The truth about Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster’s bond

When discussing the world of international showbiz, very few partnerships have generated as much interest as Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster. The Australian star and Broadway stars have been front page of publications all over the world. Not just because of the achievement of their profession, but because they are apparently romantically involved.

For Australians who have followed Jackman’s career from Wolverine to The Greatest Showman, it is both surprising and refreshing to see a new phase of his life emerge. Let’s look at how the two stars met, explore their on-stage chemistry, and reflect on what this means for fans Down Under!

Meet Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster

Hugh Jackman: Australia’s proud export

Hugh Jackman is not only a Hollywood actor – he is also an embodiment of Australian talent and charisma. 

• Born in Sydney in 1968, Jackman started on stage and eventually broke into Hollywood. 
• Although he is best known for playing Wolverine in the X-Men movies, his first passion has always been theatre and musicals. 
• Australians remember him for his humility, quick wit, and an ingrained sense of commitment to helping others through philanthropy and local arts initiatives.

Sutton Foster: The Broadway powerhouse

Born in Georgia, USA,​ Sutton Foster is one of Broadway​’s most decorated performers. 

• She is a two-time Tony Award-winning actor for her roles in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Anything Goes, and The Music Man. 
• In addition to her theatre work, she is also a television star, shining in the role of Liza in the hit series Younger.
• Her specialties range from singing, acting, dancing, and teaching, making her a true all-around performer.

How Hugh Jackman met Sutton Foster

The connection between Jackman and Foster predates the lavish romance even more. 

Their Broadway connection

In 2019, both were cast as the stars of the highly anticipated revival of The Music Man on Broadway. 

• Jackman played the charming con-man Harold Hill, and Foster was Marian Paroo. 
• The production was delayed by the pandemic, but it opened in 2022 with rave reviews. 
• Public acknowledgment of their amazing chemistry was apparent: on-stage and behind the scenes. 

A friendship that grew over time

Their collaboration soon became an authentic friendship. 

• Together, they gave support during challenging schedules, news coverage, and milestones. 
• Behind the scenes during rehearsal, both stars witnessed the professionalism and dedication to their craft that would allow the friendship to foster.

The romance that captured the spotlight 

From Broadway co-stars to off-stage lovers

By late 2023, there was buzz around a potential romance between the two.

• Both were coming off major life events. Jackman had recently separated after 27 years of marriage to Deborra-Lee Furness, and Foster was concluding her ten-year marriage.
• What began as friendship and support had evolved.

Going public

In early 2025, when Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster were first seen out together, they were holding hands at dinner in Santa Monica.

• The couple’s first public outing as a couple.
• Since then, they have been seen publicly in New York City at more theatre events, and spending more quiet dinners together.
• Fans enjoyed seeing their real happiness, while magazines and tabloids didn’t stop speculating about their future.

The music man and undeniable chemistry 

The Broadway revival of The Music Man greatly impacted their relationship.

Highlights of their stage partnership

• Their duet “Till There Was You” became one of the season’s most discussed performances.
• The natural chemistry and emotional connection felt so apparent. 
• The production subsequently brought in numerous nominations, and both Jackman and Foster were recognised for being particular standouts.

For ‘Aussies’, it was a source of national pride to see one of their own in one of Broadway’s most high-profile shows, considering Foster’s level of esteem.

Public reaction and media buzz

The public’s reaction to the couple has been varied, but chiefly positive, overall. 

• Many Australians perceive Jackman’s new relationship as a new beginning after years of commitment and family life. 
• Some commentators on social media questioned the timing of the relationship, but both stars have opted to stay private and let their work speak for them.  
• Foster temporarily disabled comments on social media after facing backlash from fans, which speaks to the challenge of being private in the public eye. 

Despite the scrutiny, they have consistently appeared to be happy and comfortable with each other, often interacting in laughter and quiet moments away from the cameras.

Timeline of their relationship

2008: First meeting

• Jackman and Foster crossed paths backstage while performing in Shrek: The Musical, where they bonded in the Broadway community.

2019: Cast in The Music Man

• The pair found themselves cast opposite each other in The Music Man — Jackman playing Harold Hill, and Foster playing Marian Paroo. 

2020 – 2021: Production delays

• COVID-19 production delays gave Jackman and Foster an extra year or two to connect and build mutual respect.

2022: Broadway success

• The Music Man opened to rave reviews, and the chemistry on stage contributed to speculation of a romance.

2023: Jackman’s separation

• After almost 30 years of marriage, Jackman and his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, announced their split this year. 

2024: Foster’s divorce

• After years of speculation, Foster filed for divorce from her husband, Ted Griffin, marking a turning point in her life. 

January 2025: Romance confirmed

• Later, Jackman and Foster were documented holding hands at lunch, and social media reconfirmed their relationship. 

Mid-2025: Public appearances

• The rumored couple was spotted at several events together, where they were slightly relaxed, ahead of fan interactions.

October 2025: Going strong

• Their affectionate public moments spent together as a couple were noted while attending events together in New York City.

How does this chapter impact Hugh Jackman?

For Jackman, it represents a new beginning — for both his personal life and career. 

• After many years of successfully straddling cinema and theatre, he is settling into a more settled lifestyle focused on the art of acting.
• Sources also suggest that his relationship with Foster has been a catalyst for a renewed interest in the theatre and looking into different stage roles. 
• For Australians in particular, who already admired him for his loyalty and kindness, are now seeing him transition into this new phase of his life with a kind of grace and maturity.

Will they stay together? Outlook and possibilities

• Strong foundation: The years of friendship preceding the romance ground the relationship and bring depth and stability.
• Shared passion: Both love theatre and creativity, so they remain connected to or through it.
• Media pressure: Both will have to be careful to manage how public attention affects them, and how much to share publicly, to maintain their private life.
• New beginnings: Both are embarking on new ventures after successfully having long-term relationships.  It could unify them, or create a rift, although it seems to have created something real. 
• Grounded values: Jackman is grounded by his wonderful yet Australian upbringing, and this should balance their relationship.

If they continue to support each other and communicate fairly and honestly, they can almost guarantee this will last. 

Why are Aussies fascinated by the pair? 

Australians always had a soft spot for Hugh Jackman. The journey from his days on Corelli to the international stage has always been with a sense of Aussie warmth.

• His connection with Sutton Foster, in many ways, also gives fans the reminder that even the biggest stars experience personal reinvention.
• It is a story that effortlessly mixes artistry, persistence, and the courage to begin again.
• For many Australians, it is a reminder that love and creativity can carry on, even through some of life’s biggest changes.

Conclusion 

The narrative of Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster goes beyond the usual celebrity relationship. This is a transformation of two artistically inclined people who share similar values, creativity, and an honest respect for each other and the artistry of performance itself. Wherever it goes from here, Aussies will always cheer for the homegrown hero – not just for their endless success, but for staying genuinely themselves in every new chapter, regardless of life challenges they may face.