Hugh Jackman’s wife talks about ‘offensive’ gay rumors that plague her marriage

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman has been married to his wife Deborrah for seventeen years now, yet some people still insist that he’s gay. Some people point towards their two adopted children as some form of evidence, yet they fail to recognize that Deborra suffered miscarriages before she and Hugh decided to open their home to kids who needed a family. The rumors of Hugh’s sexuality seem particularly cruel because I don’t think it’s an issue of people basing their judgment upon Hugh’s inherent ability to sing and dance like a boss. Instead, I think people are saying this because Deborra isn’t the typical stick-thin, over-Botoxed trophy wife that we’re used to seeing with movie stars. This is about people saying that she’s “not good enough” to be married to a hetero A-lister, so of course, she must be bearding. And that’s an awful thing for people to think.

For his part, Hugh doesn’t seem to be upset by people questioning his sexuality, but it matters a lot to him that the rumors upset his wife. In a 2008 interview, Deborra claimed that she often told people that Hugh wasn’t gay. In 2011, she seemed to indicate that the rumors affect her body image by adding, “heaven forbid I have a human experience and carry a little weight.” Last year, Hugh covered the matter while conducing his Les Miserables Oscar campaign by telling the Hollywood Reporter that the rumors bother Deb. Still, the buzzings persist, and now Hugh and Deb are talking to the press together:

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman and wife Deborra-Lee Furness have hit out at the “stupid” and “offensive” rumours that the Wolverine star is gay.

In an interview with the Nine Network’s 60 Minutes, Jackman said he finds the persistent gossip “frustrating,” especially for his wife of 17 years.

“If I was [gay], I would be,” Jackman told the program in a candid 16-minute interview last night. “It’s to me not the most interesting thing about a person anyway, but I do get frustrated for Deb, because I see Deb go ‘Ah, this is crazy’.”

Jackman’s hit stage performance as Peter Allen in A Boy from Oz a decade ago appears to have shaped the Australian actor’s image and raised speculation that the marriage between Jackman, 44, and Furness, 57, was a “sham.”

“It is just wrong, it’s like, it’s a lie,” said Furness, sitting alongside her husband. “It’s just offensive. If he was gay, fine, he would say he’s gay. It has gotten so out of whack … it’s stupid, yeah, it’s annoying, because it’s not true.” Furness added that playing a psychopath does not make an actor a psychopath any more than playing a gay man makes an actor gay.

[From MSN News]

I can totally understand why the persistence of these rumors would upset Deborra because, like I said above, she’s taking it personally because people tend to point towards her physical appearance as indicative of Hugh’s sexual preference. She’s not saying that being gay is “stupid” or “offensive,” but she’s saying that people’s attitudes towards her marriage are both of those things. I’ll never understand why people have to be so nasty, and sadly, I think people will only gain more ammunition by the fact that she’s so plagued by these rumors.

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman

Photos courtesy of Fame/Flynet

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211 Responses to “Hugh Jackman’s wife talks about ‘offensive’ gay rumors that plague her marriage”

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  1. lisa2 says:

    Just looked at the Henry Cavill thread. and this is the exact same conversation. People are saying that he is Gay or something is wrong with him because he is supposedly dating Kaley Cuoco.. because she is a “down grade” and not good enough for such a good looking man.

    so nothing new here. Just a different guy and woman.

    • Lia says:

      +1000 and its sad because these are mostly other women saying these things.

      • Zee says:

        I think that anyone would find it offensive that their marriage is questioned because they aren’t beautiful enough.

        I was on Towleroad reading about their marriage once and was proud to see this one gay dude say that exact same thing–that its unfair to the wife to insist he’s gay because if she looked like Jessica Alba no one would be saying it.

    • V4Real says:

      That’s where you’re wrong’ people were saying Henry was gay long before Kelly came into the picture.

      • Z says:

        Apparently they were saying the same thing about Hugh Jackson before he was with his wife as well…so its the same.

      • Emily C. says:

        He’s a male actor in Hollywood. I’d like to find one under 45 whom people haven’t claimed is gay. I can’t think of any.

      • V4Real says:

        @Z
        Actually Hugh had the claims of being a womanizer before he met his wife.

        @Emily
        Paul Walker, Idris Elba, Tom Welling, Derek Luke, ALex O,loughlin, Christian Bale. Even if they had, it was not on the scale as they talk about Cavill or Hugh. Before Cavill became a household name or his hit cable show there were gay rumors on a large scale. But who knows he could be straight or he could be bi; so can Hugh. People tend to throw out the words gay or straight and seems to forget about the in-between.

        I don’t think Hugh is gay but even his wife didn’t say he’s not bi-sexual, she just said he’s not gay.

      • Kim says:

        I can name a hundred male celebs that have never been called gay. The same names come up over & over again for a reason.

      • birdy says:

        Hugh’s gay rumours came from him doing musical theatre before hitting the big time in film. There aren’t many actors that do musical theatre that haven’t had gay thrown in their direction. Because if you can act, sing and dance, society believes you can’t possibly be straight.

    • Mia 4S says:

      I don’t think that’s the Cavill issue at all. It’s more the weird weird weird timing and press release. It smacks of a PR set up. I don’t think Cavill is gay but that was a poorly executed PR exercise and I get why some minds went there.

      No one is harder on women than jealous women…I like Hugh’s wife tremendously for admitting it bugs her.

    • Z says:

      I agree with you 100% and made a similiar comment in Henry Cavill thread. Both HC and HJ appear to be humble and nice men.I applaud them for trying to remain ground in their lives. It seems like people do not appreciate that anymore. People are too much into these star’s personal lives and take it too seriously. They are always looking for something bad or negative. Sure its entertaining to read about them but to get down right nasty is too much. Its sad and pathetic.

    • Easy says:

      Lisa2

      The Cavill rumors have nothing to do with how Kaley (whos actually quite hot imho) looks. It has to do with the chronology of his relationships. Back to back and seemingly out of nowhere. Add to that the fact that each step has been predictable. IE He scores Superman and a bunch of pics are erased from the interwebs. When gay sites start buzzing he gets engaged to a woman noone knew he was with, in under 2 weeks. Predictably, he doesnt marry her and although engaged for 2 years, starts another serious relationship within a month of ending his engagement. And the lovely new lady just happens to be studio fav for Wonder Woman. But then the studio announces that shes no longer a contender and a
      “source” indicates that Gina hates his fame (she was gunning for Wonder Woman, how could she possibly have issue with fame). Less than a month later, Kaley is on board and seriously working the PR side. Its a coincidence that shes also connected to the Superman studios. And when the 2 of them found time to build this relationship with him overseas for most of the last two months is a mystery. And finally, an actress who has succeeded in keeping her dating life underwraps for over a decade is suddenly posting tweet pics. THATS why Cavill is suspect. A gay super hero would be the bomb if you ask me. Bout time.

