Hugh Jackman is facing some serious scrutiny over rumors of his alleged affair with Broadway star Sutton Foster, which insiders claim played a significant role in his divorce from his long-time wife, Deborra-Lee Furness. Just over seven months since their separation was announced, the gossip mill has kicked up quite the storm, fueling discussions about the nature of Jackman’s relationship with Foster.
Sources have alleged to US Weekly and other outlets, confirming suspicions of Jackman’s romantic entanglement with Foster. According to one insider, the connection between Jackman, 56, and Foster, 49, grew stronger during their time co-starring together in the Broadway revival of The Music Man, which opened its doors to audiences from December 2021 until January 2023. "Sutton and Hugh's relationship is the reason Hugh and Deb got divorced," revealed the source. "A lot of people on Broadway knew, and we kept it quiet because both of them are so nice and great people. Everyone respected their privacy. But there was definitely some overlap."
The news sheds light on what some insiders are calling "Broadway's worst-kept secret." Claims continue to arise indicating Jackman and Foster’s relationship might have blossomed right under Furness’s nose. Sources reveal Furness, 68, was reportedly "blindsided" when she learned of the affair, likening the experience to being the last one to discover the secret of her husband’s relationship, which many others were aware of. Is it reasonable to ponder how such secrets can exist for so long, especially among familiar circles like Broadway?
The love story reportedly began between Jackman and Foster during the rehearsal period of The Music Man. Their roles paralleled the characters they portrayed: Jackman as Professor Harold Hill and Foster as Marion Paroo. Over the course of the show, the friendship developed through pre-show rituals and private talks. Foster has even spoken publicly about their bond, noting Jackman as one of her closest friends, which added to the complexity of their shared experiences. During their press tours, Jackman expressed admiration for Foster, telling Late Night with Seth Meyers, "This is a six-time Tony nominee, two-time winner. I’ve watched everything she’s done, it’s amazing."
This closeness turned romantic, and rumors soon curdled with the announcement of Jackman and Furness's split, which followed nearly three decades of marriage. The couple shares two adopted children, Oscar, 24, and Ava, 19, and celebrated their 27th anniversary just months before their separation was made public. The couple’s announcement mentioned, poker-faced, "Our Journey Now Is Shifting," but the shift appeared far more tumultuous than anticipated.
Simultaneously, Foster was wrapped up in her own marital troubles. Shortly after the revelations about Jackman’s alleged affair surfaced, she filed for divorce from her husband, screenwriter Ted Griffin, with whom she shares an adopted daughter, Emily, 7. The alignment of these events has led many to speculate about just how intertwined the two couples’ fates have become. Are these two splits more than mere coincidence?
Gossip blogger Tasha Lustig took to Instagram to stir the pot even more. She posted, "Do y’all recall when I told you this man was up to no good?" stirring conversation surrounding the newfound romance and the outcomes of their respective divorces. Lustig's commentary received notable traction, with Furness liking the post, hinting at her awareness of the situation. Amanda de Cadenet, Foster's friend, chimed in, promoting the notion of hope for Furness post-separation, stating, "My beloved friend Deb is about to have her glow up any moment."
Jackman's actions just prior to the separation appeared brazen. Reports indicate he orchestrated actions seemingly distinct from his public persona as the ideal family man—the image he crafted during his long marriage. A well-connected Broadway source reluctantly shared, "Hugh's entire image is the nicest guy in Hollywood, so he doesn't know how to handle this." Could this duality signal the emotional conflict underlying Jackman's personal life?
But what about the impact on the families involved? Furness's close associates noted her devastation at the sudden changes. A friend reportedly remarked, "I think many people were shocked [Hugh] could do this to her, especially as she’s the mother of his children, and they’ve navigated three decades of life together. A little respect may be expected."
Meanwhile, Jackman and Foster are apparently enjoying their new relationship, according to various sources who claim both are now living together blissfully, albeit separately due to family obligations. "They are 100 percent together and are in love and want to spend the rest of their lives together," said one insider, illuminating another layer to this complicated web of relationships.
At the heart of it all lies the question: How do relationships evolve behind the curtain, and what of the consequences? The public has watched the duo closely over the years, and with their apparent happiness post-divorce, it brings forth more inquiries than certainty. Will Jackman and Foster’s relationship endure the scrutiny of public opinion? And will Furness find her own path to healing?
Despite the latest developments, it remains to be seen how the impact of such changes will ripple through the Broadway community and beyond. The ripples of personal choices and professional intertwinements create narratives rich with emotion—love, betrayal, heartbreak, but perhaps also rejuvenation. For the time being, it appears Jackman and Foster revel together, moving forward without purely reflecting on the past. Will they be able to turn their new chapter together under the spotlight and continue to shine?