Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman announced their separation back in mid-September after 27 years together. Their split basically closed out the Summer of Celebrity Divorces. A source said that it had not been an easy decision for either of them and they separated because they are on “different journeys.” There were also some rumors about Hugh hooking up with Broadway actress Sutton Foster. Whatever the reason behind their split was, they appeared to be keeping things amicable, even having a family dinner together on Hugh’s 55th birthday in October.
We know that Hugh’s spent much of last year filming Deadpool & Wolverine with pal Ryan Reynolds. Deborra was also busy with a film project of her own. Force of Nature: The Dry 2 hit theaters in the US on Friday, May 10. The Australian film is a sequel to a 2020 mystery thriller based on a book series by Jane Harper. Deborra co-stars in it with Anna Torv and Eric Bana. During a recent screening in NYC, Deborra spoke with People about her tough 2023, sharing that in the wake of her separation, she’s learned that she’s “strong and resilient.”
Deborra-lee Furness has been doing a little introspection over the past year. The Australian actress, 68, opened up about what she’s learned about herself following recent changes in her life — including her high-profile split from Hugh Jackman in September 2023 after almost three decades of marriage.
“[I learned] that I’m strong and resilient,” Furness told PEOPLE at the New York special screening of Force of Nature: The Dry 2. “And that I — we are all a constant evolution.”
Despite this, there are still some things that Furness can count on to stay the same — including her support from kids Oscar Maximilian, 23, and Ava Eliot, 18, whom she shares with Jackman. She said that the two are “thrilled” for her new film and have already watched it “several times already.”
“They’re very supportive of any pursuits,” she said. “We’re all supportive of each other in any artistic pursuit that we do.”
One of the artistic pursuits she enjoys doing is portraying a “strong” female lead in her projects. She said that she was particularly “drawn” to starring in Force of Nature: The Dry 2 because of its “female driven ensemble of actors.”
“I love playing women that are great role models for younger girls,” Furness said. “Women are great leaders or women can do this. So, I like to play women who’ve got something to say.”
”I’m strong and resilient…we are all a constant evolution.” I love that sentiment and that she’s so positive about learning and growing from her personal struggles. It can be so hard to have such insight when you’re hurting or going through something difficult. If her divorce with Hugh really is as amicable as it appears to be, it’s probably made the healing process a little bit easier. I do hope that she’s doing well. It sounds like she has a good support system in place.
Also, I had no idea about The Dry or its sequel! I love mystery thriller films, so I’m interested in streaming the first one. Hearing that it’s a “female-driven ensemble” is a plus, too. Is it any good? The Internet tells me that it’s not streaming for free on any of the platforms I subscribe to, but it is available for rent on Prime Video. I have a little life-hack for Prime Video rentals. If I don’t need something from Amazon right away, I’ll choose the option for the delivery day that gives you digital credits. Then, I use those credits for an eBook or video rental. That’s probably how I’ll end up watching The Dry.
Photos credit: Brandon Voight/Backgrid, Jonathan Rebboah / Panoramic / Avalon
Divorce looks GREAT on her. I’m glad she’s doing well.
Getting divorced when ultra rich is different to us poor people. Deb didn’t seem to court the spotlight so she’ll go on. Whatever their marriage was, they have two lovely children.
I adore the Dry. Both the book and movie. I can’t wait for the sequel movie. If you like mysteries also check out Dervla McTiernan. She is a delightful human, so lovely, kind and an amazing writer. I love her books.
There’s lots of great Australian mystery authors.
People forget that she had a very successful career of her own before the advent of Hugh in her life. She’s decided to prioritize herself again and that’s a good thing.
I know all about her career prior. I’ve actually watched Corelli and other things she’s been in. But don’t pretend this is anything to do with her career.
I love Jane Harper’s books. I had no idea that there was a movie series being made out of them. I wonder why they’re calling it a female driven cast, though, the main character is a male detective.
Jane Harper is an exceptional writer, and I love her books. The movie version of The Dry was well done, and I’m looking forward to the next installment with Deb (and ANNA TORV!) in it.
In Force of Nature, the pool of suspects are all women who went on some nature retreat together, so I believe that’s what it’s referring to. The Dry is not female driven and, as you said, the detective who appears in both books is a man.
Love her and I’m glad she’s doing well. She seems like someone it would be a complete blast to hang our with!
She was part of a documentary about changing the adoption laws in Australia and I thought the same thing! She seems really cool, had her own projects going on. I thought it was a shame most Americans think of her only as “wife of”.
Is it just the photo selection or she really only has one facial expression. Her face looks completely destroyed by surgery.
Honestly, I think it must be very hard to have such a handsome and in-demand man as a husband. Not that she’s terrible looking, but just a normally beautiful and talented person would still have issues. I’m sure being derided by people for all those years because of that took a toll on her self esteem (it would mine!), and I bet she probably did have some unnecessary surgeries.
I’m glad she’s finding her way back to her passions now, she deserves it!
I’ve seen both her and Hugh up close as I work in theatre and let me tell you she has the most amazing skin IRL – it truly is lit from within.
Yes she’s had face work but you don’t get that kind of skin from surgery alone.
I asked her MUA what skin care are she uses and was told it was all Cle de Peau, which is all kinds of expensive.
Honestly, her skin looks like angels wept on her face is so beautiful and glowy.
Hugh however looks appropriately craggy for his age and his nose has lots of pock marks and some scarring from some skin cancer removals.
He’s gorgeous mind you and one of the most friendly, inclusive and energetic Actors you’ll ever meet.
He truly has that star quality aura surrounding him – and so does she actually – even if she’s not as open and gregarious as he is.
Agree with the comment above about divorce looking good on her too!
Happy to see her doing well.
Glad to hear from her, I hope she’s doing well. Have we heard any more from Hugh and Sutton?
The 1987 film Shame that she is the lead in is a great movie. A little dated now in parts but still really powerful. She is fabulous in it.