Jackman’s wife again dismisses rumors
Hugh Jackman has the, uh, distinction of being one of the top male film and TV stars who has been the subject of tabloid rumors over the years about his sexual orientation.
“He’s been gay so many years,” Jackman’s wife, Deborra- L ee Furness, laughingly said in an interview Tuesday as a way to address the “mean-spirited” rumors him.
“I hope people don’t buy these magazines and realize it’s all made up,” the 64-year- old actress said during an episode of the Australian TV show “Anh’s Brush with Fame.” When asked if the speculation was annoying, Furness replied, “It’s just wrong. It’s like someone saying to Elton John, ‘He’s straight.’ I’m sure he’d be pissed.”
But Furness admitted that one aspect of being married to the 51-year-old Jackman has been hard. She said people constantly remind her how lucky she is to be partnered with the actor, singer and dancer, who is so handsome and such a “stud muffin” that some people like to joke that he can’t be straight.
“People don’t realize that it’s actually rude to say that,” she said.
Furness’ new comments are not the first time she or Jackman have felt the need to address the gay rumor or that their marriage is some kind of front. In 2011, she told Page Six that she pays “no heed” to such speculation and said “It’s tragic that these people have nothing better to do than to gossip about people they don’t know.”
Jackman addressed the issue himself in a 2013 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, saying that the rumors have taken a toll, particularly on his wife. “Just recently, it bugs her,” Jackman said, blaming the internet. He said Furness started seeing the rumors “everywhere.”
Furness and Jackman, both Australians, met in 1995 while working together on a TV show, which was his first professional role as an actor. Furness said the two had an “instant connection.” “And I feel blessed that I experienced, that I feel like I met my soulmate, whatever that is,” she said.
The two married in 1996, a couple years before Jackman became known outside Australia, first by performing onstage in London and then by starring as Wolverine in the “X-Men” franchise. He also has starred in “Les Misérables,” “The Greatest Showman” and had a successful turn hosting the Academy Awards.