The curtain is going up on a new romance. Sutton Foster and Hugh Jackman, whose chemistry in Broadway’s The Music Man captivated fans, confirmed their relationship months after romance rumors began swirling about the pair. The couple stepped out hand-in-hand for dinner on January 6, 2025, in Santa Monica, California, showcasing their undeniable chemistry.
Hugh, dressed casually for the dinner date, wore white trousers, a grey tee, and a black zip-up jacket. Meanwhile, Sutton made heads turn with her stunning green gown and camel coat. This public outing marks their first as a couple and follows their respective splits from their former spouses. The actor announced his separation from his wife of nearly 30 years, Deborra-Lee Furness, back in September 2023, and Sutton filed for divorce from her husband of ten years, Ted Griffin, the following October.
Since their divorce announcements, speculation about the blossoming romance between Jackman and Foster has intensified. The rumors have largely been fueled by the close bond they shared during the 2022 revival of The Music Man. Foster described Jackman as having “an impeccable reputation of being the hardest working man, incredibly kind, and generous—and all of that's true.” The statement encapsulates the admiration she has for her new partner.
Sutton’s comments highlight the surprise of their friendship, noting how they genuinely enjoyed each other's company. “He’s now become one of my best friends, which was a surprise, because you usually go in thinking, ‘I hope we get along,’” she mentioned during their promotional campaigns for the musical. They even spent Memorial Day together with their families, demonstrating the depth of their bond as adults.
Further blurring the lines between their onstage characters and offstage chemistry, Sutton remarked on the moments where actors portray love on stage: “One of the things our director said early on was when you’re watching two characters fall in love, you look for the moments where they make each other smile.” She added, “It toes the line of, is it Harold and Marian, or Hugh and Sutton?” It's clear their relationship has transformed from professional admiration to something much more personal.
Jackman, too, has openly expressed his respect and admiration for Sutton. During joint appearances, he has praised her talent and charisma, calling her performances extraordinary. His enthusiastic responses when discussing Foster have only fueled public curiosity about their relationship. Notably, he shared, “I saw her do Thoroughly Modern Millie… It’s amazing,” showcasing the long-standing admiration he holds for her work.
The couple's romantic outing appeared to be effortless, with both stars enjoying their time together. Recent photos depict them gazing lovingly at each other, and their smiles suggest they are thriving during this new chapter. Observers noted how naturally they interact with one another, drawing the interest of fans who have followed their careers closely.
Since their breakups, both Jackman and Foster have focused on their families, which remain their utmost priority. Jackman shares two children, Oscar (24) and Ava (19), with his ex-wife, and Foster has her seven-year-old daughter, Emily, with Griffin. The two have handled their transitions with grace, and fans have shown support for their decisions as they explore new relationships.
Jackman and Fletcher’s chemistry did not just bloom on stage; it took root during socially shared moments and professional respect, blossoming now as romance. Their connection raises eyebrows, particularly considering the timing of their relationships, which has sparked conversations about how their romantic feelings may have developed during their collaboration on Broadway.
Foster's ex-husband, Griffin, meanwhile, honed his skill as the screenwriter for Ocean's Eleven, and details surrounding their amicable divorce have surfaced as well. Despite the bitterness surrounding personal separations, both she and Jackman appear to be moving forward positively.
Meanwhile, amid these shifts, Jackman has faced scrutiny over the relationship timeline with Foster. Accusations of romance sparking amid their onstage roles have made headlines. Some speculated about the timing of their relationships, leading to discussions on social media about whether Foster was responsible for the demise of Jackman’s marriage or vice versa.
Despite these murmurs, neither Jackman nor Foster have addressed these allegations directly, focusing instead on supporting one another as they navigate their new lives post-divorce. Their joint outings signal not only the affirmation of their relationship but also their readiness to face the world together.
Both celebrities have indicated they will persist as co-parents and make fruitful choices for their children’s futures. By embarking anew as partners, they demonstrate the adaptive and ever-evolving nature of love and respect post-marriage.
Hugh and Sutton's relationship is already being labeled as one of Hollywood's intriguing love stories. Fans from Broadway to Hollywood are celebrating their romance, which serves as both inspiration and admiration for their resilience. Who will make headlines next? Only time will tell as these two navigate this new adventure hand-in-hand.