      For the record, theres only one other male celeb I buy the rumors about. And its not Hugh or Tom or George.

      • Whatsyourbeef says:

        Sorry, posted in wrong place!

      • Nalgene says:

        Cavill is very different kettle of fish. His rumours are not driven by his choice of women but by a whole bunch of factors.

      • Nerd Alert says:

        Is it Bradley Cooper or Jeremy Renner?

        Just wondering, but I like your take 😉

    • Latisse says:

      I don’t think HJ is gay. I do think HC is. And my thinking he is gay has nothing to do with kaley Cocuo, I happen to think she’s very pretty although if she wasn’t it wouldn’t really matter. i think HC is gay because of all the pictures scrubbed of him and a certain gay guy from that guy’s website…

      • Ellie says:

        Oooh, tell me more please! Never heard this before.

      • Ariel says:

        That certain “gay guy” is his befriend. And the pictures weren’t scrubbed from the net. All of his family and friends removed their personal pictures of Henry when he started becoming famous because people were stealing them.

        Also, its said that Henry and Ellen ended their engagement in 2011 but it didn’t become public knowledge until August 2012.

      • whatsyourbeef says:

        Said it before, saying it again. HC isn’t gay, a ton of friends worked with him on Immortals, where he fell for a local girl and was very, very keen on her, to the point where he scared her off. Some comments on the other thread hit the nail on the head I think, he’s a serial monogamist who’s being seriously over managed right now, hence these strange PR relationships. I also have it on good authority that HJ def is gay and has had a boyfriend for a long time, who his wife is aware of and accepts. It seems that HJ and his wife do love each other very much, and this is just what works for them. I wouldn’t believe it myself if it didn’t come from someone I trust completely and frankly, I ain’t judging. If they’re happy, then good for them!

      • Ariel says:

        I dont think its true that he fell in love with a local girl while shooting immortals. He was still with Ellen then.

      • Whatsyourbeef says:

        @ariel, yep, he definitely was with a local girl on Immortals. This comes directly from my husband, who worked on the set, met her and heard him talking about her on many occasions.

      • Ariel says:

        @whatsyourbeef interesting. Either he and Ellen were done by then or he cheated, which would be pretty shitty of him considering the fact that he said cheating was a deal breaker for him and that he’s monogamous.

      • Lilo says:

        Immortals was shot in 2010. So either he was cheating on Ellen or they broke up for a while and got back together. God Henry goes through women like socks! He seems desperate to settle down.

      • whatsyourbeef says:

        I’m guessing they were done/on a break, he doesn’t seem like the cheating kind at all. The level of keeness on this girl might suggest rebound too, perhaps? My husband has an enormous man crush on him, apparently he’s a super lovely bloke… plus he’s a masssive geek who likes MMORPG’s, so if he was gay I reckon my husband might have turned for him 😉

      • xxx says:

        Sorry but the HJ rumours are false. My best friend’s parents are big into the Sydney gay scene. They are besties with a lot of Hugh’s gay friends and they’ve also met Hugh a number of times and even driven him to the airport. Hugh’s gay friends say he is 100% straight and madly in love with his wife. One would think that his gay friends would know if it was this big open secret!

      • xxx says:

        whatsyourbeef, you might trust your source, but unless you’ve seen it with your own eyes, don’t believe gossip. Remember high school? You actually personally knew those people and yet there were things that everyone “knew” about people that just weren’t true. Rumours and gossip are just that. Sometimes they end up being true or partly true, but a lot of time it is a case of chinese whispers or just completely false.

      • whatsyourbeef says:

        XXX, that’s really interesting and I’d much rather believe you! I’m going to speak to my friend about this one again on this one, for sure. Thanks!

      • xxx says:

        Ha ha! No worries!

  2. Emily says:

    It’s so ridiculous…
    So many people claim he has been ‘in hiding’ for that long and he married her all that time ago – before he was famous, mind you – as some huge elaborate ruse.
    Seriously, he is started up in musical theatre… as he said himself, “If I were gay, I’d be gay.”

    Oh plus I’ve seen loads of people on this site comment that he’s “definitely gay, I know it for sure” bahhaha because that is something people just KNOW, you know?

    • V4Real says:

      I don’t buy Hugh as gay because there were claims that he used to be a serious womanizer before he met his wife.

    • Bridget says:

      I have my own thoughts about the gay straight question, but here’s what I think is most important: by absolutely all accounts Hugh Jackman is kind, decent, caring, wonderful man. He works hard and treats everyone as though they matter. He clearly adores his family. Behind the muscles and the movie star he is a good man, and that’s the most important part about him.

  3. Denise says:

    Wow, he was 27 and she was 40 when they got married? No wonder the poor girl looks older, she is! Well done for her, and well done for him for not freaking out about age as time went on. I choose to believe this is a real love story until facts prove otherwise.

    • Emily says:

      I read an interview about the first time he met her – it doesn’t seem anything but genuine. He seems to absolutely adore her.

      Some people love others because they’re amazing people, not because they have flat stomachs and rejuvenated vaginas.

      • Nerd Alert says:

        +1

        Nobody seems to believe movie stars are capable of twue wuv, but I think they are.

        Sometimes you just love someone for their personality and character, and if they aren’t beautiful to others they become so to you. It’s a thing that happens, even to famous people.

      • xxx says:

        Deb is pretty awesome!! She has more personality in her fingertip than 5 standard Hollywood starlets combined. She is intelligent, funny, and charismatic. I love that Hugh adores her for that and isn’t some shallow fool who just chases pretty faces.

      • birdy says:

        And he comes across as the nicest, most loyal, respectful man around. Not to mention that he was out of his seat in a second at this year’s Oscars to help Jen Lawrence when she tripped on the stairs. That upped him in my estimation.

        Instead of people talking about rumours and how it all must be fake, how about people talk about how well he seems to have been raised and the good man that he is and continues to choose to be in an industry that would support him being a raging psycho as long as the box office receipts were there. But then, that’s not a good story is it?

    • Liv says:

      I totally believe them – I mean Hugh Jackman and his wife! 😉

      And I can understand her, I mean these rumors imply that she and her family are a lie.

