Last updated on: January 29, 2025
Deb Norrington and later Debora-Lee Furness is a renowned Australian actress and producer known for her extensive career in entertainment and her activism for children’s rights. She rose to fame in the 1990s and later increased her popularity after marrying actor Hugh Jackman. Here is an overview of her life, career, and updates.
Quick Facts About Deborra-Lee Furness
| Full Name | Deborra-Lee Furness |
| Birthdate | November 30, 1955 |
| Occupation | Actress, Producer, Advocate |
| Husband/Wife | Hugh Jackman (married 1996–2023) |
| Education | Studied at the University of East Anglia (BA in Drama and English) |
| Age
Height |
69 years and 2 months old
1.73 m |
| Parents | Fay Duncan |
| Siblings | Not Known |
| Children | Oscar Maximilian Jackman, Ava Eliot Jackman |
| Net Worth | Estimated combined $250 million (with Hugh Jackman) |
Early Life and Career
Deborra-Lee Furness was born on November 30, 1955, in Sydney, Australia. She is a product of the lively city and began to pursue acting early in life. Her breakthrough in acting came through the Australian television series Correlli. This is where she met her future husband, Hugh Jackman, in 1995. She and Hugh instantly connected, and they got married in April 1996 just a year after meeting.
Career Highlights
Deborra-Lee Furness has had a diverse career in show business. She has acted in several shows and movies, thus proving her versatility as an actress. Some of her known works include the following:
Television : She is best known for acting in Correlli and Stark, where she came to prominence for her talents. While in her career, she has appeared in quite many other shows as a guest.
Film: Deborra-Lee appeared in films like Jindabyne (2006), Angel Baby (1995), and Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole (2010). These roles gave her recognition in the film world.
However, that is not all. Deborra-Lee has also worked behind the camera. She has acted as a producer and director, increasing her expertise in the entertainment world.
Advocacy and Children’s Rights
Outside of acting, Deborra-Lee is a dedicated advocate for adoption and children’s rights. She has been one of the foremost voices involved in promoting adoption awareness, especially in Australia. She founded National Adoption Awareness Week in Australia to highlight the importance of adoption reform and welfare concerns for children.
Her area of advocacy really is close to her heart as she and Hugh Jackman have two adopted children, Oscar and Ava. She adopted Oscar in 2000 and Ava in 2005. Deborra-Lee’s personal experience with adoption would make her an even stronger supporter of children’s rights.
Marriage to Hugh Jackman
One of the most publicized Hollywood relationships was between Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman. They married in 1996 and were together for nearly 30 years. They were such a lovely couple that they frequently appeared in public. Despite being so famous, they managed to keep much of their personal life private.
They have two adopted children: Oscar, born in 2000, and Ava, born in 2005. Both were active in the lives of their children, giving them love and support.
Separation from Hugh Jackman
After being married for nearly three decades, Deborra-Lee and Hugh Jackman announced their separation in September 2023. The news disappointed many fans but they told the public that the decision was mutual and that they respected one another. They both described their separation as amicable. Both vowed to keep focus on family while making this transition.
Their vast wealth, which is estimated to be around $250 million, has complicated the divorce. Reports indicate that there are complex financial discussions due to the lack of a prenuptial agreement. However, the couple still remains committed to co-parenting their children.
READ ALSO: Hugh Jackman Net worth, Age, Girlfriend, Family, Facts & More
Life After Marriage
Deborra-Lee has kept relatively low since the split. She was spotted attending events in public, including the Australian Open with her daughter, Ava. It has been reported that she might go back to Australia, where her roots are deep.
While Hugh Jackman has since moved on to marry Broadway star Sutton Foster, Deborra-Lee is said to have shifted her attention towards her personal life. However, she also seems to indicate that she would go ahead and continue her acting career in film projects in Australia.
Source: celebs.infoseemedia.com
