**The whispers around Hollywood** just got louder: was Hugh Jackman’s marriage to Deborra-Lee Furness brought to an end by his rumored affair with Broadway star Sutton Foster?
**It’s been nearly 30 years** since Hugh and Deborra-Lee became one of Hollywood’s rare enduring couples, but the September 2023 announcement of their split left fans stunned.
**The rumors**, though, are taking a darker twist, as insiders suggest an affair with his former *Music Man* co-star, Sutton Foster, may be the true cause.
**The clues are subtle but damning**. Gossip started swirling when Deborra-Lee’s private Instagram account “liked” a video by blogger Tasha Lustig, posted on October 26, claiming Hugh was “running off with the mistress.”
**“Running off” wasn’t the only eyebrow-raiser**; Lustig also alleged that Hugh and Sutton were planning a “soft launch” of their relationship, according to *Us Weekly*.
**Adding fuel to the fire**, Deborra-Lee’s close friend Amanda de Cadenet commented on the same post, affirming, “You are on point with this one.”
**Was this cryptic endorsement confirmation?** Amanda continued, hinting at a potential “glow up” for Deborra-Lee, implying she’s ready to move on.
**Rewind to early 2020**. Jackman, an Australian, and Foster, a Georgia-born Broadway darling, began rehearsing for *The Music Man* revival, directed by Jerry Zaks.
**Hugh and Sutton’s roles as Harold Hill and Marian Paroo** brought them together in the iconic *Music Man*, which ran from February 2022 to January 2023 at the Winter Garden Theatre.
**An insider reveals** that the romance was evident to those around them, though it was “kept quiet” out of respect for the actors’ privacy.
**But Broadway insiders reportedly knew**, with some expressing disbelief that Hugh, Hollywood’s “nicest guy,” could keep such a scandal under wraps.
**Sources claimed Deborra-Lee’s suspicions started** during the run of the show, with one insider revealing she was “blindsided” by the rumors.
**Deborra-Lee’s reaction was reportedly of shock and betrayal**, especially since friends say she only found out after others in the Broadway community had been talking.
**One close friend explained**, “For a woman who’s been married 27 years to discover her partner wasn’t faithful, it’s a shattering experience.”
**While Hugh’s reputation as a Hollywood good guy** remains, friends close to Deborra-Lee suggest that there might have been a lack of “respect” during this difficult time.
**Hugh and Deborra-Lee’s relationship was once celebrated** as one of the strongest in showbiz.
**Their love story began on the set of the 1995 Australian drama *Correlli***, where they played opposite each other as a convict and prison psychologist.
**Deborra-Lee, already a prominent Australian actress**, had taken a young Hugh under her wing, and their chemistry was undeniable.
**Within a year, they were married**, setting off on a 27-year journey together that spanned continents, Hollywood stardom, and two adopted children.
**As Hugh’s star rose in Hollywood**, with roles in *X-Men*, *Les Misérables*, and *The Greatest Showman*, he often credited Deborra-Lee as his rock.
**But for Sutton, Broadway was where she made her name**, even winning Tony Awards for her performances in *Thoroughly Modern Millie* and *Anything Goes*.
**By 2020, with both at the top of their game**, *The Music Man* brought Hugh and Sutton together in a whirlwind production that quickly made headlines.
**Their on-stage chemistry sparked speculation** among fans and insiders alike, although both actors kept things strictly professional—or so it seemed.
**Meanwhile, Sutton was facing her own relationship challenges**. She was married to 9-1-1 producer Ted Griffin, though their marriage was reportedly strained.
**Sutton had also been married previously**, divorcing actor Christian Borle in 2009 after three years together.
**But for all Sutton’s Broadway success**, her personal life often mirrored the turbulence of her theatrical roles.
**As for Hugh, his marriage appeared unshakable**—until, that is, rumors of his closeness with Sutton began to take shape.
**By the end of *The Music Man*’s run**, rumors were circulating that something deeper was happening between the two co-stars.
**So, was there really an affair?** According to sources close to Sutton, yes, and that was what ultimately led to Hugh and Deborra-Lee’s separation.
**One insider stated bluntly**: “Hugh and Sutton’s relationship is the reason Hugh and Deb [separated].”
**More than one Broadway source echoed this sentiment**, admitting that the supposed affair was a quiet, poorly kept secret within their circle.
**For the Broadway community, Hugh’s wholesome image only complicated things**—few could believe Hollywood’s “Mr. Nice Guy” could be caught in such a scandal.
**Despite whispers of the alleged affair**, there are hints that Hugh and Sutton have been happy since going public.
**Deborra-Lee reportedly feels betrayed**, especially since it appears she was the last to know, even as rumors swirled backstage.
**Meanwhile, Sutton’s 10-year marriage to Ted Griffin recently came to an end**, with a swift divorce filed in October 2023 in New York.
**Could this be the soft launch Lustig hinted at?** Fans and followers are keeping close tabs, waiting to see if Hugh and Sutton confirm their relationship.
**With two adopted children, Oscar and Ava**, now in their 20s, Deborra-Lee and Hugh will still be tied together by family.
**But dividing an alleged $180 million fortune** will be no small task, especially with emotions running high.
**As for Hugh’s future**, the actor remains in high demand, with projects lined up that could finally bring him to EGOT status.
**Foster, meanwhile, is starring on Broadway in *Once Upon a Mattress***, where she’ll remain through the end of November 2024.
**Neither has commented on the affair rumors directly**, leaving fans and tabloids to piece together the story themselves.
**The mystery is gripping**, with public opinion split: was this a Hollywood love story gone wrong, or simply the fallout of a complicated Broadway romance?
**Will Hugh’s reputation survive the scandal**, or has his on-stage chemistry with Foster sparked a real-life drama no one expected?
**For now, both actors remain silent**, leaving fans to speculate—and Hollywood to watch in awe at the unfolding scandal.