Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster have taken their relationship public, marking the new year with their first official appearance together since both endured high-profile divorces. The Tony-nominated stars, who previously starred together on Broadway’s revival of The Music Man, were spotted enjoying dinner hand-in-hand on January 6, 2025, at a restaurant in Santa Monica, California.
This latest outing sparked significant media attention and speculation about their relationship status after both actors had been through significant transitions in their personal lives. Jackman announced his separation from wife Deborra-Lee Furness after 27 years of marriage on September 15, 2023, stating, “We have been blessed to share almost three decades together as husband and wife... Our family has been and always will be our highest priority.” The couple's split was characterized as amicable, with both expressing gratitude as they shift toward independent lives.
Shortly after Jackman’s announcement, Foster too began to navigate her own relationship changes. She filed for divorce from her husband Ted Griffin, after ten years of marriage, around October 2024. Insiders reported at the time of her split, “They are 100 percent together and want to spend the rest of their lives together,” highlighting the blossoming connection between her and Jackman.
The couple’s history dates back to their time together on Broadway. Their chemistry was undeniable during their performances, which ran from December 2021 to January 2023, and both actors received Tony nominations for their roles. Foster previously described Jackman as “one of my best friends,” and praised his work ethic and kindness, saying, “It’s really fun to meet new friends after 40.” Jackman also expressed admiration for Foster, noting her significant accomplishments and expressing pride in their friendship.
Rumors of their romantic connection began circulating during their time on stage together. Anonymous sources asserted, “Sutton and Hugh’s relationship is the reason Hugh and Deborra-Lee Furness got divorced,” as speculation intensified surrounding their personal lives. Reports from tabloid outlets hinted at the timeline of their relationship's evolution, which includes the dramatic twilight of their respective marriages.
During their recent dinner, photographers snapped images of the couple appearing joyful and relaxed, seemingly unbothered by the media attention. They held hands and shared smiles throughout the evening, igniting excitement among fans and curious observers. Although neither Jackman nor Foster has publicly acknowledged the rumors until now, the staged yet slightly spontaneous nature of the photographs suggests they are ready to embrace their relationship openly.
This emergence of their romance has led to discussions about how Jackman’s public image might be affected. Known for his charm and kindness, he has built up one of the most favorable reputations in Hollywood. Following the emergence of affair rumors, both stars aim to shape the narrative around their relationship actively. Media outlets, including People, have taken steps to showcase the more favorable aspects of their connections, avoiding sensational headlines about infidelity.
With Jackman soon embarking on his new tour set to kick off later this month, all eyes will be on whether Foster will make public appearances with her new partner. Fans speculate whether she might join him on the red carpet or at future events as they navigate this new chapter together.
Their relationship, which has been built on friendship, mutual admiration, and shared talent on stage, seems poised to thrive amid the scrutiny of the public eye. Many wonder if this pair can successfully separate their blossoming personal life from the past controversies surrounding their previous marriages. Only time will tell how this high-profile couple tackles these challenges with grace and aplomb.
Jackman’s past marriage ended under the public spotlight, and the same fate may now wait for he and Foster as they continue to define their relationship moving forward. The personal transformations of both actors are not just simply parallel stories; they are closely intertwined with the drama of the stage both have come to know well.
With the curtain lifted on their real-life romance, the transition from friendship to partnership symbolizes both actors’ readiness to embrace new elements of their journeys.