5 Surprising Facts About Hugh Jackman’s Kids: The Truth Behind His Post-Divorce Co-Parenting In 2025

Contents

The question of whether Hugh Jackman has children is a resounding yes, and the story of his family life is as compelling and heartfelt as any of his blockbuster films. As of December 2025, the Australian superstar is the proud father of two adult children, Oscar Maximilian Jackman and Ava Eliot Jackman, whom he shares with his former wife, Deborra-lee Furness. Their family journey, built on the foundation of adoption, has been a central and deeply personal part of the actor's life, especially now as he navigates a new phase of co-parenting following his 2023 separation and the subsequent divorce filing in May 2025. This article dives into the latest details about the Jackman family, revealing the surprising facts about Oscar and Ava, their current lives, and the enduring philosophy of fatherhood that guides the *Wolverine* actor.

The decision to adopt was a deliberate and loving choice made by Jackman and Furness after a difficult period of struggling with infertility and unsuccessful rounds of IVF. They have consistently emphasized that their children are not seen as "adopted" but simply as "our children," a powerful statement that defines their family unit and provides a unique perspective on modern celebrity parenthood.

Hugh Jackman: A Biography of Fatherhood and Fame

The personal life of Hugh Jackman, particularly his role as a devoted father, often takes center stage alongside his monumental career achievements on Broadway and in Hollywood. His journey from a young actor in Australia to a global icon is intertwined with his commitment to family.

  • Full Name: Hugh Michael Jackman
  • Date of Birth: October 12, 1968
  • Place of Birth: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
  • Parents: Christopher John Jackman (father) and Grace McNeil (mother)
  • Siblings: Four older siblings (Ian, Ralph, Sonya, and Zoe Jackman) and a younger half-sister.
  • Ex-Wife: Deborra-lee Furness (Married 1996; Separated 2023; Divorce filed May 2025)
  • Children: Oscar Maximilian Jackman and Ava Eliot Jackman (both adopted)
  • Net Worth (2025 Estimate): Approximately $120 million, primarily from his roles in the *X-Men* franchise, *The Greatest Showman*, and his successful Broadway career.
  • Key Roles: Wolverine (in the *X-Men* film series and the upcoming *Deadpool & Wolverine*), Jean Valjean (*Les Misérables*), and Peter Allen (*The Boy from Oz*).

Meet Oscar and Ava: The Two Children of Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness are parents to two children, both of whom have now reached adulthood, offering them a degree of privacy that is rare for celebrity offspring. Their family expanded through two separate adoptions.

Oscar Maximilian Jackman: The Eldest Son

Oscar Maximilian Jackman was the first child welcomed into the family. Born in May 2000, Oscar turned 25 in 2025, making him a young adult focused on establishing his own path. The adoption process for Oscar was a pivotal moment for the couple, shifting their focus away from the anxiety of infertility towards the joy of building a family.

  • Age in 2025: 25 years old.
  • Adoption: Adopted in 2000.
  • Interests & Career: Oscar is reported to have a keen interest in the arts and entertainment industry, exploring potential career paths in acting and directing. While his parents have always championed his privacy, it is known that he is pursuing his education with a focus on creative endeavors.
  • Racial Identity: Jackman has spoken openly about his and Furness's deliberate choice to adopt mixed-race children, emphasizing the beauty of a diverse family.

Ava Eliot Jackman: The Creative Daughter

Ava Eliot Jackman completed the family unit when she was adopted in 2005. Born in July 2005, Ava celebrated her 20th birthday in 2025 and is currently navigating her university years and early adulthood.

  • Age in 2025: 20 years old.
  • Adoption: Adopted in 2005.
  • Interests & Education: Ava is described as a creative and independent spirit, with a strong focus on her education and personal interests outside the spotlight. She has been encouraged by both parents to pursue her own passions, balancing her private life with the public nature of her famous family.

The Profound Philosophy of Adoption and Fatherhood

The narrative surrounding Hugh Jackman’s family is deeply influenced by his and Deborra-lee Furness’s strong advocacy for adoption. This commitment is more than a personal decision; it is a public platform for change, adding significant topical authority to discussions about his family life.

From IVF Struggles to the Joy of Adoption

The journey to parenthood was challenging. After several heartbreaking attempts at IVF, the couple made the conscious decision to pursue adoption. Jackman has described the moment they committed to adoption as one where "all the anxiety went away." This shift in perspective led to what Jackman calls "the greatest joy of our lives." The actor has consistently dismissed the term "biological child" as a defining factor of parenthood, asserting that the bond with Oscar and Ava is absolute and complete.

Deborra-lee Furness: A Global Adoption Advocate

A significant, often overlooked entity in the Jackman family story is Deborra-lee Furness’s tireless work as an adoption advocate. Her efforts have profoundly impacted adoption reform in Australia and globally. She is the founder of *Adopt Change* in Australia, an organization dedicated to improving adoption programs and lobbying for national adoption law reform. Furness also co-founded *Hopeland*, a US-based platform that drives awareness around vulnerable children. This advocacy work underscores the family's deep-seated belief in the importance of adoption as a path to a loving family.

The Impact of 'The Son' on Jackman's Parenting

Jackman’s professional life has also mirrored his personal experiences with fatherhood. His critically acclaimed role as Peter in the 2022 film *The Son*, which explores complex themes of mental health, trauma, and parenting, offered him a profound, if challenging, artistic experience. He admitted that filming the movie changed his approach to parenting, highlighting the importance of open communication and recognizing that "to raise a child, for all of us, we need a village." This experience provides a powerful lens through which to view his dedication to his own children.

Co-Parenting in the Wake of the 2025 Divorce

The announcement of Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness's separation in late 2023, followed by the formal divorce filing in May 2025, marked the end of one of Hollywood’s most enduring marriages. However, the new focus is on maintaining a harmonious co-parenting relationship for Oscar and Ava.

Prioritizing the Children's Well-being

Despite the "gut-wrenching process" of divorce after 27 years, sources close to the couple indicate that the priority remains the well-being of their children. As Oscar and Ava are adults, the dynamic is different from a divorce involving young children, yet the commitment to a peaceful transition remains paramount. The couple is reportedly working towards "co-parenting peace," ensuring that their extensive, interwoven lives continue to function smoothly for the sake of the family unit.

Hugh Jackman’s Dedication to Family Time

Even with his demanding schedule, which recently included the successful Broadway run of *Hugh Jackman: From New York, With Love* (with a final performance in October 2025), Jackman is known for prioritizing family time. His rare public comments about his adult children emphasize his deep pride in their independent spirits and their ability to navigate their lives while being the children of two globally recognized figures. The Jackman family story is a powerful testament to the idea that family is defined not by genetics, but by unconditional love, commitment, and a shared, profound history.

does hugh jackman have kids
does hugh jackman have kids

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