‘I just want to be seen for who I am’: A candid Deborra-lee Furness admits it’s ‘annoying’ being pegged as ‘Mrs Hugh Jackman’ – despite having her own illustrious multi-decade career
Deborra-lee Furness’ illustrious multi-decade career includes philanthropic endeavours, acting, producing and directing.
And as she graces the cover for The Sunday Telegraph’s Stellar magazine, the 64-year-old admitted it’s ‘annoying’ when she’s pegged as just “Mrs Hugh Jackman”.
‘I just want to be seen for who I am,’ the New York-based star said.
‘I want to be seen for who I am’: Deborra-lee Furness, 64, admitted to The Sunday Telegraph’s Stellar magazine it can be ‘annoying’ being pegged as “Mrs Hugh Jackman”. Deborra-lee and Hugh, 51, are pictured in 2016
With Hugh’s level of stardom sometimes overshadowing her own success, Stellar asked Deborra-lee how she deals with some labelling her as just the actor’s wife.
‘Sometimes it’s tricky. People put you in a box and have an idea of who you are. It’s annoying; I don’t like that,’ she responded.
‘The thing about fame that’s challenging is that before, you could meet someone and the joy of getting to know [them] didn’t come with preconceptions that you’re a celebrity or you’re rich,’ Deborra-lee continued.
The Sydney-born identity went on to say that she doesn’t want to be pigeonholed, whether it’s to do with her acting or directing.
More than just a wife: On dealing with being pigeonholed, the actress, director and philanthropist said, ‘Sometimes it’s tricky. People put you in a box and have an idea of who you are. It’s annoying; I don’t like that’
‘I just want to be seen for who I am. I don’t want to be judged as “Mrs Jackman”.’
Hugh and Deborra-lee met on the set of Australian drama Corelli in 1995, tying the knot a year later.
They share two adopted children: son Oscar, 20, and daughter Ava, 14.
Hugh has starred in a slew of films including The Greatest Showman and The Wolverine.
His latest project, a role as corrupt school school superintendent Frank Tassone in HBO’s new drama Bad Education, has already received Oscar buzz.
Love story: Hugh and Deborra-lee met on the set of Australian drama Corelli in 1995, tying the knot a year later. Pictured at their wedding
Family first: Hugh told Who magazine in 2018 that at each ‘turning point’ in their lives, they stop and ask themselves if it’s ‘good or bad for our family’
But despite the accolades, the 51-year-old previously insisted that family is of utmost importance.
Hugh revealed the secret pact he has with Deborra-lee, in an interview with Who magazine back in 2018.
‘When Deb and I got married, we made a pact that we would look at each other at every turning point in our lives and ask ourselves if this is good or bad for our family,’ he said.
‘The family is all four of us, so something may be great for my career but terrible for the family, or actually it may be a bit of a sacrifice for the family but really good for me.’
Cover story: Deborra-lee’s full interview is featured in The Sunday Telegraph’s Stellar magazine