Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness separate after 27 years of marriage - ‘Gratitude, love, and kindness’

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness have announced their separation after almost 30 years together. Photo / Getty Images

Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness have split after nearly 30 years of marriage.

The Wolverine actor, 54, and his 67-year-old partner, who wed in 1996 and have two adoptive kids – Oscar Maximilian Jackman, 23, and 18-year-old Ava Eliot Jackman – announced on Friday in a joint statement they have decided to part ways, telling fans they felt “blessed” for the time they had together.

Speaking to People magazine the former couple said, “We have been blessed to share almost 3 decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage.

“Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth. Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness.

“We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition in all of our lives.”

Hugh Jackman and wife Deborra-Lee Furness had become one of the most beloved couple's in Hollywood. Photo / Getty Images

The pair signed off as “Deb and Hugh Jackman” and concluded: “This is the sole statement either of us will make.”

The former couple met on the set of TV series Correlli in their native Australia in 1995 and their marriage was thought to be one of the strongest in showbiz.

They were regularly spotted out together, including on rides around New York City in scooters and swimming in the Hamptons.

One of The Greatest Showman star Jackman’s last Instagram posts with his now-estranged wife was when they attended the Met Gala together in May.

The reason for their split is currently unclear however, they often faced trolling over their 13-year age-difference.

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In 2014, Deborra said she felt it was an insult to tell her that she was “lucky” to be married to the younger actor.

She told Woman’s Weekly: “That to me is a putdown. (It’s) like you suggesting I won (a)… raffle. I think we create our own destiny.

“When people look at my life, they don’t know the challenges (I face), just like I don’t know someone else’s (challenges.)”