by Hugh Jackman is one of the most famous and successful actors in Hollywood today. From his breakthrough role as Wolverine in the X-Men franchise to his Academy Award nominated performance in Les Miserables, Jackman has proven himself to be an incredibly versatile and talented performer. He is often described as the quintessential leading man – handsome, charismatic, and immensely likable.
However, Jackman’s rise to stardom was not an easy or straightforward journey. Long before he donned the adamantium claws as Wolverine, Jackman was an unknown actor trying to make it in Australia. He faced years of rejection and uncertainty before his big break came along. Though Jackman’s natural talent and dedication played a huge part in his success, there is one person who was instrumental behind-the-scenes in nurturing his abilities and guiding him on the path to stardom: Deborra-Lee Furness, Jackman’s wife.
Furness was established in the Australian acting industry long before Jackman arrived on the scene. She had enjoyed a successful career herself, appearing in numerous films, TV shows and theatre productions. When Furness first met the then completely unknown Jackman in 1995 during the production of Australian TV show Correlli, she immediately recognized his talent and star potential.
As Jackman later recounted, “I was a nobody starting out when Deb and I got together. She believed in me from the beginning.” From the very start of their relationship, Furness made it her mission to help guide Jackman’s career and realize his abilities to the fullest. She became his secret weapon, mentor and fierce supporter behind-the-scenes.
Furness Nurtured Jackman’s Craft
From the beginning of his career, Furness worked intimately with Jackman to help him refine his acting skills. Having established herself as an acclaimed actress in theatre and screen, Furness was perfectly positioned to provide coaching and advice that could take Jackman’s craft to the next level.
She worked meticulously with Jackman on script analysis, delving deep into character motivations, backgrounds, emotional arcs and more. The two would read through scenes repeatedly as Furness pushed Jackman to find depth and nuance in every line. She also gave him voice lessons to improve his vocal range and projection – skills that would prove invaluable down the line for musical theatre.
Under Furness’s guiding hand, Jackman developed the tools necessary to inhabit characters fully and deliver truly powerful performances. Speaking about his rapid improvement early in his career, Jackman said “Deb was instrumental in me getting the technique right. She really taught me how to go to the next level.”
Furness Provided Crucial Career Connections
In addition to honing his raw talent, Furness was also invaluable in leveraging her reputation and connections within the industry to actively further Jackman’s career. She helped land him auditions, used her network to circulate his name around, and made strategic phone calls to raise his profile.
One crucial early break was Furness managing to secure Jackman an open audition for the Royal National Theatre’s production of Oklahoma! in London 1998. Jackman landed the leading role of Curly and his performance became a sensation, providing his big UK stage breakthrough.
Reflecting on the importance of that career-defining role, Jackman said “Deb rang the National Theatre in London and wrangled an audition for me for Oklahoma! If it wasn’t for her persistence, I wouldn’t have got that job that changed my career.”
Furness’s efforts behind the scenes were integral in helping Jackman transition from Australian TV to internationally recognized theatrical performer. As she later remarked “I was relentless in helping him get auditions and roles early on, using my contacts. I knew he had something special, he just needed the chance to show it.”
Furness Pushed Jackman to Take Risks
An invaluable lesson Furness imparted on Jackman was the importance of taking risks and pushing outside of his comfort zone as a performer. Early in Jackman’s theatre career, he was reluctant to accept the iconic role of Peter Allen in the musical The Boy from Oz, worried he couldn’t convincingly portray the flamboyant entertainer.
But Furness recognized it as a star-making opportunity and insisted he had to take the challenging role. Thanks to her persistence, Jackman agreed and went on to deliver a show-stopping, award-winning performance. Reflecting on Furness pushing him to embrace risks, Jackman said “Deb always saw more in me than what I could see in myself.”
Furness encouraged him to keep challenging himself, leading Jackman to take on diverse roles across theatre and film that showcased the full extent of his talents. Without Furness spurring him on, Jackman may have missed out on some of his most acclaimed performances.
Furness Provided Vital Emotional Support
In addition to career guidance, Furness also provided unwavering emotional support to Jackman over the years, helping manage the pressures and mental stresses that come with fame. She was always a listening ear and source of reassurance whenever Jackman felt self-doubt or anxiety.
Her steadfast belief in him gave Jackman the confidence to power through rejection and hard times, providing a source of comfort throughout the ups and downs. As Jackman put it “Having a partner like Deb, who believed in me and supported me unconditionally, allowed me to really go for it without fear.”
Furness’s contributions as counsellor and confidant were just as important as her career mentoring in enabling Jackman to flourish. Her unrelenting support gave him the inner resolve necessary to overcome obstacles and succeed.
The Launch of X-Men and Global Stardom
While Furness had been pivotal in building up Jackman’s theatrical career across the 1990s, her efforts were also crucial in facilitating his transition to Hollywood film. She played a major role in Jackman landing the career-defining part of Wolverine in X-Men in 1999.
Furness helped Jackman prepare extensively for the demanding audition process, running lines for hours and offering critique to get the brooding character of Wolverine just right. Thanks in large part to Furness’s mentoring, Jackman was able to blow away the producers and secure the star-making superhero role.
Reflecting on Furness’s contribution, Jackman said: “She helped me craft that character. I’m not sure I would have got the Wolverine gig without her guidance and support.”
The global success of X-Men catapulted Jackman to fame, turning him into an A-list star and leading man. But he always credited Furness as the secret ingredient behind the scenes, keeping him grounded and guiding his path even as his star-power grew. She continued mentoring him through blockbusters like The Prestige and Australia.
Discussing her unwavering support even at the height of his career, Jackman said: “Being with Deb has kept my feet firmly on the ground. She believed in me from day one and always will.”
A Lasting Legacy
While the spotlight has always focused on Hugh Jackman himself, the profound influence of Deborra-Lee Furness on his career simply cannot be overstated. She was much more than just a supportive spouse – Furness took an active role as mentor, coach, champion and confidant every step of the way.
Her early recognition of Jackman’s potential fueled her dedication to nurturing his talents and enabling his rise to stardom. Furness gave him the tools, opportunities, risk-taking mindset and emotional support without which Jackman may never have achieved his phenomenal success.
Even amidst his A-list fame, Jackman has never failed to recognize and appreciate the woman who helped make him. As he summed up perfectly: “Deb is the secret ingredient behind everything good in my life. She’s the reason I got my big break and she’s still the mentor and moral compass guiding my decisions today. I wouldn’t be where I am without her.”
Furness may have shunned the spotlight, but behind the scenes she has played one of the most pivotal roles in shaping Hugh Jackman’s remarkable career. She is the true unsung hero responsible for launching one of the biggest stars in the world.
