old Tony winner and an absolute powerhouse in her own right. They seem to have found a deep, shared language in theatre and performance that perhaps was missing in his previous chapter.
Next Steps for You:
If you're following this story, keep an eye on the New York County Supreme Court filings. Once Sutton’s divorce is "Disposed," expect a formal engagement announcement or a surprise "small, intimate" wedding in late spring. You can also watch for Hugh's upcoming press tour for Song Sung Blue—now that they've made their red carpet debut, Sutton will likely be right there by his side.