Sophia Michaels
Even icons face controversies occasionally. Hugh Jackman, famous for his role as “Wolverine,” and actress Sutton Foster ignited dating rumors after starring together in a major Broadway production. Their rumored romance has had a tumultuous journey thus far.
Their relationship has evolved from backstage meetings to shared performances, intertwined with whispers of infidelity affecting their previous partners. Sources suggest that their romantic connection began well before they took the stage together.
Despite public scrutiny, some insiders believe their relationship blossomed simply due to timing. “They don’t intend to make a big deal of it,” one source revealed to the Daily Mail. “They developed a close friendship while collaborating and confided in each other about personal struggles,” indicating the complexity of their professional and personal lives.
Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster’s Broadway Connection Preceded Their Collaboration
Even though they starred together in the 2022 revival of “The Music Man,” Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster had crossed paths long before this collaboration. Both are seasoned performers in theater, and their first public meeting took place backstage.
In 2008, the two were spotted together after one of Foster’s performances as Fiona in “Shrek The Musical.” Years later, during the 2014 Tony Awards, Jackman invited Foster to dance in the aisles. Foster praised Jackman’s work ethic and kindness in a 2022 interview with Vogue, acknowledging his well-deserved reputation.
Though they didn’t officially perform together until nearly a decade later, they both thrived in their individual endeavors—Jackman in film musicals like “Les Misérables,” and Foster in notable Broadway roles including “Anything Goes” and “Violet.”
Their Unique Pre-Show Ritual Strengthened Their Bond
Their roles as Professor Harold Hill and Marian “The Librarian” Paroo in “The Music Man” required them to spend significant downtime together, which naturally enriched their off-stage relationship as well, resulting in various interactions in their dressing rooms.
Upon being queried about their relationship, Jackman and Foster insist it remained friendly, describing it as a simple pre-show tradition. “We call it carpet chat,” Foster explained on “Live with Kelly and Ryan.” Before each show, they would catch up, often sitting on the carpet in her dressing room, which became a core part of their growing friendship and stage chemistry.
Public Displays of Appreciation During Their Run
Furthermore, Jackman and Foster shared genuine admiration for each other through social media, showcasing compliments throughout their journey in “The Music Man.” Their supportive bond extended from rehearsals to red carpet events, reinforcing the friendship they cultivated on stage.
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They continually shared updates with their large fan bases about their experiences together both on and off stage.
During a rehearsal leading up to their opening night, Jackman praised his co-star with a video of their dance in an elaborate musical routine. He expressed on X, formerly Twitter, “This show wouldn’t be the same without you.” He described Foster as a remarkable talent and friend.
Foster reciprocated Jackman’s sentiments, commending him in interviews and on her social platforms. “Dancing with Hugh every night is a dream,” she shared on Instagram, accompanied by several stunning images, including one by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz.
After “The Music Man” Closed, Both Jackman and Foster Divorced
Shortly after “The Music Man” ended in January 2023, Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster both sought divorces from their respective partners. Jackman publicly announced his separation from wife Deborra-Lee Furness in September 2023, after nearly three decades of marriage. They issued a joint statement expressing gratitude and kindness as they entered this new chapter.
Simultaneously, Foster ended her marriage with Ted Griffin after ten years, with the news surfacing in October 2024. While neither has commented about the separations, speculation grew that Foster and Jackman had developed a deeper connection during their collaboration, with insiders suggesting a romantic relationship might be evolving. A source even revealed to Page Six that “they are fully together, in love, and wish to spend their lives together.” Both have children with their ex-partners, adding complexity to their changed dynamics.
Speculation About Their On-Stage Chemistry Became Reality
During the performances of “The Music Man,” rumors circulated that their on-stage romance mirrored a real-life connection. In October 2023, gossip blogger Tasha Lustig posted a revealing Instagram video suggesting that Foster and Jackman shared a more profound relationship, which was noted to be ‘liked’ by Jackman’s ex-wife from a private account, sparking further media interest.
Following Foster’s divorce, numerous anonymous sources claimed that their relationship was known among Broadway insiders and that plans were being made to publicly announce their romance. One source shared, “We didn’t disclose it before because both are genuinely nice individuals. Everyone honored their privacy, but there indeed was an affair and some timing overlaps,” as reported by Us Weekly.
Jackman’s Ex-Wife Reportedly Had Initial Doubts
Jackman and Foster’s budding relationship did not go unnoticed, even by Jackman’s ex, Deborra-Lee Furness, who reportedly sensed her husband’s disloyalty from the start of the stage production. Despite these feelings, she was among the last to discover when her husband and co-star’s connection became publicly acknowledged. Allegedly, Jackman was not fully transparent with his ex about the relationship. An anonymous source pointed out to Us Weekly that he “did not confess to it.”
Amid the turmoil in her personal life and a potentially contentious divorce, Furness has chosen to remain silent publicly on these developments.
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Daily Mail. “She has no intention of commenting on this or opposing Hugh.”
The former couple shares a mutual goal: to respect one another and focus on their children amid significant life changes. “They’re mending what they can and will never speak negatively about each other,” the insider added.
Facing Scrutiny Over Their Rumored Romance
Fans and gossip columns are divided over the true nature of Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster’s relationship, which has transformed from a possible showmance to something more serious. Various cheating rumors and questions about the timeline have sparked conversations. While some fans cheer for the theater pairing, others question the authenticity of their public personas.
This scrutiny is causing new difficulties for both individuals. Foster has previously navigated a complicated love scenario involving her ex-husband and his co-star, but this is Jackman’s first encounter with negative publicity. “Hugh prides himself on being Hollywood’s nice guy,” a source revealed to Us Weekly. “He’s unsure how to handle this situation.”
Whispers of a Romance Before The Music Man
As fans and media explore the beginning of this romance, they have found signs suggesting that Jackman and Foster’s initial friendship might have evolved earlier than previously thought. “He’s been captivated by Sutton since their first meeting,” a source informed InTouch. “He followed her around like a lost puppy!”
During promotions for “The Music Man,” both performers frequently praised one another, acknowledging their initial nerves about working together. “I definitely felt a bit intimidated by her,” Hugh shared on “Late Night with Seth Meyers.” “She’s a six-time Tony nominee and two-time winner…I admire everything she’s done.”
However, those nerves faded, and the pair successfully performed together on Broadway for nearly two years. Even after Jackman’s ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness allegedly discovered their affair, their relationship continued, leading to the eventual divorce between Jackman and Furness.
Quietly Navigating Their Open Secret Romance
In spite of media criticism and the turbulent endings of their previous relationships, Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster have aimed to keep their new romance discreet. Their divorces are underway, and Foster has even listed her $2.2 million home in Tuxedo Park, New York. Reports indicate that they have been spending a significant amount of time together, enjoying a regular couple’s life despite their tumultuous pasts. A source mentioned to Page Six that they “spend all their time together” just like a typical couple, navigating through the drama of past relationships.
This isn’t the first instance of the pair considering one another. A key indicator of Jackman’s feelings for Foster was his insistence that they share top billing for their revival of “The Music Man.” “Hugh had considerable say over the casting and billing but always treated Sutton as the star — which deeply affected her,” a source disclosed to InTouch.
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