Hugh Jackman Met 13-Year Older Wife When She ‘Definitely’ Avoided Men Under 30 - They Are Married for 25 Years

Hugh Jackman and fellow Hollywood star Deborra-Lee Furness are one of Hollywood's sweetest celebrity couples. However, their union almost did not work due to a decision by the actress.

Hugh Jackman has spent more than two decades as a Hollywood star. Most fans remember him for playing Wolverine in the "X-Men" series. Jackman has other hit roles to his credit, such as "The Prestige" and "Les Misérables," which earned him an Oscar nomination.

Jackman was born in Sydney, Australia, on October 12, 1968. He was the youngest of five children. After being abandoned by his mother, the actor experienced his first taste of sadness at age eight. As a result, the young Jackman was raised by his father alongside his siblings.

After his education, Jackman began his professional acting career on stage, appearing in several Melbourne musicals. He quickly rose to prominence on the world stage, with roles such as Curly in "Oklahoma!" His talent was glaring to the industry's keymen.

His acting skills soon brought him fame after he featured as the clawing mutant Wolverine in "X-Men." Following the success of his first "X-Men" film, Jackman starred in the 2001 hit movie "Swordfish," alongside other hit movies like "Kate and Leopold" and "Van Helsing."

Jackman's career and success have been recognized and rewarded. He was crowned Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine in December 2008, a title previously held by other A-list stars like Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and George Clooney.

Jackman believed the sincerity of their bond, which began before he became famous, makes them a formidable pair.

The "Logan" actor was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 13, 2012. Despite his success, Jackman's love life appears to be the best part of him. The actor has been married to actress Deborra-Lee Furness for over two decades.

MEETING HIS HEARTTHROB

Jackman enjoys a thriving relationship with his longtime spouse, Furness. However, things began several decades ago after the couple met on the set of the Australian TV series "Correlli."

Jackman was fresh out of movie school at the time and had gotten his first real gig. However, 13 years his senior, Furness was also a part of the set and already had her career up and running.

The "X-Men" star still recalls their first meeting as though it happened yesterday. According to the actor, their first encounter convinced him he had met the girl of his dreams.

Although Jackman was scared and anxious about his first job, he met the older Furness in her car, and she nicely introduced herself to him, but the young actor was smitten by her beauty.

In a joint interview on the "Aussies in Hollywood" podcast, Jackman and Furness confessed their mutual admiration for each other, having found their collaboration a delightful experience.

The duo had superb chemistry on-screen, but Jackman felt it would be unprofessional to have feelings for his leading lady. However, he realized that he was already in love with her and summoned the courage to ask her out.

Furness, on her part, tried to ignore the younger actor's feelings, adding that she had just made her new year's resolution, which was to be strict about her choice of a partner. In her words,

"I am not dating any actors and definitely not under 30."

The couple later realized they had feelings for each other and tried to keep their relationship a secret. However, after three weeks, they discovered everyone on the set was aware of their romance.

THE BIG PROPOSAL

Jackman and Furness's relationship progressed quickly, and after dating for over a year, the actor felt convinced he had found his bride. So, anxiously, "The Greatest Showman" star planned a special proposal.

Jackman's moment came during breakfast one morning. The actor had planned to pop the big question midway through their meal, but his nerves got the best of him, so he went for it.

The "Logan" actor started a conversation about the weather and said the sun was almost perfect. Surprised, Furness chipped in that the weather was perfect, but stylishly, Jackman expressed it would be perfect if she agreed to marry him.

Their engagement was one big moment in their history, but their wedding was a more significant occasion. The couple had a star-studded wedding in Australia. Furness rocked a white dress for the event, which she said was the best wedding she ever attended.

Last year, Jackman shared a stunning throwback picture of their wedding day while wishing his wife a happy 25th anniversary. He captioned the post,

"Being married to you Deb is as natural as breathing. From nearly the moment we met ... I knew our destiny was to be together. In our 25 years - our love has only grown deeper."

STARTING THEIR FAMILY

Furness was 40 when the couple tied the knot, and due to her age, they decided to start trying for a baby immediately; it proved to be a heartwrenching experience for the lovebirds.

Jackman once revealed that they struggled through IVF and endured miscarriages while trying to have their kids. Although adoption was always an option, it became the only option when conception proved futile.

The couple began to find adoption options in Australia but had to move their hunt to the US due to strict laws in Australia. Jackman and Furness adopted their first child Oscar in 2000 and expanded their family with Ava in 2005.

The Hollywood stars share a close relationship with their kids, and they don't see them as adopted kids. The couple is now parents to their two young adults, and it's been a fantastic ride.

Jackman and his son, Oscar, share a deep bond that seems to grow stronger with time. The father-son duo sometimes utilizes the actor's star power to help the youngster look cool with his friends.

However, the reverse is the case with Jackman's daughter, Ava, who seems unfazed about her father's popularity. She once banned the famous actor from her ballet class because his presence was a huge distraction.

JACKMAN'S CANCER BATTLE

Although he has a thriving career and a happy family, life has not been rosy for Jackman. The actor has had to treat skin cancer five times. Each of the procedures has been on his nose and shoulder.

Thankfully, due to frequent checks and visits to the doctors, Jackman's Basal-cell carcinoma cancer is often spotted before it causes any damage beyond repair. However, with each cancer battle, "The Wolverine" actor can count on his family.

Furness has been a steady support system for her husband amidst his health concerns. According to Jackman, his wife asked him to check his nose before the growth was spotted.

The couple has not only enjoyed good times together but has bonded in dark and trying times. All these experiences make them one of Hollywood's most enviable couples.

JACKMAN'S BONDED FAMILY

Jackman and Furness's 25-year-old marriage is still as fun as it was when the couple began their journey several years ago. However, with their kids, the couple is having even more fun.

Jackman believed the sincerity of their bond, which began before he became famous, makes them a formidable pair. According to the actor, they work hard to keep their marriage despite their busy lives.

The father of two said the lockdown provided him and his wife a chance to build a stronger bond. They had more time to spend together and learn from each other.

Despite their age difference, Jackman believes he is the adult in their relationship. The 53-year-old told People, "I'm literally the adult in the relationship. She's just like a little kid. I'm the [one saying], 'Babe, this is not a legal parking spot."

Despite their sentiments over who the bigger person is, it is clear that the couple has mutual respect and admiration for each other, which has brought them this far.