Deborra-Lee Furness is a renowned Australian actress and producer. She is famous not only for her accomplished career in film and television but also for her marriage to actor Hugh Jackman. A graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, she has left her mark in the entertainment industry with standout performances, most notably as Asta Cadell in the film 'Shame.' Beyond her acting career, Furness is deeply involved in various social and humanitarian initiatives, earning recognition as the 'New South Wales Australian of the Year' in 2014. In September 2023, Deborra-Lee Furness and her husband, Hugh Jackman, have announced they are separating after 27 years of marriage.
Deborra-Lee Furness is a celebrated Australian actress and producer known for her career and marriage to Hugh Jackman. She's recognized for her roles in 'Shame,' 'Voyager,' 'Jindabyne,' and TV series like 'Neighbours' and 'Stark.' Furness is also a passionate advocate for adoption.
Deborra-Lee Furness was born on November 30, 1955, in Annandale, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, but she grew up in Melbourne. Her parents are Graham Duncan and Fay Duncan, with her mother, Fay, being a notable founding member of the Fight Cancer Foundation and receiving the 'Order of Australia Medal' for her contributions. Furness holds Australian nationality and is of White ethnicity. At the age of 18, she attended secretarial school, where she learned shorthand and typing, following her mother's advice to have a backup career if her acting aspirations didn't materialize. She pursued her passion for acting by studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, graduating in either 1981 or 1982.
Deborra-Lee Furness has had a long and diverse career in film and television. In 1975, she played the role of Junior 1 in an episode of the police drama series 'Division 4.' In 1985, she appeared as Linda Fielding in five episodes of the Australian soap opera 'Neighbours' and featured in the film 'Crossover Dreams' and TV series 'The Flying Doctors' and 'Glass Babies.' In 1986, she starred in three Australian films: 'Cool Change,' 'Jenny Kissed Me,' and 'The Humpty Dumpty Man.' In 1987, she portrayed Kathleen in an episode of 'Falcon Crest' and appeared in the Australian comedy film 'The Bit Part' and TV film 'A Matter of Convenience,' along with another episode of 'The Flying Doctors.'
Her breakthrough role came in 1988 when she played Asta Cadell in the film 'Shame,' earning Best Actor awards at the 'Golden Space Needle' and the 'Film Critics Circle of Australia.' She continued to appear in various films and TV series, including 'Stark' (1993), 'Correlli' (1995), 'Jindabyne' (2006), and 'Hyde & Seek' (2016). She also had roles in 'Sleepwalking' (2008) and 'Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole' (2010), among others.
Deborra-Lee Furness received recognition for her acting talent throughout her career. In 1988, she won the Golden Space Needle Award for Best Actress at the Seattle International Film Festival for her role in 'Shame,' and she also received the Film Critics Circle of Australia Award for Best Actress for the same film. In 1991, she earned a Silver Shell for Best Actress at the San Sebastián International Film Festival for 'Waiting.'
In 2000, she received a nomination for the Australian Film Institute Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Guest Role in a Television Drama Series for her work in 'SeaChange.' In 2006, she won the Film Critics Circle of Australia Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for 'Jindabyne' and was nominated for an Australian Film Institute Award for Best Supporting Actress for the same film. Her recent appearances include the TV series 'This Is Your Life: Rebecca Gibney' (2022) and the feature film 'Force of Nature: The Dry 2' (2023), where she portrayed Jill Bailey.
As an adoptive mother of two, Furness has gained recognition for her dedicated efforts in supporting orphans worldwide and facilitating international adoptions. Her advocacy extends to her native Australia, where she holds the esteemed roles of patron and co-creator of National Adoption Awareness Week, demonstrating a commitment to improving adoption processes. Furness has also taken her advocacy to the forefront by addressing the National Press Club of Australia to discuss adoption laws in the country. Beyond her national involvement, she serves as a patron for the Lighthouse Foundation, dedicated to aiding displaced children, and International Adoption Families for Queensland. Furness's impact extends globally as a World Vision ambassador and as a member of the Advisory Committee for Film Aid International, where she actively collaborates with refugees worldwide.
Deborra-Lee Furness was a married woman. She was married to actor Hugh Jackman, with their wedding ceremony taking place on April 11, 1996, at St. John's in Toorak, Victoria, a suburb of Melbourne. They first met while working together on the Australian TV show Correlli in 1995. Despite facing the challenges of two miscarriages, Furness and Jackman chose to expand their family through adoption, welcoming a son named Oscar Maximillian Jackman in 2000 and a daughter named Ava Eliot Jackman in 2005. However, in September 2023, Furness and Jackman announced their separation, and since then, she has been leading a single life.
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Deborra-lee and her husband, Hugh Jackman are ending their marriage. The duo said "We have been blessed to share almost 3 decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth." "Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness. We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition in all of our lives." The pair, who share two kids, Oscar, 23, and Ava, 18, have been married for 27 years. The two wed on April 11, 1996, and over the years became one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples.
Deborra-Lee Furness is a highly successful actress with an estimated net worth of $55 million in 2023. Currently earning an annual salary exceeding $5 million, her primary source of income derives from the entertainment industry, allowing her to lead a luxurious lifestyle. Notably, she and her former husband, Hugh Jackman, made headlines in 2012 when they invested $21 million in a triplex apartment in New York City, a residence previously listed for $40 million, representing a significant real estate acquisition. Furness also possesses an impressive car collection, which includes notable vehicles such as the Audi R8, Porsche 911 Carrera, Range Rover Vogue, and Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, further enhancing her extravagant lifestyle.
Deborra-Lee Furness is a beautiful actress known for her slim physique. She has an impressive height of 1.73 meters (5 feet 9 inches) and maintains a weight of approximately 75 kilograms (165 pounds). Her body measurements are 38-30-41 inches, complemented by a bra size of 42D. She has brown hair with the pair of brown eyes. She has got a healthy body and she maintains her body a lot.
Deborra-Lee Furness holds a 13-year age gap over her former husband, Hugh Jackman, defying the common trend in the industry where older men often partner with younger women. Their enduring marriage spanned 26 years, producing two children, and originated from their meeting in their native Australia while working on a shared TV project. Nonetheless, in September 2023, Furness and Jackman publicly announced their separation, and since then, she has embraced a single life. Addressing their age difference, Jackman humorously noted in an interview with Katie Couric, "Anyone that knows Deb, literally, I am the old fuddy-duddy of the relationship."
Deborra-Lee Furness has a substantial and diverse television career spanning several decades. Her involvement in the media industry dates back to the 1980s when she held various roles. Even before her husband, Hugh Jackman achieved his breakout role in 2000, Furness had already established herself with notable TV appearances. Her career has continued to evolve, with roles not only as an actress but also as a director and producer. She co-founded the production company Seed Productions, which has been responsible for several acclaimed projects, including the popular Australian TV series "Correlli," showcasing her enduring impact in the world of television.
Deborra-Lee Furness is a dedicated philanthropist who actively engages in a range of charitable endeavors. Her primary focus lies in advocating for adoption and tirelessly promoting the welfare of children on a global scale. Through her philanthropic efforts, she has made significant contributions to improving the lives of children and supporting adoption initiatives, showcasing her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the world.
A mother of two, Furness faced the heartache of two miscarriages, prompting her and her husband, Jackman, to embark on an adoption journey. Together, they welcomed two children into their family, a son named Oscar and a daughter named Eva. In 2014, Furness received recognition from The Australian for her dedicated advocacy and efforts in the field of adoption campaigning.