Hugh & Deb: The Secret They Hid For 25 Years

Inside one of the most enduring yet intriguing romances in Hollywood

It’s hard to believe that a quarter of a century ago, a handsome but little-known actor by the name of Hugh Jackman managed to win the heart of iconic Aussie star, Deborra-Lee Furness.

This week, the couple celebrates their milestone silver wedding anniversary, some 26 years after Hugh plucked up the courage to admit his feelings for the formidable woman he now affectionately calls “Deb” on the set of TV series Correlli.

“Deb, she was the big star. I get picked up, and Deb is in the front seat,” Hugh recalls of their first meeting. “She took off her seatbelt and she turned around and put her hand out and took off her sunglasses … I remember thinking, I like this girl.”

A few weeks later, Hugh had well and truly developed feelings for his sultry co-star, who is almost 13 years his senior, but was worried about being seen as “unprofessional” if he acted on them. Luckily, Deb took things into her own hands – because if she hadn’t, it’s likely that they would have never become a couple!