      Am I right that the only cause for the rumors are his ability to sing and dance and be kind and nice? So ridiculous.

      • Emily says:

        Well that but also as the above says, it’s because his wife isn’t 20 and super skinny… people are like.. he is so famous and hot, why is that his wife?

        Ridiculous.

      • linlin says:

        I think there are different causes for the rumours, not only that he’s the musical theater guy. He had an assistant, John Palermo, with whom he later founded a production company. They were very close for a few years and then the production company was dissolved. So people were saying that John Palermo was his boyfriend and that he promoted his boyfriend to producer and that when the company was dissolved it was because they had broken up. That his wife is older certainly didn’t help. I am kind of undecided, in many ways the rumours about him and John Palermo remind me of rumours who turned out to be true in the end (like Matt Bomer and his partner or Zach Quinto and Jonathan Groff) but the difference is, that those men didn’t have a wife but were more in the glasscloset. I think its sad if people believe that he’s gay just because he’s a musical theater guy and his wife is a older than him, but in some cases the rumours are there because there are people in the gay scene who know that XY slept with them or their friends. But I like him and his wife together so hopefully everything is ok and the rumours will go away.

      • Nalgene says:

        I like Deborah. She must have a strong sense of self to not have succumbed to Hollywoods cosmetic shenanigans.

        However, I dont know what to think of Palermo. The guy lived with them, both in LA and Aussie. Its suggested that he merely lived in the compounds and had his own appartments but thats still pretty wierd. He would attend Award shows with them, without a date even though he was openly gay. And then the rings the three of them wore?? And then it all just ended. So conclusively for a platonic relationship really.

        Honestly, I figured they were polyamorous or something. With Hugh as bi. I do feel bad for Deb. The rumors are often phrased as to question her femininity, which is BS. Shes a lovely woman, inside and out. But I still think they were polyamorous

      • bluhare says:

        You know what bugs me? Everyone’s fine with some old fat rich dude marrying his trophy wife, but when a man does it? He must be gay!

        And I’m not trying to imply Hugh’s a trophy husband even though I wouldn’t mind him on my mantel.

      • bluhare says:

        That should read “when a woman does it”. Can’t get in to edit my post.

      • Tiffany :) says:

        “I dont know what to think of Palermo. The guy lived with them, both in LA and Aussie. Its suggested that he merely lived in the compounds and had his own appartments but thats still pretty wierd”

        It is very, very normal for assitants to big stars to live with them, even in the main house (sometimes a separate wing). It is incredibly common.

        “He would attend Award shows with them, without a date even though he was openly gay”

        Assistants also go to award shows. Sometimes to help out, sometimes as a perk.

    • V4Real says:

      Gay, bi or straight I don’t care I love Hugh.

      I also don’t have an issue with him marrying an older woman. Some people find fault when there is a big age gap between couples and so do I at times. I tend to question a woman’s or man motives when they’re 25 and they marry someone who is 60. But I believe Hugh is genuine in his relationship. How can I be okay with Hugh marrying older but blast others when they do the same thing.

      I give JLow and Madonna smack for their young boy toys and I guess it’s hypocritical of me to that. Yet I feel Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon’s marriage is honest.

      • Cats says:

        Don’t feel bad – that doesn’t look like judgement based on age, it’s judgement based on the particular relationship. As your last sentence said it’s Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon, Hugh Jackman and Deborah Lee-Furness, but it’s Madonna and (insert name of random under-25 here), J-Lo and (insert name of first man she meets when last relationship implodes here).

      • V4Real says:

        @Cats
        Nicely stated; I believe that’s exactly what it is.

      • Andrea says:

        I think once people hit 30 the age gap starts to close.

        A 19 year old with a 30 year old feels creepy to me.

        A 30 year old with a 40 year old? Not so much. The age gap closes.

        And let’s not pretend that we treat men and women the same here. There is 13 years between Pitt and Jolie and no one blinks.

        A lot of this is sexism.

    • MavenTheFirst says:

      I agree with the post.

      Deborra is older, mature and not glamorous or stick thin. Minds are so narrow and shallow that they cannot comprehend a gorgeous man like that not wanting or needing the arm candy. People can’t understand that a real man has emotional needs and standards and values.

      Maybe Hugh is madly in love with her and not shallow. Sometimes it’s that simple. Occam’s razor and all that.

      I think they are adorable together.

      • V4Real says:

        I would just like to add what some may find unattractive, others might find beautiful. Deb was also thinner when they first met and I saw younger photos of her and found her attractive.

      • Deborah says:

        Maven,you are so on the money here. Hugh adores Deb because she is absolutely adorable. She is a knock out in person, a very very attractive woman. She is so warm and engaging and it’s impossible not to fall for her.

  4. Ella says:

    I feel for her but on the other hand girrrl you’re married to Hugh Jackman – why do you care what anyone thinks?! Those losers didn’t catch Wolverine.

    If it was me I’d laugh all the way to the bank… bank being Hugh Jackman’s bedroom.

    • Aussie girl says:

      I’m guilty for thinking him gay but I just saw them on 60 mins and I have no doubt now that they are the real deal. I totally agree with @ Emily on this, not all people are shallow and love for external reasons

    • Lucy2 says:

      I know, part of me is like girl look at him who cares what anyone says if you have him? But I can see how it persisting and being focused on her appearance would be frustrating and hurtful.
      I used to wonder if he was, but don’t anymore. It didn’t matter to me either way I like him as an actor and he’s handsome, but he is straight and their relationship is real, and people should respect that.

    • TheOriginalKitten says:

      It would DEFINITELY bother me. Not because there’s anything wrong with being gay but just because it’s a LIE that’s being perpetuated to the point where people are literally insisting he’s gay. As if people who are complete strangers know more about her husband than she does.

      I also think the idea that because she’s not perfect, he must be gay really IS offensive. Not to mention the fact that the insinuation that she’s somehow complicit in a fake marriage is insulting in and of itself. I don’t blame her for being frustrated.

      • gogoGorilla says:

        Yeah, I don’t get it, either. I don’t think he’s gay. And I don’t think most marriages stand the test of time when one of the criteria is the superficial “you will always be young and hot.” I mean, come on, that’s not how life works. He seems to really love her and she’s probably been a true rock of support for him since before he was famous. I say, good on them! I think they’re adorable together.

        (I’d still do him, though. Heh. Ok, sorry, that was just wrong, but it’s freaking Wolverine! Maybe I could pretend it was an overpowering situation, etc., etc.?)

      • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

        Agree with everything TheOriginalKitten had to say about this. It would be frustrating and hurtful, I think, no matter how secure you were in your marriage or your own skin. It’s sad that people can’t believe he loves her for herself, even if she isn’t a typical wife of leading man. Those perfect people marriages usually work out so well.

      • Jayna says:

        Bingo. How hurtful to always read he must be gay because he’s married to you. You’re not worthy of his love and attraction. Wow. I love a man that is protective of his wife and told the media he feels bad for Deb and basically is why he addressed it.

        I remember a really honest article by Natasha Richardson, who was attractive, talking about being married to Liam Neeson. She said she suffered low self-esteem as a child, a little heavy and larger nose. When she went into acting, she was always the daughter of a renowned director and daughter of one of the best actresses of all time. Her father even mentioned she should get a nose job when she was trying for roles, which she did, but played into her low self-esteem.

        So she moves to New York eventually and is really becoming known on Broadway as her own person over here, less so than she could in London on stage, compared to her mother. Then she marries Liam, and he becomes this big movie star after Schindler’s List. And it starts all over again, in the shadow of someone else. But she said it was always people saying: You are so lucky to be with Liam. How did you get him? He’s so gorgeous. She said no one ever said to her: Liam is so lucky to be with you. You are so gorgeous. How did HE get you? She wasn’t whining, just kind of stating facts in her life. I loved her honesty.

        Deb, before Jackman’s huge fame over here, was a respected actress and celebrity in Australia, who had her own identity. It must be hard to deal with all this crap in gossip mags.

    • c'est la vie says:

      Lia’s right – he really seems attracted to his wife, has a good family life, etc.

      I have no idea why people keep harping on this couple – it’s so weird to me.

    • MavenTheFirst says:

      @Ella,

      I can imagine that it hurts endlessly to be rationalised as a wife to lovely Hugh,- all those insulting reasons. Perhaps that’s why she said something. Not everyone is tough.

  5. Magneticfieldz says:

    I’ve always gotten a genuine vibe from Hugh with regard to his wife and family.

    And that’s why I absolutely adore him. End of.

    • Charlotte says:

      He really does seem like he genuinely adores her. It must be wonderful to feel that secure in your partner’s love; mine has a hard time with the words and grand gestures, so I cling to the little things like bringing home milk and nappies.
      i also don’t really get the knocking of her looks. She wears ugly shoes (but I can’t stand most ‘fashionable’ pairs either) but she was a stunner when younger and I find her so attractive now. She gives off a magnetic vibe to me that I feel radiating just from pictures – I can’t imagine how powerful it would be in person.

      • Rachel says:

        I was so excited to see her at the Oscars. She was STUNNING. And (sitting in my living room yelling at to the tv), I was like TAKE THAT HATERS!!

      • Bridget says:

        Charlotte, if you havent already, read up on Love Languages. Those ‘little things’ are acts of service!

    • Nerd Alert says:

      Here, here! He seems remarkably down to earth for an actor, and very genuine.

      Heaven forbid a man in the business have any depth or integrity whatsoever. Heaven forbid he prefers intellectual stimulation, partnership and consistency to bimbo flavor of the month. And surely there’s no way he finds this woman attractive…must be gay!

      Once Aaron Taylor-Johnson gets older this will happen to him, too, I’m sure.

  6. EmmaV1 says:

    I agree that people are saying it because she’s not some Hollywood Beauty but she also needs to toughen up and get thicker skin because it happens to ALL male actors.

    There’s google autocomplete searches for “Actor Name Gay” for every single male actor, including people like Ben Affleck, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon who are so obviously not gay or even bisexual.

    Remember Jeremy Renner did some interview where he said it was the 3rd search down, “Jeremy Renner Gay” and he couldn’t understand why lol.

    • TG says:

      I believe Jeremy Rener is gay. Never paid attention to the rumors but when he hosted Saturday Night Live he just looked it to me and the fact that he has a baby now with a woman living on his property. So actors can lie to your face about not being gay. I don’t know about Hugh Jackman he does come across as loving his wife and the way he met her and convinced her to marry him seems sweet so I don’t know and I guess it doesn’t really matter either way I will still go see both of their movies. I like Jackman as an actor but he is too hairy and pastey for me in the looks department.

      • Emily says:

        And you are part of the problem. Thinking someone is gay because ‘he looks it’.
        Seriously. Is this 2013?

      • UsedToBeLulu says:

        +1 Emily!

      • Melissa says:

        @Emily – apparently, there is something to having a “gay face”
        http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=something-queer-about-that-face

      • Nalgene says:

        There have been studies into “gaydar” that confirm a very high rate of accuracy. Its believed to be an adaptation to help identify best mating potential.

      • Emily says:

        @ Nalgene, please show me these studies.

        You can manipulate data to show anything you want. Did you know 100% of people called Nalgene are gullible? There is a study that proves it.

      • V4Real says:

        In TG’s defense some people look gay becasue they are.

        Lesbians don’t always have to dress like men for you to spot them and gay men don’t always have to be flamboyant or dress like women for you to know they are gay.

        Hey people on this site who knows me know that I love RDJ but if you were to ask my honest opinion about his sexuality, I would honestly say he is bi-sexual. He actually stated it some time ago and I can point you in the direction of an interview where he talked about his tryst with the same sex.

    • booger says:

      This isn’t just about Deb not being “tough” enough or not having a “thick skin”. They’re speaking out because the rumours have sexist and misogynistic implications- because people think Deb isn’t young or “pretty” enough to have a sexual relationship with Hugh. Would the same rumours abound if the genders were reversed?

      Good on them for going public about this, and shame on media publications for speculating about his sexuality. It blows my mind how sexist this world really is.

      • mayamae says:

        She’s not only been speculated as a beard, but teased about the possibility of losing her husband to a younger woman. Deb co-hosted on The View, and she was being questioned about any concerns she has with Hugh’s sex scenes with other women. Deb stated it’s acting, not real and Barbara shrieks, “Tell that to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie”. I don’t think there’s any way she would have said that to a young, thin woman.

  7. Joanna says:

    She is blessed to have such a wonderful man in her life. I know, I don’t know him but he seems like such a nice guy. people just can’t believe that because he’s a movie star he’s not out screwing around so he must be gay. I don’t blame her for being aggravated about the rumors. For the record, if she gets tired of him, she can send him my way. That man is FINE!!!!!!

