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Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster’s relationship timeline revealed

After a backstage encounter way back in 2008, Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster went from friends, to co-stars – to lovers.

Deborra-Lee Furness found 'liberation and freedom' following split from Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster went from friends to lovers.

Reports of their relationship first surfaced in late 2024, and they have since been spotted showing plenty of PDA after confirming their romance in January 2025.

The Greatest Showman star and Younger actress, however, have been acquainted for years.

Keep reading to learn more about how their friendship blossomed into more …

Early Broadway days

Hugh and Sutton, backstage at Shrek in 2008. Picture: Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic
Hugh and Sutton, backstage at Shrek in 2008. Picture: Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic
Their first Insta post together, circa 2008. Picture: hughjackman/Instagram
Their first Insta post together, circa 2008. Picture: hughjackman/Instagram

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Jackman and Foster first publicly crossed paths in 2008 when she starred as Princess Fiona in Shrek: The Musical.

The duo documented their encounter backstage with a photo.

Dance the night away

Jackman hosted the 2014 Tonys – and plucked Foster out of the crowd for a waltz. Picture: Heather Wines/CBS via Getty Images
Jackman hosted the 2014 Tonys – and plucked Foster out of the crowd for a waltz. Picture: Heather Wines/CBS via Getty Images

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In 2014, Jackman and Foster shared a dance at the Tony Awards.

At the time, the Wolverine star, who hosted the ceremony, waltzed with the actress throughout the audience while introducing the category for best performance by a leading actress in a musical.

The pair had palpable chemistry. Picture: CBS via Getty Images
The pair had palpable chemistry. Picture: CBS via Getty Images

He also danced with the other nominees.

Foster gushed over the moment via Instagram the following day, writing “This happened.”

Broadway buddies

Jackman and Foster were announced as the leads of The Music Man in 2019.

In November 2021, the X-Men star shared a behind-the-scenes look at the production via Instagram with a video from rehearsals.

Now co-stars, the pair backstage at the 2022 Tony Awards. Picture: Jenny Anderson/Getty
Now co-stars, the pair backstage at the 2022 Tony Awards. Picture: Jenny Anderson/Getty

“We’re coming your way Broadway. And here’s a sneak at what we’re packing,” he captioned the clip.

Jackman and Foster made their onstage debut together that December for previews.

They later beamed widely while walking the red carpet together for opening night in February 2022.

Dancing up a storm together in rehearsals. Picture: hughjackman/Instagram
Dancing up a storm together in rehearsals. Picture: hughjackman/Instagram
Belting it out at a 2022 curtain call. Picture: Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic
Belting it out at a 2022 curtain call. Picture: Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic

The Broadway stars performed a number from the show at the 75th Tony Awards in June 2022.

While they were nominated respectively for best actor and best actress, they didn’t secure a win.

Jackman and Foster wrapped up the musical in January 2023.

Behind the scenes of The Music Man. Picture: hughjackman/Instagram
Behind the scenes of The Music Man. Picture: hughjackman/Instagram

Respective separations

Jackman and Foster separated from their respective partners within a year of each other.

The Deadpool & Wolverine star and Deborra-Lee Furness announced they were parting ways after 27 years of marriage in September 2023.

Hugh and Sutton do a joint talk show appearance in 2022. Picture: Getty
Hugh and Sutton do a joint talk show appearance in 2022. Picture: Getty

“We have been blessed to share almost three decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage,” they wrote in a statement.

“Our journey now is shifting, and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.”

Furness filed for divorce from Jackman on May 23, 2025.

The exes share two adopted children: Oscar and Ava.

In October 2024, Foster filed for divorce from screenwriter Ted Griffin ahead of their 10th wedding anniversary, Page Six exclusively reported.

They share an adopted child.

Head over heels

At a 2022 event. Picture: Jenny Anderson/Getty
At a 2022 event. Picture: Jenny Anderson/Getty
Hugh and Deborra-Lee announced their separation in September 2023. Picture: Monica Schipper/Getty
Hugh and Deborra-Lee announced their separation in September 2023. Picture: Monica Schipper/Getty

Around the time of Foster’s divorce from Griffin, an insider told Page Six that she and Jackman were together.

“They are 100 percent together and are in love and want to spend the rest of their lives together,” the source shared.

Multiple insiders explained the two were keeping their romance out of the public eye, but claimed their relationship was “common knowledge.”

Hugh and Sutton, seen here in 2022, took their relationship public earlier this year. Picture: Jason Mendez/Getty
Hugh and Sutton, seen here in 2022, took their relationship public earlier this year. Picture: Jason Mendez/Getty

Affair rumours

Rumours of Jackman and Foster had engaged in an affair gained traction in November 2024 when a friend of Furness spoke out.

Actress Amanda de Cadenet claimed the rumours were “on point” in the comments of an Instagram post.

The co-stars cuddle up on the opening night of The Music Man, 2022. Picture: Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic
The co-stars cuddle up on the opening night of The Music Man, 2022. Picture: Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic
Sharing a laugh at an award show the same year. Picture: Bruce Glikas/Getty
Sharing a laugh at an award show the same year. Picture: Bruce Glikas/Getty

“My beloved friend Deb is about to have her glow up any moment FYI!” de Cadenet added.

Yesterday, Furness addressed her split from Jackman and “the traumatic journey of betrayal” in a statement to the Daily Mail.

She called the divorce “a profound wound that cuts deep.”

Hugh’s ex Deborra-Lee Furness yesterday spoke of the split being a “traumatic journey of betrayal.” Picture: Dia Dipasupil/Getty
Hugh’s ex Deborra-Lee Furness yesterday spoke of the split being a “traumatic journey of betrayal.” Picture: Dia Dipasupil/Getty

Hard launch

Foster and Jackman took their romance public in January 2025 when they were spotted holding hands in Santa Monica, California.

That same month, photos surfaced of the lovebirds making out in an In-N-Out drive-thru while in San Fernando, California.

The former co-stars were seen laughing and kissing in a Range Rover.

The pair has reportedly moved in together into Jackman’s NYC penthouse.

This story originally appeared on Page Six and is republished here with permission.

Originally published as Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster’s relationship timeline revealed

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/hook-ups-break-ups/hugh-jackman-and-sutton-fosters-relationship-timeline-revealed/news-story/e8b4517a3116d2058a05e7b9188f6bde