You’ve watched them as one of Hollywood’s most enduring couples, but now Hugh Jackman and Deborra‑lee Furness are taking substantial steps in untangling their shared assets. After 27 years of marriage, the pair quietly executed a major real estate transaction just before announcing their divorce. You’ll see how this move reflects both practical planning and a careful turn in their personal journeys.
Strategic Timing And The Manhattan Penthouse Division
Property records obtained by PEOPLE reveal a private transaction between LLCs tied to Furness and Jackman. The documents show that on May 25, an entity associated with Furness paid $11.7 million to the LLC holding the penthouse they had jointly purchased in 2022. The couple originally acquired the duplex property for approximately $21 million. Recent valuations now place the penthouse near $23 million, so Furness effectively bought out Jackman’s share.
This exchange occurred a full two days before Furness officially filed for divorce on May 27. By handling the property division ahead of public filings, Furness ensured a clean separation of shared assets. This kind of preemptive settlement is often sought by couples who aim to streamline proceedings. You might view this as a thoughtful first step in a long process, laying groundwork for the discussions and negotiations yet to come.
Inside The Notable Chelsea Penthouse
This luxurious Manhattan apartment spans almost 5,000 square feet across two levels, and includes around 3,700 square feet of outdoor space. It sits in a celebrated, architect-designed building in Chelsea, near the scenic Hudson River. The neighborhood is known for its distinctive modern facades and high-profile residents, making the residence a prestigious asset in their portfolio.
You might recognize the area for its combination of cultural richness and elite real estate, and this particular duplex truly embodies that blend. Given the property’s standout location and size, the $11.7 million Carolina LLC transfer likely represents a straightforward split of a high-value asset. Furness’s company now holds full ownership, while Jackman presumably exits that investment.
The Couple’s Impressive Property Portfolio
You might be surprised by the scope of real estate the couple acquired during their marriage. Beyond Manhattan, they’ve collected an array of properties across multiple countries. Their locations include a Chelsea penthouse, a West Village apartment in New York City, and a beach house in the Hamptons.
Across the globe, their collection extends to Australia, where they own a waterfront condo with sweeping views of Bondi Beach. You get the sense that they built a life and career that supported frequent travel and high-end real estate choices around the world. Those choices now require division as the marriage dissolves.
From First Meeting To Final Split
Their story began in Australia, where they met on the set of the TV series Correlli in 1995. They married on April 11, 1996, embarking on nearly three decades together. The couple expanded their family by adopting two children: Oscar, now 24, in 2000, and Ava, 19, in 2005. Together they built a life across continents and careers that spanned Hollywood and humanitarian work.
The couple announced their separation publicly in September 2023. In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, they emphasized that “family has been and always will be our highest priority.” They noted that after “almost three decades together as husband and wife,” they had “decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.” This exit from their marital chapter was framed as a mutual yet sad turning point.
Deborra‑lee’s Emotional Statement And The Reaction
Furness filed for divorce more than a year later, in May 2025. In her filing and accompanying public statement, she spoke directly about the emotional toll of betrayal and marital breakdown. She said, “My heart and compassion goes out to everyone who has traversed the traumatic journey of betrayal. It’s a profound wound that cuts deep.” Her remarks reflect deep personal hurt.
She attributed her strength to her faith, saying, “I believe in a higher power and that God or the universe, whatever you relate to as your guidance, is always working for us.” She continued, “That belief, … has helped me navigate the breakdown of an almost three‑decade marriage.” For you, these words underscore the emotional complexity of the situation and hint at unresolved pain.
Hugh Jackman’s Reaction And Settlement Terms
Shortly after the filing, The Daily Mail reported that Jackman was blindsided by Fuecess’s public words. An unnamed source claimed he felt “extremely disappointed” by her bitterness. The source also stated that Jackman expected more privacy. “There was an unwritten understanding that she would not trash him to the press,” the source explained. Jackman reportedly accepted the reality but regretted the public airing.
By May 30, the couple had reportedly reached an agreement to divide their combined fortune, estimated at $387 million by The Daily Mail. Their divorce filing indicated the settlement was uncontested and would simply require judicial approval. You can interpret this as evidence that, despite emotional tension, both are working toward a resolution that avoids extended court battles. That can be seen as a sign of respect for their shared past and mutual futures.
What Comes Next In Their Post‑Marital Lives
With the penthouse transfer complete and divorce filings in motion, the couple is now focused on redirecting their energies. They’ll proceed to finalize the settlement, with a judge expected to sign off. You may see future announcements about the disposition of other communal assets. Their global properties, charitable initiatives, careers, and parental responsibilities will require ongoing cooperation.
Moving on from a nearly 30‑year marriage is never simple. Yet this real estate transaction suggests a deliberate, early step toward respectful division. As public observers, you’re witnessing a private restructuring of their joint life. The complexities of fame, wealth, and emotion continue to converge. But with careful handling, both parties appear determined to move ahead with dignity.
Did you expect such an early settlement before the divorce filing? Let us know in the comments on Facebook.
Via: People