  8. pao la says:

    I just have 3 things to say:

    1. People think he’s gay because she’s not a 25 years old blonde with bikini pics on twitter and for some people it’s unbelievable that a hot and super famous guy like him could settle for an older nice woman.

    2. She has a really bad taste in shoes but great taste in men

    3. gay or not is none of my business but he’s talented, nice and hot. so hot that i could wear Deborra’s shoes for once if that is the price i have to pay to be with him.

    • Bijlee says:

      I don’t know. Leonardo dicaprio has blondes walking in and out of his place all very young and he’s still plagued by gay rumors. Because he lives with his best friend and hasnt settled down. I think most men in Hollywood are at the very least bicurious if not bisexual.

      • Emily says:

        Meh… I think most HUMANS would be at the very least bicurious if they allowed themselves to feel it. They’re just bodies which are made for pleasure. Male, female, what does it matter. As a society, by labelling these things and identifying them as different we have restricted ourselves.

  9. Alicia says:

    I’ve seen TV interviews they have done together and she is an incredible woman. He obviously loves her very much and it must be hurtful for her.

  10. JJ says:

    I think mainly the reason people keep talking about it, is because Hughs business partner looks very gay and they all lived together. If he were not gay, I as his wife would laugh about it. His main fans are the house wife types and they dont like the idea of him being gay.

  11. Tessa says:

    Yeah, if she looked like Amber Heard, no one would be saying he’s gay. The gay rumors are truly just a backhanded way of insulting Deborrah’s looks and age.

  12. Tapioca says:

    Obviously I get her point and the criticism is harsh, but let’s not pretend she hasn’t had (from the looks of it, a lot of) work done to try and fit that image.

    It’s like Usher’s ex-missus saying she was proud not to fit the “cookie-cutter mould” then quietly toddling off to Brazil and almost dying on the table having the fat sucked out of her brain ass!

    • UsedToBeLulu says:

      What a disgusting thing to say. It is normal for women of means to have work done. Show me anywhere in this thread where we are ‘pretending’ anything.

    • Meanchick says:

      Geesh. How is this “like Usher’s Ex-Missus?” Truly awful and uneven comparison. Anger issues much?

  13. Tolleyko says:

    It has to do with being a handsome guy. Pretty much any very attractive guy in a movie has had gay rumors around him like straight men can’t be gorgeous. It’s so dumb; for men, it’s a way to stop these men from being threatening to them and for women, there’s jealous because their boyfriends are unattractive fatties.

    • Thora says:

      You assume they have boyfriends.

    • TG says:

      My man is hot and fit so just because people have opinions doesn’t make everyone jealous or doesn’t mean they are fat or have fat boyfriends. Your comment sounds like something your mom told you when you were young.

  14. Lamb says:

    You have to admit that this is an odd coupling. I’m not saying that she is ugly or a bad person or undeserving of Hugh Jackman’s love. However, when I first saw pictures of them together, I assumed she was his mother.

    This is also why I could never date a younger man. I would just always feel so much older and therefore less valuable. That’s horrible I know, but I can see why she’s insecure.

    • Emily says:

      She wasn’t always ‘so old looking’… they’ve been married nearly 20 years…
      It can’t really be helped that after that long being married, they look ‘odd’

  15. Talie says:

    Lainey talked about this at her past SMUT soirée and strongly hinted he was.

    • Emily says:

      Why does everyone take what Lainey says to be 100% accurate? She is running a website (aka a BUSINESS)…… Why is everything she says necessarily true?

      And also, how can anyone ever ‘know’ the sexuality of another human? Your actions don’t determine what you feel.

      • nico says:

        Exactly.

        I can’t understand why intelligent people believe everything they read on a gossip site.

        I seriously side-eye anybody that believes anything from Crazy Days and Nights.

      • epiphany says:

        You bring up an interesting point… they were asked, specifically, and denied, specifically that he’s gay. I’m inclined to believe them. But what if he’s bisexual? They weren’t asked about that, so stating he’s not gay isn’t a lie. Therefore, he could be genuinely attracted to his wife – and women in general- and still be attracted to men – and have a relationship with his live-in manager.
        Don’t know that it’s true, but it gives them an out to refute the gay rumors, while not technically lying – anyway, something to think about.

      • Talie says:

        She seemed to have pretty solid info to suggest she knew what she was talking about. Plus, I wouldn’t exactly compare her to these other dime-store websites. Her juice is usually legit. Nevertheless, I don’t think his wife is a beard — they just have a more modern family.

      • xxx says:

        Oh please. Unless she has video footage of him having sex with men she’s got nothing but gossip and rumours. That is not solid. I’m more inclined to believe the people I actually know who actually KNOW him, and are friends with his gay friends, who say he is straight.

    • Vee says:

      Which is wrong of her. She loves and adores Hugh why keep the rumors flying.
      Directors and producers have spoken of these rumors. They are dumbfounded. Hugh shows up on set, works harder than most and goes home and plays with is kids on the weekend. Let them be.

      • Natalee says:

        Boy George insists he saw Jackman openly and romantically kissing his boyfriend (I believe it was Palermo) 2 years ago at the Tony Awards. He was adamant that Hugh is gay and his marriage is a sham. The fact that Boy George announced this to all the newspapers yet neither Hugh or his wife disputed this claim makes me think there is something to it.

      • xxx says:

        Oh because Boy George is a paragon of truth. Even if he was, he’s never gone on the record to say this. Once again it is a bunch of anonymous reports saying that he said this. For example: “Website Queerday.com alleges to have quoted Boy George as saying “Hugh Jackman is so gay. I just saw him at a benefit the night before the Tony’s and I saw him holding hands and kissing his lover! The nerve to go onstage during the awards to say he is not.””
        Not exactly firm evidence. One famously bitchy man with drug problems is rumoured to have said something. Hard evidence!!

    • Diana says:

      Lainey is known to be wrong, not even occasionally. More than a few of her assumptions and assertions haven’t panned out at all, most recently trying to make Liam Hemsworth/Emma Watson happen, when it hadn’t, and it was revealed later that he was actually happening with January Jones.

    • booger says:

      Lainey uses a lot of hyperbole and writes in an authoritative tone so it’s easy to assume that she knows what she’s talking about. But she’s full of it, just like every other celeb gossip publication out there.

      • Nerd Alert says:

        +1

        Laney is just a better-written version of Enty from CDAN. People running websites full of ads, pretending to know stuff they don’t so more people will click on their stories.

  16. Vee says:

    Persistent gay rumors are cruel. These two are in love and raising beautiful, well adjusted children. I’m happy for them.

