Hugh Jackman breaks silence after split from wife and says it's 'difficult time'

16 September 2023 , 17:42

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Hugh Jackman breaks silence after split from wife and says it's 'difficult time'

Hugh Jackman has said it's a "difficult time" following the announcement earlier this week that he's separating from his wife of almost three decades, Deborra-Lee Furness.

The actor, 54, shared his thoughts on the situation whilst out in New York City on Saturday, when he was approached by paparazzi. It comes following a joint statement issued by the former couple just days ago, confirming their split.

Hugh and his estranged wife, 67 - who have two children together - revealed that they had decided to separate in the statement. The former couple said they will pursue "individual growth" after almost three decades together.

It was announced recently that Hugh Jackman (right) and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness (left) are separating (Getty Images for Michael Kors)

Hugh was asked about the kind of "individual growth" he would be pursuing by a photographer recently in footage obtained by TMZ. The actor - who's appeared in films like X-Men (2000) and Les Misérables (2012) - was out in the city.

Following the question, Hugh responded to the photographer whilst walking past: "It doesn't feel quite right talking about it on the street but I appreciate your thoughts, man." The actor is then heard adding: "It's a difficult time ..."

Hugh Jackman and wife Deborra-Lee hold hands as they enjoy night out in Paris

Deborra-Lee was spotted in the city just a few days ago, prior to the announcement about their separation. She seemingly didn't sport her wedding ring at the time, with her having been photographed getting into a vehicle.

The two actors have been married for almost three decades (Getty Images)

The former couple shared the news in a joint statement earlier this week (Getty Images)

The former couple were reportedly last seen out together whilst at Wimbledon in the UK over the summer. Hugh and Deborra-Lee were spotted in the audience at a tennis match during the annual tournament back in July this year.

Earlier this week, the pair issued a joint statement, which was initially shared with People. Their marriage was described as "wonderful" and "loving," though the statement announced that the pair had decided to separate.

The statement read: "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 former couple further commented.

Hugh and his wife are said to have met in around 1995. The two actors got married the following year and have since welcomed two children into the family, with them now parents to Oscar Jackman, 23, and Ava Jackman, 18.

Joel Leaver