From Broadway Co stars to Real Life Romance Sutton Foster and Hugh Jackman's Love Story
The bond between Sutton Foster and Hugh Jackman began as a friendship before evolving into a romantic connection.
Though Foster and Jackman were acquainted through their shared profession on Broadway, their friendship deepened considerably once they were cast together in the 2022 Broadway revival of The Music Man. Spending over a year performing together, Foster and Jackman developed a close relationship.
“He is widely known for being exceptionally diligent, remarkably kind, and extraordinarily giving—and every part of that reputation holds true. He puts everyone at ease and never makes himself the center of attention,” Foster praised her fellow performer in a June 2022 conversation with Vogue. “He has now become one of my closest companions, which was unexpected, as one typically approaches these situations hoping for basic compatibility. However, we recently observed Memorial Day together with our families. It’s genuinely delightful to forge new friendships past the age of 40.”
When Jackman and Foster first encountered each other, both were involved in other committed relationships. The star of Deadpool and Wolverine was wed to his long-standing partner, Deborra-Lee Furness, while Foster was married to Ted Griffin. In September 2023, Jackman and Furness publicly declared their separation after nearly three decades of marriage. The subsequent year saw Foster initiate divorce proceedings from Griffin.
In November 2024, Us Weekly disclosed that Jackman ended his marriage to Furness reportedly due to the actor’s “involvement” with Foster.
“Many individuals within the Broadway community were aware, and we maintained discretion because both of them are such pleasant and admirable individuals,” an insider revealed exclusively to Us at the time. “Everyone respected their personal space. Nevertheless, there was an affair and a period of overlap.”
A mere two months later, Jackman and Foster publicly acknowledged their romantic link during an evening outing in Los Angeles.
Continue below for the comprehensive timeline of Jackman and Foster’s relationship:
2008
Jackman attended a showing of Shrek: The Musical, a production in which Foster portrayed Princess Fiona. The two shared a pleasant photograph backstage.
2014
While serving as host for the 68th Annual Tony Awards, Jackman and Foster engaged in a dance amidst the audience.
2019
Jackman and Foster were announced as the primary cast members for the forthcoming revival of The Music Man.
November 2021
Two years after their roles were announced, preparations for The Music Man commenced. Both Foster and Jackman shared glimpses from behind the scenes as they got ready to perform together.
“Broadway, we are on our way,” Jackman posted on Instagram along with a video clip of the cast rehearsing a musical number. “And here’s a preview of what we’re bringing.”
December 2021
The pair graced the stage together for the initial time when The Music Man began its preview performances.
February 2022
Foster and Jackman appeared together on the red carpet for the musical's official opening night.
March 2022
Jackman orchestrated a surprise for Foster on stage, encouraging the audience to sing "Happy Birthday" to his fellow performer during their curtain call.
“Hugh Jackman is a mischievous, dreadful, YET WONDERFUL person,” the actress wrote in the caption of the Instagram Reel showcasing the thoughtful gesture. “He got the entire crowd to serenade me last night.”
June 2022
The collaborators attended the 75th Tony Awards where they delivered a joint performance from The Music Man. The production was nominated for Best Revival, with both Jackman and Foster also receiving nominations for Best Actor and Actress respectively. The show ultimately did not win any awards.
January 2023
The Broadway run of The Music Man concluded after playing for over a year.
September 2023
Jackman and Furness, who are parents to two adopted children, disclosed their separation after 27 years of marriage.
“We have been fortunate to experience nearly three decades together as husband and wife in a beautiful, loving union. Our journey is now evolving, and we have chosen to part ways to pursue our individual growth,” the former couple stated in a shared announcement to People at the time. “Our family has been and will always remain our foremost priority. We embrace this next phase with thankfulness, affection, and kindness. We deeply appreciate your consideration in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition in all aspects of our lives.”
October 2024
Approximately a year after Jackman's separation announcement, Us confirmed that Foster had initiated divorce proceedings from Griffin just days before what would have marked their tenth wedding anniversary. The former couple shares a daughter, Emily, whom they adopted in April 2017.
November 2024
One month after news emerged of Foster's split from Griffin, Us reported that Foster and Jackman were romantically involved. A source informed Us that the couple was “happier than they had ever been.”
January 2025
Jackman was observed at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, providing support to Foster during the final week of her West Coast performances in Once Upon a Mattress. A few days subsequent to the show, the pair publicly confirmed their romance when they were photographed holding hands during an outing in Los Angeles.
October 2025
Foster and Jackman made a rare joint appearance at Richard Marx’s concert in New York City, where they posed for a photograph with Marx and Daisy Fuentes. Later that evening, Jackman joined Marx on stage for a duet performance.
Days later, Jackman and Foster made their inaugural red carpet appearance as a couple, attending the Hollywood premiere of Jackman’s new film, Song Sung Blue, for a night out together.