  17. Bangarang says:

    I sometimes find it quite disrespectful when fandom say this male actor is gay and their partner is a beard. I understand that actors are meant to portray a certain image like being super close to their costars, which possibly fuel gay rumors.
    but actors and their partners are people with emotions and should be allowed to love whoever they want.
    Likewise partners of actors should not have to be accused of being a beard

  18. Birdie says:

    Well, it would annoy me as well, but she should just ignore it and live her life with him. They will not change the rumors almost every actor had these gay rumors. She should be happy to have a younger, hot A-list actor and ignore the rest.

  19. Lark says:

    People always look at this on a purely superficial level, or judge them based on the present.

    Truth is, his wife was a stunner when they first met. I think people like to forget that he fell in love with her then, and he obviously loves her as a person and not just her looks. Also, it’s very possible that like many women who marry older men because of issues with their Dads (and those marriages can be perfectly healthy and fine), that something similar played out with him and Debra because of his issue with his Mom.

    The reason I don’t buy the gay rumors is because I think something would have came out by now. Think Luke Evans, for example. It’s possible he’s bisexual, sure, but he just doesn’t seem like the type to stay closeted.

  20. Jess says:

    Deborah was an established actress in Australia when she met Hugh. The TV program they met making was only his second filmed part.

    People might understand this coupling more if they realized she was the star when they got together, and he was just at the very beginning of his career. 5 years later X-Men came along and changed that, but he wasn’t Wolverine when they met. Deborah’s quite a personality, she would have been extremely appealing to a young actor back then.

    • Lucrezia says:

      Yep. Here’s an ancient photo of the two of them: http://cdn.dailyentertainmentnews.com/wpgo/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Deborra-Lee-furness-Hugh-Jackman-wife-picture.jpg

      She’s obviously a little older than he is, but damn he looks dorky. IMO, when they got together they were fairly equal on the “attractiveness” scale. It’s only now that she’s 57 and he’s 44 (and Wolverine!) that they look like such a miss-match.

      • j.eyre says:

        Oh my gosh – I remember that photoshoot. I think that was when he was filming Kate & Leopold, yes? I remember in an interview she gave about that time, an interviewer said something about how lucky she was to get a guy like Hugh and Deb (in my head we are such good friends I call her Deb – and she let’s me sleep with her husband) waved the interviewer off and said something like “I’m lucky? He’s the lucky one to have landed me.” I think I have loved her since that moment.

      • bored_01 says:

        She looks more than a little older…

      • bluhare says:

        j.eyre, you and t fanty are two of the biggest sluts on the board. Is there anyone the two of you haven’t slept with (or thrown yourselves at)? 🙂

      • marie says:

        hey now, neither likes Skarsgard..

        and if she let you sleep with her husband j. she would not allow you to call her Deb.. ha ha

      • j.eyre says:

        Sorry blu and marie – I was in the middle of a po’ boy sandwich and just saw these now… I’ll tell you who the po’ boys were later…

        To answer your question “Is there anyone the two of you haven’t slept with (or thrown yourselves at)?” – there was that one person, once. But that was only because she was on a speeding train and my heel had broke chasing it (I had shoved Fanty out of the way long before I gave up.) And Skarsgard – I have not slept with Skarsgard (notice who I did NOT include in that sentence, Marie. She’s right over there)

      • T.Fanty says:

        *scurries in, adjusting skirt and daintily dabbing at the corners of mouth*

        Sorry, I was away test-riding a Viking long-boat all afternoon. Did someone mention my name?

  21. serena says:

    This just makes me appreciate Hugh more and more.

  22. Ellen says:

    But there are persistent rumors (by reliable sources) of him being seen in clinches with men, and I continue to think there’s a real possibility that he’s bi.

    They don’t owe us any explanations and I totally understand her feelings, but I think it’s intriguing that nothing they say contradicts the possibility that he’s bi.

    • nico says:

      What do you consider reliable sources?

      • booger says:

        It’s always a friend of a friend, or someone’s dog’s trainer’s grandmother’s second cousin. Never anyone with firsthand experience.

    • TG says:

      I agree and was just thinking that. Maybe if he is bisexual she doesn’t even know but if his business partner lived with them I don’t see how she couldn’t know but then again lot’s of women are clueless about their husband’s sexuality.

  23. Maria says:

    instead of being happy about a not cookie cutter couple, people are trying to find something to bash them. lots of couples wouldnt survive those vile rumours.

    the thing about the adopted kid is so ridiculous. if he was gay and wanted to hide it why adopt children? they could easily use his sperm, they woldnt even need to have sex.

    its also ironic how people are so mad that there only seem to be slim blondes but when a famous actor dates a woman that doesnt fit this clichee he gets so much S** that i can understand any guy who dates only blondes.

  24. Lucinda says:

    I’ve always felt sad for her when these rumors fly. I saw an interview ages ago (before Wolverine) where she talked about it and how frustrating it was. At the time she laughed it off but I can see how it would wear on you over time. If they are faking it, they really are incredible actors because every interview I’ve seen tells me they are the real deal.

  25. Liza says:

    They seem like complete best friends who adore each other but for some reason my gaydar will not let Hugh be straight! He says he would have just come out but would he have become such a big star if he was openly gay? The interview reminds me of one Kelly Preston did 20 years ago. Does anyone still think Travolta is straight!

  26. Madpoe says:

    I don’t believe he’s gay.

    He’s handsome, talented, friendly, happily married and a good daddy.

    Haters use this as fuel.

  27. GeeMoney says:

    Heaven forbid a handsome man who loves his wife and children isn’t straight.

    Honestly, I don’t give a crap what goes on in their marriage… they seem happy and that’s all that matters. I feel bad that these gay rumors about them keep persisting, but if I were her, I would just roll with it – I mean, she’s married to Hugh Jackman! I would just be like “keep on hating, b/c I’m f$&@king Wolverine and you’re not… ha ha ha!” and keep it moving.

  28. JennJ says:

    I feel so sad for her.

    Also people need to remember that Hugh Jackman’s mother abandoned him as a child, so it makes perfect sense and is quite normal that he would have been attracted to an older woman as a young man. And then he fell in love and stayed with her to raise children. It’s a nice story, and so much more logical than her bearding for him.

  29. j.eyre says:

    *Sigh* Hugh… *sigh* Deborra-Lee…

    I have always liked these two. I could just sit and pet his chest and arms all day and well into the night.

    It seems like they have been talking about these gay rumors much more over the last year or two – are they being asked more about them or just completely fed up?

