Daily TribuneFormer “Music Man” co-stars step into the spotlight as a couple
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster perform a number from "The Music Man" onstage at the 75th Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on 12 June 2022 in New York City.
Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions/AFP
From the People Magazine article "Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster Step Out Hand-in-Hand for Dinner Date in L.A. (Exclusive)"
Photo by The Image Direct
NEW YORK, NEW YORK Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster attend the 75th Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on 12 June 2022 in New York City.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions/AFP
Hugh Jackman is embracing a new chapter in his personal life, stepping out with actress and Broadway star Sutton Foster following his split from Deborra-Lee Furness after 27 years of marriage. The pair, who starred together in the 2022 Broadway revival of The Music Man, have been seen together multiple times in recent months, fueling speculation about their blossoming romance.
Jackman and Furness announced their separation in September 2023, stating that they had chosen to "pursue their individual growth" while maintaining their commitment to family. In a joint statement, the former couple, who married in 1996, expressed their gratitude for nearly three decades together, emphasizing their dedication to handling the transition with kindness and respect.
Meanwhile, Sutton Foster finalized her divorce from screenwriter Ted Griffin in October 2024, ending a 10-year marriage. The two former co-stars now appear to be exploring a romantic connection, having shared a deep professional bond while working on The Music Man.
The duo was recently spotted enjoying a dinner date in Santa Monica, California, on 6 January, where they arrived together, hand in hand. Jackman, 56, kept things casual in a dark jacket, while Foster, 49, opted for a chic tan trench coat over an olive dress.
Jackman also attended one of the final performances of Foster’s musical Once Upon a Mattress on 4 January, showing his support from the audience alongside Broadway legend Carol Burnett.
While neither Jackman nor Foster has publicly commented on their relationship, their increasing time together suggests a growing closeness beyond their shared love for the stage.
According to a RadarOnline report, sources claim that Jackman tends to be drawn to strong, influential women—a dynamic that mirrors his long marriage to Furness. Insiders suggest that Foster plays a guiding role in Jackman’s life and career, particularly as he shifts focus back to Broadway-style performances.
One source stated:
“Hugh plays an alpha male in movies, but his heart belongs to Broadway. He and Sutton speak the same language on that stuff, and they’re taking each other to new heights because of that common thread.”
Jackman’s well-documented struggles with childhood abandonment issues—his mother, Grace McNeil, left him and his siblings when he was eight years old—are believed to influence the type of partners he is drawn to. Insiders speculate that Foster’s strong personality provides a sense of security that Jackman subconsciously seeks in relationships.
With his personal life taking a new direction, Jackman is also gearing up for a return to the stage. His upcoming "From New York, with Love" concert series at Radio City Music Hall is set to run throughout 2025, offering fans a glimpse into his passion for live performances.
As for his relationship with Foster, only time will tell how their romance will evolve. But for now, the duo appears to be enjoying their time together, embracing a fresh start after their respective breakups.
