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Hugh Jackman Makes Rare Comment About His and Deborra-Lee Furness’ 2 Kids

Song Sung Blue star Hugh Jackman shared insight into whether his and ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness’ kids Oscar and Ava plan to follow in his acting footsteps in an exclusive E! News interview.

By Bentley Maddox Oct 27, 2025 8:37 PMTags
Watch: Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster Make Red Carpet Debut as a Couple

From now on, Hugh Jackman wants whatever is best for his kids.

The Greatest Showman star revealed whether his and ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness’ two kids Oscar Maximilian, 25, and Ava Eliot, 20, will follow in their parents’ acting footsteps.

“They'd both be very good, but I don't know,” Hugh told E! News’ Francesca Amiker Oct. 26 in an exclusive interview at the 2025 AFI Fest Presented by Canva world premiere of his and Kate Hudson’s new movie Song Sung Blue. “I just want them to do what they love.”

But while the Wolverine actor—who finalized his divorce from Deborra-Lee in June—may not be totally sure about his kids’ future, he certainly is focused on supporting whatever it may be. Indeed, he and his ex noted that family was their “highest priority” when announcing their separation in September 2023 after 27 years of marriage.

Before then, Hugh—who made his red carpet debut with girlfriend Sutton Foster at the Song Sung Blue premiere—had been vocal about emphasizing to his kids how blessed they were. 

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Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster Make Red Carpet Debut as a Couple

"My kids have so many advantages," he told People in 2018. "And I want them to know that they have a responsibility to use those advantages to help others."

Hugh, 57, added, "My kids are constantly reminded about how lucky we are in our family. We're ridiculously blessed. We live in a beautiful home in places that other people dream of."

For her part, Deborra-Lee, 69, has also given a peek into her dynamic with her kids. 

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"It's so interesting being a parent, and they've both made me smarter than I think I ever could have been on my own," she told People in 2020. "But when you're a parent, you can't lie to them or yourself. They will shine a light on every one of your flaws, your Achilles heel, whatever.”

Noting her eagerness to be her best version for her kids, Deborra-Lee added, “You've got to look at yourself."

Read on for a look back at some of Hugh and Deborra-Lee’s family moments… 

Instant Attraction

The Sydney-born actors first met in 1995 on the set of the Australian TV series Correlli.

Corelli's Most Wanted

After a few drinks one night, Hugh admitted to his costar that he was crushing on her—as was the rest of the crew.

True Love

To his pleasant surprise, Deborra returned the sentiment. Somehow, we are not surprised.

A Couple of Kids

The pair were all smiles in 1997, about a year after they tied the knot.

Can't Keep His Hands to Himself

The two embraced each other during a sweet moment.

Sweet Cheeks

Not long after their 10th wedding anniversary, the Australian stars were still hot for each other.

Hollywood Outing

Deborra and daughter Ava Eliot and son Oscar Maximillian supported Hugh at his handprint and footprint ceremony in Hollywood in 2009.

Family Moment

Deborra and her kids were proud to cheer Hugh on at the ceremony at Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

New York Charity Event

The family posed with Vivica A. Fox at the 7th annual Istar Charity Shootout at NYC's Madison Square Garden in 2009.

Black Tie Preferred

The then-couple attended the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House in 2013. 

The Night They MET

The classy couple were dressed to the nines at the 2014 Met Gala.

Lovely Family

The family enjoyed quality time at Disneyland. 

Still Soaring

Deborra was Hugh's date at the Eddie the Eagle premiere in Sydney in 2016. 

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