When Hugh Jackman and Broadway star Sutton Foster performed as a pair on stage, they created some adorable songs. It appears that their love is now for real!
The two, who had long been social acquaintances, grew close after starred in “The Music Man” in New York from December 2021 to January 2023. "Now they spend all of their free time together," a source told New York Post's Page Six column. "They are a regular couple, they are just in private.”
After it was revealed that Sutton had recently filed for divorce from her second husband, playwright Ted Griffin, rumors of the romance intensified. They had been married for ten years and adopted Emily, their seven-year-old daughter, in 2017.
And after 27 years of marriage, Hugh and Deborra-lee Furness separated in September 2023.
There is no indication that Sutton and Hugh had a romantic relationship while still married to their former partners. However, when the two worked together, Deb, 68, did observe a spark between them, according to New Idea.
"There is absolutely no doubt in anyone's mind that Hugh ever strayed from Deb, but strangely, she did see a connection brewing with him and Sutton before their divorce," the source revealed.
The bond that Hugh and Sutton formed while filming “The Music Man” has been discussed before. Sutton was "just a dream" to work with, on and off the stage, he told the New York Theatre Guide.
On her birthday in 2022, Sutton claimed to make "the world a better place." At about the same time, she informed US Vogue that Hugh "has now become one of my best friends ... It's really fun to meet new friends after 40."
New Idea Magazine's source said that Deb "has absolutely no interest in playing the bitter ex-wife" and is no longer "in love" with Hugh.
"But it will sting that he has moved on with someone who was right under her nose for years," the source shared. "Deb has broken bread with Sutton, as well as with her now-ex Ted."
"She thought Hugh would play the field a bit before beginning what looks like it could be another serious relationship," the source continued.
According to the New York Post, Sutton's connection with Hugh is a well-kept secret in the theater scene in New York City, as her second divorce is still in progress.
"They are 100 per cent together and they are in love," the source shared with the publication. "They go out of their way to hide it but it's common knowledge."
The insider said Hugh and Sutton share "the same cool nerd vibe." Together, they became adopted parents and bonded via their shared absurd sense of humor. Hugh and Deb have an 18-year-old daughter, Ava, and a 24-year-old son, Oscar.
"This has been a slow-burn relationship," the source said. And one that Deb hasn't been surprised by. She knew Hugh wouldn't be single for long, but it's a little harder to deal with because it's already clearly quite serious."
Business Times has reached out to Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster for comments.
