Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster have taken their longtime friendship to a romantic level, confirming their relationship in early 2025. The couple made a rare public appearance together at the Fetch Pet Gala in New York on October 20, 2025, showcasing their budding romance with a classic and elegant look. This new chapter in their lives unfolded after significant personal changes for both, marking a hopeful beginning amid past challenges.
An Elegant Appearance at the Fetch Pet Gala
Nearly nine months after they first publicly acknowledged their romance by walking hand-in-hand through the streets of Los Angeles, Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster shared the spotlight once again in New York City at The Carlyle Hotel. Jackman chose a timeless black suit, while Foster complemented him with a black gown featuring a velvet bodice and silver sandal heels. The couple sat close together during the gala, even pausing for a quick photograph that highlighted their connection amid the event’s festivities.
Although the pair had been close friends for years, their romantic relationship became official after they were seen showing subtle signs of affection during a January 6 dinner walk in Santa Monica. The tenderness they displayed made headlines when they were later snapped kissing while waiting for their meal at an In-N-Out burger joint.
Transitioning from Past Relationships into New Beginnings
Before their romance became public, both Jackman and Foster experienced significant shifts in their personal lives. In 2023, Jackman and his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, ended their 27-year marriage, sharing children Oscar (25) and Ava (20). In a joint statement, they explained,
and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.
Their divorce was finalized in June 2024, and ongoing mutual respect appeared evident when they celebrated Jackman’s 55th birthday together at New York’s Polo Bar just months later.
Meanwhile, Sutton Foster’s own marriage to Ted Griffin ended in October 2024 after a decade together. The couple, who share an 8-year-old daughter named Emily, have since been navigating divorce proceedings. Despite these difficult personal transitions, both artists have leaned on one another for support and companionship, building on the strong foundation of their friendship.
From Professional Friends to Life Partners
Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster were familiar figures within Broadway circles for years but only began working closely during the production of The Music Man in 2022. Their connection deepened while rehearsing and performing together, paving the way for a deep friendship that blossomed into something more.
Foster praised Jackman’s character and work ethic, telling Vogue,
He has an impeccable reputation of being the hardest working man, incredibly kind, and generous—and all of that is true,
adding,
He’s now become one of my best friends, which was a surprise, because you usually go into these things thinking, ‘Well, I hope we get along.’
The two quickly became close, even spending holidays together with their families, and Foster’s daughter affectionately calls Jackman “Uncle Hugh.”
Early Encounters and Growing Connection Over Two Decades
Their relationship’s roots stretch back almost twenty years before turning romantic. Jackman first saw Foster perform in Thoroughly Modern Millie in 2002, where she earned her first Tony Award. She recalled,
and we’ve met several times. But we had never really officially worked together.
They crossed paths again in 2008 when Foster starred as Princess Fiona in Shrek the Musical, with Jackman attending a performance and posing for photos backstage with her castmates. Their professional dances continued at the 2014 Tony Awards, where Jackman hosted and danced alongside Foster and other nominees for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical.
Collaborations and The Music Man Journey
Though Foster did not appear in Jackman’s 2017 film The Greatest Showman, she participated in some workshops for the production, which provided another opportunity for them to work together, albeit briefly. When Jackman was cast as Harold Hill in the Broadway revival of The Music Man in 2019, he soon announced Foster would be playing Marian Paroo, confirming their collaboration on social media.
Their first workshop for the show took place in March 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed its opening as theaters across Broadway closed. In October 2021, rehearsals began in earnest, with both actors sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses and dance practice clips. Jackman publicly acknowledged Foster’s contribution, writing on Instagram,
There are hundreds who’ve made this moment happen, but there’s one in particular I pay tribute to – @suttonlenore, this show is nothing without you. You’re an exceptional talent and friend. Your joy brings the entire company of @musicmanbway to life. I can’t wait for the world to see you as ‘Marian.’ They are in for an explosion of awesome.
Broadway Success and Growing Friendship
When The Music Man officially opened in February 2022, Jackman and Foster appeared together on the red carpet, and Foster expressed admiration for Jackman, calling him “The. BEST.” on Instagram. Despite initial nerves about working together, the pair formed an unshakable bond.
Foster told Vogue,
He disarms everyone, and he doesn’t make anything about him. And he’s now become one of my best friends, which was a surprise, because you usually go into these things thinking, Well, I hope we get along. But we just spent Memorial Day with our families. It’s really fun to meet new friends after 40.
Their close friendship also extended into professional recognition, attending the Drama League Awards together in May 2022, where Jackman earned the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre honor and Foster won the Distinguished Performance Award. During a curtain call, Jackman personally announced Foster’s win to the audience, a moment she celebrated on Instagram.
Later that year, they attended the Tony Awards, where The Music Man garnered six nominations, further cementing their joint success on Broadway.
Life Changes and Public Confirmation of Their Romance
The Music Man concluded its run in January 2023, closely followed by the announcement of Jackman and Furness’s separation. In a statement to People, they emphasized a shared commitment to family amidst their personal changes:
Our family has been and always will be our highest priority,
and they embraced their next phase with “gratitude, love, and kindness.”
Meanwhile, Sutton Foster’s divorce filing in October 2024 marked the end of her ten-year marriage to Ted Griffin. These events prefaced the public emergence of the Hugh Jackman Sutton Foster romance, which became evident in early 2025. After Jackman attended Foster’s final performance in Los Angeles for Once Upon a Mattress, they were seen holding hands in Santa Monica on January 6, followed by outings and tender moments captured by the media.
Foster stood by Jackman throughout his residency at Radio City Music Hall, supporting him during a key period in their blossoming relationship.
Reflections on Growth and Healing After Marriage Ends
Following the finalization of his divorce in mid-2025, Jackman’s former spouse Deborra-Lee Furness shared heartfelt reflections on their journey through change. Addressing the emotional pain of marital breakdown, she told DailyMail.com,
My heart and compassion goes out to everyone who has traversed the traumatic journey of betrayal,
and continued,
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.
She elaborated on the wisdom gained through her experience, stating,
This belief has helped me navigate the breakdown of an almost three-decade marriage, I have gained much knowledge and wisdom through this experience. Even when we are presented with apparent adversity, it is leading us to our greatest good, our true purpose. It can hurt, but in the long run, returning to yourself and living within your own integrity, values and boundaries is liberation and freedom.
Furness also expressed an insightful realization:
We are all on our individual journeys and I believe that the relationships in our lives are not random. We are drawn to people, we invite them in, in order to learn our lessons and to recognize and heal the broken parts of ourselves.
The Significance of Their Partnership Moving Forward
Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster’s path from acquaintances to close friends, and now romantic partners, illustrates a journey shaped by resilience, shared artistic dedication, and mutual understanding. Their romance first became visible to the public in a gentle, understated way, reflecting the depth of their connection rather than seeking the spotlight. With both coming through personal upheavals and professional triumphs, their relationship symbolizes new beginnings and hopeful growth.
Their recent appearance at the Fetch Pet Gala signaled not only their commitment but also a willingness to embrace this relationship amidst changing personal landscapes. As their story continues to develop, fans and observers will likely follow how their partnership influences their careers and personal lives, providing an inspiring example of finding love after significant life transitions.
