Hugh Jackman’s friend is giving insight into his split from Deborra-Lee Furness.
Days after Furness officially filed for divorce—following the couple’s separation in September 2023—and admitted the final months of their relationship felt like “betrayal,” Jackman’s childhood friend Gus Worland shared his perspective on the pair’s difficulties.
“It’s not just that statement, but just the last couple of years have been difficult,” Worland said during an appearance on Australia’s Ben Fordham Live radio show May 29. “No one wants anyone to go through what they’ve been through, and, of course, they go through everything publicly because of the type of people and the fame that they have.”
And while Worland admitted his ties to both of them, he emphasized he has been “strict” on letting them “do what they’ve had to do.”
The 57-year-old—whose friendship with Jackman dates back to their kindergarten days—noted that he had just visited the Wolverine star in New York.
“He is going along well,” Worland shared. “He’s moving on with his life and I hope that Deb does as well.”
Furness, for her part, admitted that while she is struggling following her decision to legally separate from Jackman—to whom she was married for 27 years—she is persisting.
“My heart and compassion goes out to everyone who has traversed the traumatic journey of betrayal,” Furness said in a statement to The Daily Mail May 27. “It’s a profound wound that cuts deep, however I believe in a higher power and that God/the universe, whatever you relate to as your guidance, is always working FOR us.”
Furness and Jackman—who share kids Oscar, 24, and Ava, 19—first announced their separation nearly two years ago, noting they were on a “shifting journey” toward “individual growth.”
In the time since, Jackman moved on to a relationship with longtime pal Sutton Foster following her 2024 divorce from ex Ted Griffin. Meanwhile Furness is focusing on evolving on her own.
“I’m strong and resilient,” the 69-year-old told People last year. “We are all a constant evolution.”
For a look back at Furness and Jackman’s romance, keep reading…
Instant Attraction
The Sydney-born actors first met in 1995 on the set of the Australian TV series Correlli.
Corelli‘s Most Wanted
After a few drinks one night, Hugh admitted to his costar that he was crushing on her—as was the rest of the crew.
True Love
To his pleasant surprise, Deborra returned the sentiment. Somehow, we are not surprised.
A Couple of Kids
The pair were all smiles in 1997, about a year after they tied the knot.
Can’t Keep His Hands to Himself
The two embraced each other during a sweet moment.
Sweet Cheeks
Not long after their 10th wedding anniversary, the Australian stars were still hot for each other.
Hollywood Outing
Deborra and daughter Ava Eliot and son Oscar Maximillian supported Hugh at his handprint and footprint ceremony in Hollywood in 2009.
Family Moment
Deborra and her kids were proud to cheer Hugh on at the ceremony at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.
New York Charity Event
The family posed with Vivica A. Fox at the 7th annual Istar Charity Shootout at NYC’s Madison Square Garden in 2009.
Black Tie Preferred
The then-couple attended the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House in 2013.
The Night They MET
The classy couple were dressed to the nines at the 2014 Met Gala.
Lovely Family
The family enjoyed quality time at Disneyland.
Still Soaring
Deborra was Hugh’s date at the Eddie the Eagle premiere in Sydney in 2016.