    • mia girl says:

      I’d love me some Hugh too. A gal can dream.

      To your question, I wonder if its to do with their children reaching an age where they will begin to/are being exposed to these rumors. I could see that really pushing them. I don’t blame them.

    • Lucrezia says:

      Bit of both I think.

      In the Hollywood Reporter article (February 2013), he says the rumours have been bugging her recently (and he blames the internet). http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hugh-jackman-les-miserables-oscar-420764?page=2

      However, it’s probably also coming up in interviews more often lately. For starters, he’s more famous so there are more interviews. But also, because he’s broached the topic before, the interviewers know he’s fine with that line of conversation. The 60 minutes interviewer actually bought the topic up by referencing that Hollywood Reporter line about it only annoying Deb “recently”. So he’s kind of bought it on himself by talking about it a few times … now he’s being asked about it all the time.

    • Jess says:

      Deborah talked about it once, and that gave every interviewer the necessary opening to bring up the rumors.

      Deborah’s outspoken and not really the type to give no comment answers, and Hugh’s just too polite for his own good.

    • bluhare says:

      Theory about why these rumours are bothering her more now. Menopause.

      • Bijlee says:

        Uhhh, I figured it was after the oscars he hosted. It seemed very few people knew how talented the dude really was and given how unbelievably sweet he is and heartbreakingly devoted to his wife, people just find that suspicious in Hollywood.

  30. Barrett says:

    Real love. I have seen them in interviews. Wonderful to see!

  31. Jayna says:

    The adopted children as evidence by idiots is laughable. Gay men closeted had sex with their wives. Maybe infrequently but they had sex and most closeted married gay men have children they fathered. Deb isn’t the type to just be married as a knowing beard and live a celibate life. She’s with him all the time. Also, even if any of that was true, she would just be inseminated with his sperm and have his biological baby. Deb was 40 when he married her, and by the time they tried to have a baby, she probably had infertility problems. So all this using adopted kids by some is just bizarre to me as an excuse. And I’ve read it quite a few times on posts over the years.

    He’s considered gay because he loves to dance, does broadway, married to a a woman older than him and kind of frumpy sometimes. But he fell in love with her when she was hot and a big star in Australia, and they have a loving marriage, where her weight or age didn’t make him fall out of love with her. She gave up a lot to become a mother and support his career over here, and he has always said he appreciates her so much for that. This is a man who was abandoned by his mother and has a tremendous father as a role model, who suffered a great deal being left by his wife and raising the kids on his own. Hugh is a man who knows the type of father and husband he wants to be because of his childhood.

    He’s not gay. If he’s bi, I don’t know, but I believe he is secure in himself. He is a very secure man in interviews and doesn’t seem to feel the need to prove anything to anybody. He is a driven man, who works constantly in all areas of acting, Broadway, movies, etc., and he said without Deb and the kids it would be empty.

    Think of all the stories about Tom Cruise. He’s not gay, never been a scintilla of evidence, except an occasional post, I know a gay man whose friend was at a party with him. LOL Sure. Now, John Travolta is gay and his skeletons come out every so often.

    • TheOriginalKitten says:

      Cher just recently said Tom Cruise was one of her best lays. Ew, I know–but I personally never bought the gay rumors about him.
      …who knows?

      • bluhare says:

        Hugh: I would absolutely volunteer to be your tester so I could vouch for your prowess. As proof of my devotion, I actually watched Kate and Leopold twice because you were so hot in that outfit.

      • marie says:

        I heard and that creeps me out OKitt. I had always thought of Tom as asexual, but that’s just me. For what it’s worth, I don’t believe Hugh is gay either.

  32. Heather H says:

    I have never believed the rumors, and furthermore could care less what his sexual orientation is if they are happy and he remains so great to look at 🙂 I am rooting for them!

  33. Melma says:

    If he was gay, he wouldn’t let her wear those shoes! I’m just kidding lol… I feel bad for both and totally understand where she’s coming from.

  34. Eyeroll says:

    He’s gay he’s gay he’s gay 😛

  35. Jen34 says:

    I think it is the age difference. Think John Travolta and Tom Cruise. Both dated older women when they were younger. Both are supposed to be gay.

    That Hugh married his older women and remains married to her, is testament to his character.

  36. InvaderTak says:

    If he were gay, and they had an “arrangement”, why has she stayed this long? What advantage does her career have now? She didn’t even try to break into the Hollywood scene using his fame, when she very well could have.

    She seems very devoted to Hugh, the man, and not just the kids and the family he is part of with her. And he seems to be completely devoted to her, the person he married. They deserve to be left alone.

    I really don’t get the fascination with gossip fans digging into actors’ sexual orientations like this. I had to leave a Supernatural board because of all the ridiculous people on it. Why the obsession?

    • Tiffany :) says:

      “I really don’t get the fascination with gossip fans digging into actors’ sexual orientations like this.”

      I agree. It think when people stop trying to “out” people, only then will it stop being a big deal. I wish the public would leave folks alone about this! Coming out has been a big experience for a lot of my friends, so I don’t think people should be pressured even if they are celebs.

      I also get REALLY irritated by the idea that people think they can tell the sexuality of a person by how they seem in interviews and pictures. When people don’t know a person in real life, but then claim to understand everything about them and their sexuality, it makes me want to pound my head on my desk. “Gaydar” is essentially the same thing as “gayface”.

  37. user00005 says:

    She should get over it.
    Her handsome, young and… let’s say ‘straight’ husband is one of the most beloved and well-earning stars in the planet and is making millions off of a job as ridiculous as acting and all she has to do is to sit at home, eat bonbons and get her hair bleached. Sorry, but she is living the life.
    She should stop whining about what people say about her husband. If he’s straight, then she knows it and that should be enough. If that’s indeed the case, then she is the only person going anywhere near his crotch anyway. Who cares about the rest?
    She has hit the jackpot in life. She’s the wife of a moviestar with international name recognition. Deal with it and have some sense.

    • booger says:

      She’s not whining. The speculation about his sexuality is sexist, homophobic, and misogynistic. By speaking out, they’re calling attention to how prejudiced the media is, as well as its systemic discrimination. More people should follow their example.

    • UsedToBeLulu says:

      Jealous much?

  38. Amanda says:

    She’s so stupid. Doesn’t she realize that complaining about gay rumors is just going to add fuel to the flames so to speak. She should just keep quiet.

    • paranormalgirl says:

      She’s “stupid.” Really? She seems like a very intelligent woman to me!

