Hugh Jackman addressed his impending divorce over the weekend for the first time since he and Deborra-lee Furness announced they were splitting after 27 years of marriage.
“I don’t feel quite right talking about it on the street,” the “Wolverine” star said after being approached in public over the weekend in New York City, per a video obtained by TMZ. “But I appreciate your thoughts, man.”
“It’s a difficult time,” Jackman added.
The actor and his estranged wife issued a joint statement to People magazine on Friday announcing their divorce.
“We have been blessed to share almost 3 decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth,” their statement said.
“Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness. We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition in all of our lives.”
The statement was signed “Deb and Hugh Jackman” and further noted, “This is the sole statement either of us will make.”
The Australian pair have two children: Oscar, 23, and Ava, 18.
Jackman and Furness met in 1995 on the set of the Australian TV series “Corelli.”
“Deb, she was a big star…I get picked up, and Deb is in the front seat of the car. I’ll never forget,” the actor told People in 2017 of meeting his future wife. “She took off her seatbelt and she turned around and put out her hand and took off her sunglasses and said, ‘Hi, I’m Deborra-lee Furness, nice to meet you.’ I remember thinking, ‘I like this girl.’”
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He said it took him six weeks to ask her out. “Deb and I were already best friends, and I realized, I’ve got a crush on my leading lady. This is the thing you do not do. It’s unprofessional and embarrassing.”
Furness was 13 years older, which the actor said was never an issue. “I’m literally the adult in the relationship,” he said. “She’s just like a little kid. I’m the [one saying], ‘Babe, this is not a legal parking spot.’ [And she says] ‘Oh, come on, Mr. Goody-Goody.’”
The “Greatest Showman” star posted a gushing tribute on the couple’s wedding anniversary in April.
“I love you so much. Together we have created a beautiful family. And life. Your laughter, your spirit, generosity, humor, cheekiness, courage and loyalty is an incredible gift to me,” Jackman wrote at the time.