Sophia Michaels
For almost three decades, Deborra-Lee Furness has been recognized primarily as the partner of renowned actor Hugh Jackman, celebrated for his dynamic career that spans from Broadway performances to his iconic role as Wolverine in ten movies over twenty years.
While supporting him at numerous events and choosing to prioritize their family over her own acting ambitions, Garnett is also an accomplished actress in her homeland of Australia, where she achieved fame long before Jackman became a household name.
Despite being once considered one of Hollywood’s strongest pairings, their relationship has faced significant challenges, including rumors of infidelity. Nevertheless, Furness has embraced her independence, stepping into a new phase of her life that remains full of potential. Read on to explore the journey behind Deborra-Lee Furness’ noticeable transformation.
She started her career in Australian television news
Growing up in Melbourne with a single mother who instilled in her the belief that she could achieve anything, Deborra-Lee nurtured dreams of acting. Her mother encouraged her to gain secretarial skills as a safety net, leading Furness to a job as an assistant to Channel 9’s news director after completing secretarial training.
Furness candidly confessed her lack of proficiency in that role, but was ultimately promoted to researcher and then began on-air reporting for a groundbreaking all-female news show named “No Man’s Land.” Excitement soon led her to realize her true passion lay in acting, prompting her to move to New York for formal training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, which she described as transformative.
Following her studies, she returned to Australia and began making her mark in acting, featuring in popular series like “The Flying Doctors” and the soap opera “Neighbours,” with even greater successes on the horizon.
A severe car accident almost ended her career
In 1987, Deborra-Lee Furness experienced a major breakthrough when she was cast in a guest role on the American soap “Falcon Crest.” This opportunity marked her first role outside Australia.
However, just as her acting career began to flourish, she suffered a serious car accident that left her contemplating retirement from the profession. Facing extensive injuries, including the potential amputation of her foot, Furness believed her chance to act was over.
Yet, hope emerged when a casting agent presented her with a script for an Australian film, insisting she was the right fit for the leading role. After reading the script and feeling a connection, she took on the part and succeeded in overcoming her adversity.
She rose to fame with the Australian thriller Shame
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Deborra-Lee Furness gained significant recognition for her role in “Shame,” a 1988 film where she played Asta Cadell, a determined motorcycle-riding attorney in a small Outback town. When not waiting for her bike’s repairs, she steps in to assist young women threatened by local thugs. After discovering a sexual assault victim among them, she uses her skills to fight back against their aggressors.
“Shame” was celebrated as an iconic film in Australia and received high praise in the U.S. as well. Critic Kevin Thomas from the Los Angeles Times described it as “blunt and angry,” highlighting Furness’s captivating performance. This role propelled her to fame in both Australia and the U.S., where she was recognized as a notable newcomer by The New York Times.
