Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra-lee end their marriage by mutual consent.
The couple says in a statement they shared exclusively with PEOPLE: “We have been blessed to share nearly 3 decades together as husband and wife in a beautiful, loving marriage. Our journey is now changing and we have decided to separate to pursue personal growth.”
“Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We enter this next chapter with gratitude, love and kindness. We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family goes through this transition in all of our lives.”
A statement signed “Deb and Hugh Jackman” concluded: “This is the only statement either of us will make.”
The Australian couple, who have two children, Oscar (23) and Ava (18), have been married for 27 years.
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After meeting in 1995 on the set of an Australian TV series Corelli, the costars fell in love hard and fast. Deb, already an established actress, and Hugh, then a novice actor fresh out of drama school, married less than a year later.
“Deb, she was a big star… they picked me up and Deb is in the front seat of the car. I will never forget,” Hugh, 54, told PEOPLE in 2017 about their first meeting.
“She took off her seat belt and turned around and reached out and took off her sunglasses and said, ‘Hi, I’m Deborra-lee Furness, nice to meet you.’ I remember thinking, ‘I like this girl.'”
Hugh Jackman celebrates 27th wedding anniversary with wife Deborra-Lee Furness: ‘I love you with all my heart’
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The two got married on April 11, 1996 and over the years have become one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples.
On their 27th wedding anniversary in April, The greatest showman star posted a loving nod to Deb, 67, and their relationship on Instagram, sharing in part: “I love you so much. Together we have created a beautiful family. And life. Your laughter, your spirit, your generosity, your humor, your sass, your courage and your loyalty is an incredible gift to me.”
Their last red carpet appearance was at the Met Gala on May 1, and in July they attended the Wimbledon men’s final.
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