Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness | Hugh Jackman, Oscar Maximilian Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness | Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness | Source: Getty Images
It has been over two decades since Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness tied the knot, and they are still going strong despite their age difference. Over the years, the actor has been targeted by rumors claiming he's gay, but Deborra was quick to defend him.
The first time Deborra-Lee Furness met her husband, Hugh Jackman, was through the Australian TV show, "Correlli." The pair were introduced to each other as they had to work together on the show.
According to Furness, the attraction between them was instantaneous. In a past interview, she called their cooperation the "best tennis match" she had ever had and said acting with Jackman flowed perfectly.
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness at Hollywood & Highland Center on November 18, 2018 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
According to the actress, she was very "comfortable" working with him, and before long, they started seeing each other more often. Things went on normally between the two until one dinner party, where he admitted that he had a crush on her.
His confession melted her heart, and she also told him she felt the same. After they admitted to liking each other that day, they became inseparable.
Hugh Jackman and wife Deborra-Lee Furness at the "Van Helsing" premiere at Universal City in 2004 | Source: Getty Images
Speaking about their first meeting, Jackman revealed that he liked her immediately because she was able to break down all the barriers between them by introducing herself.
They had been in a car, and she was sitting in the front seat. This did not stop her from saying hi to Jackman, who was stunned by her beauty and simplicity. He said:
"I remember thinking, I like this girl."
That simple meeting and first impression have remained fresh in Jackman's mind ever since; years after it happened, he still tells the story with a smile.
Their Marriage Has Only Gotten Better
After spending two weeks together, Jackman reportedly decided that Furness was the one. According to the actress, she and Jackman had a strong connection that made her feel like she had found her soulmate.
As far as Furness is concerned, the notion that Jackman is gay is a silly one that some people have been spreading. She called it "boring."
Actors Deborrah-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman at the "Kimchi Chronicles" launch party at Spice Market on June 1, 2011 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Furness once said she knew she could relate to the person he was, and things were great between them right off the bat. "I met my soulmate," she admitted. She also believes their great start has only improved over the years, saying:
"When you find a partner in crime that you share, and you grow together… When you got kids and life…and you're loved… It's nothing better."
Actor Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborrah-Lee Furness at the George Street Greater Union Cinemas on November 18, 2008 in Sydney, Australia | Source: Getty Images
Furness and Jackman tied the knot in 1996. According to the actress, she spent a year planning and getting ready for the big event, which she has described as the "best wedding ever."
Furness said she enjoyed every second of the event, which was not very publicized because, at the time, Jackman had not yet landed his role as Wolverine. The wedding was planned in such a way that every religion was involved.
Furness grew up in a Jewish community but admitted that she is not of the faith. Regardless of her belief, she took some cues from the Jewish weddings she attended growing up because she believes they throw the best weddings.
At some point during the wedding, a giddy Jackman and Furness climbed on top of the chairs, an action that saw the Christian communities present gasping in confusion. There were many fun things at the wedding, and there could have been more, but Furness did not allow a bouncy castle which was suggested.
With such a grand wedding ceremony, it is not surprising that Jackman and Furness have maintained happiness within their household for 26 good years.
Actor Hugh Jackman attends the "The Front Runner" photo call at Crosby Street Hotel on September 24, 2018 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
The pair were originally situated in Australia after getting married but migrated to the US in the early 2000s. Following their move, they adopted two kids, a boy named Oscar and a girl named Ava.
Is Hugh Jackman Gay?
Jackman has always been loved by most of Hollywood, and there have not been many scandals directly linked to him. Indeed, Jackman has acted as befitting a man whose name is enough to incite a stampede anywhere in America.
But no celebrity can ever be completely free from rumors. In Jackman's case, a longstanding rumor claims he is gay even though most don't believe it. Furness, who spends a lot of time in the actor's company, has always found the rumor amusing, and in April, she responded lightly to it.
Deborra-Lee Furness and her son Oscar Jackman in Sydney, Australia on August 16, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
On the podcast, "Not an Overnight Success," she addressed the topic, which she referred to as "silly." She added, "If he was gay, he could be gay!"
According to Furness, Jackman had no reason to hide his sexual orientation. She said he could choose to be with attractive men like Brad Pitt if he was gay. She clarified:
"Not that Brad's gay, but you know what I'm saying!"
Oscar Jackman, Ava Jackman, actor Deborra-Lee Furness, and actor Hugh Jackman visit a general store on September 28, 2009 in Easton, Connecticut | Source: Getty Images
As far as Furness is concerned, the notion that Jackman is gay is a silly one that some people have been spreading, and she thinks it's "boring."
Furness seems to have gotten used to people perpetuating untruths about her and Jackman, partly because she is a star herself. The pair are a great match, and their love is apparent each time they talk about one another on camera or in public.
Actor Hugh Jackman, wife Deborra-Lee Furness, and their children Ava Jackman and Oscar Jackman at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on April 21, 2009 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
Some may wonder how Furness copes as the wife of a man as sexualized as her husband, but the truth is, the actress is doing just fine. In the past, she was once asked how she and Jackman get through movies where he had to do sex scenes, and she said:
"When I'm sitting in the theatre watching—especially if I'm with the kids—I feel a little uncomfortable. But also, a lot of the times, I'm very good friends with the actress he's making out with as we're making a film, we all get to know each other."
Deborra Lee Furness and children Ava and Oscar attend the handprint and footprint ceremony honoring Hugh Jackman at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on April 21, 2009 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
In the end, Furness believes all that is just "fluff." Her marriage to Jackman has lasted this long, and given how confident they are in each other, it will last for years more.
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