    • booger says:

      Yes. Noboby should ever speak out against homophobia or sexism because it will ruin their reputation and make people think they’re “stupid”.

      😐

    • Asiyah says:

      I think that in this case, it’s quite the contrary. I always got a bi vibe from him and now I’m wondering if I’m off. I don’t know him personally, so what do I know? But them speaking about it actually makes me think he might not be. I do like that they are addressing it. Whatever the case may be, I’ve always thought they love each other, and that’s not going to change.

    • Amanda says:

      I guess the word stupid was a bit harsh, but I see the people whomake up these rumors as bullies. The best way to stop bullying is to not give them the reaction that they want. They want her to be upset. Even if she is, she shouldn’t show it.

  39. MissNostalgia says:

    I don’t get the point of this post; so what if he is gay? What’s the problem?

  40. Andrea says:

    Here is the stark reality and it’s a depressing one:

    This is about sexism. We still hold women to different standards. Jolie and Pitt are 13 years apart but no one cares bc the man is older.

    If a gorgeous woman marries a quirky man we are trained culturally to think he’s a good man.

    We are trained culturally to first and foremost judge women on their age and appearance. Not look within.

    This is why you get these “not worthy” comments about Cavill and Jackman and why it was so gross when Pitt left Aniston and people were like “well Jolie is more on his level.”

    This is sexist in its purest form. Also it’s most dangerous bc as women….we have been brainwashed to participate in it.

    That is depressing. Do you get that the sexist culture has actually beat us to the point that we participate?

  41. bored_01 says:

    I know nothing about his sexuality but I see why people comment on them as a couple – they are a really odd match, and especially so for hollywood. she is a lot older than him and looks it. In that last picture she really looks like she could be his mom.

    • Andrea says:

      Seriously? Do you know how many couples you see on TV and in real life where the exact same age gap takes place with the man older? My guess is you don’t even care.

      It’s wildly offensive to me that there continues to be this insulting double standard about women and age.

  42. neelyo says:

    If they want people to shut up about it, they should stop talking about it.

  43. Cam S says:

    What a handsome classy man. I think the similarities between himself and Rock Hudson is what fuels the rumors? Both men are tall, strong and classy.

    Of course, his male assistant living in the guest house for years doesn’t help stop the rumors…

    I personally never believe anything out of a celeb’s mouth. I remember shaking my head in disbelief when Russell Brand was on the Ellen show less than a month before he filed for divorce “Everything is great! We are looking forward to a looong and happy marriage!” Uh huh

    My bf from HS is now a popular makeup artist on many sitcom/movie sets (Yes, I am jealous, no I didn’t have that much talent)- and the stuff she sees is well… interesting. Let’s just say, sometimes it is what it is. Sometimes people over analyze the obvious. Not that being gay with a beard is a bad thing….. To each their own, but let’s stop acting like it never happens. Also, I wish people would stop thinking that everything out of a celeb’s mouth is the gospel. Ah-hem- see Rock Hudson. He denied, vehemently denied homosexual rumors for years and years. Didn’t Elton John also deny?

    As for the older woman younger man double standard- get used to it ladies. It’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Just as the “No chubby chicks” t-shirts aren’t going out of fashion. It’s not right, but it is what it is. As long as no one is physically harmed, you can’t really stop discrimination or opinions, no matter how wrong they may be.

    • booger says:

      Wow, so women should just “get used” to sexism and discrimination?

      Are you going to tell us to get used to the speculation about celebrities sexuality as well, and the media inferring that being gay is something to be ashamed of? Why not try and stop it?

      • Cam S says:

        Sorry, didn’t mean to burst your fantasy land bubble. I speak reality. I see the world as it is, not as I want it to be. I hope and wish good things, and try to do my part to bring them to fruition. However, I don’t lose my foothold on reality. It is what it is.

        You can’t always change people’s minds/opinions. Frankly , I don’t want to live in a world where we all have the same opinions.

        I don’t think the media speculation on someone’s sexuality is inferring it is wrong to be gay. No one said it was wrong.

        I was personally raised not to label someone’s sexuality.

      • booger says:

        What in the world is a fantasy land bubble?

        Why wouldn’t it be wrong to speculate about a public figure’s sexuality? It’s their business, and the way the media frames their intrusion into celebrities’ personal lives infers that being gay is something to be ashamed of. It’s also enforcing negative stereotypes. In Hugh’s case, that because he likes to sing and dance and do Broadway, he MUST be gay. And because he’s not married to a 20 year old model, his wife is a beard.

      • Cam S says:

        Like I said, the dude has had his very close assistant living in his guest house for years now. I think that fuels the rumors. I said nothing about singing?

      • booger says:

        No no, not you. I’m talking about the media in general.

        Re: assistant living in guesthouse, that’s hardly out of the ordinary for celebrities. Maybe HJ is gay, maybe he isn’t. It shouldn’t matter.

      • Cam S says:

        I agree, it shouldn’t matter. But, makes for salacious gossip fodder.

      • Tiffany :) says:

        Cam,
        Assistants living with their employers is very, very common. It is the norm in Hollywood. Being an assistant is a 24/7 job for those working for big stars. You really don’t get to have a life. Most put in the hard work as an assistant in hopes of getting into producing.

        HJ’s assistant living with them isn’t proof of anything.

  44. EscapedConvent says:

    This is silly. I think a lot of it is their age difference—which compels me to point out that Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie have the same age difference & no one seems to bitch about that.

    I’ve never heard a peep about it—is it okay when the man is older? Just asking.

    EDIT: @Andrea,

    Ooops! Just saw your comment. Yep.

  45. Meanchick says:

    ” . . .I think people are saying this because Deborra isn’t the typical stick-thin, over-Botoxed trophy wife that we’re used to seeing with movie stars. This is about people saying that she’s “not good enough” to be married to a hetero A-lister, so of course, she must be bearding. And that’s an awful thing for people to think.” You hit the nail on the head. I also think this is the real reason and it’s shameful and disgusting.

  46. bluhare says:

    You know what makes me go all “le sigh” over Hugh? When I see him with one of his kids in the wintertime, walking his dog and the little dog has booties.

  47. K says:

    I don’t care about the age difference or the nature of their relationship. I just wish she’d get a little styling help or a hairbrush. She seems like a lot of fun, regardless.

  48. s says:

    It must be terrible to have to deal with that. I like that this website deals with these issues in such an enlightened manner.

  49. TheWendyNerd says:

    When you accuse a married person with a long-lasting family and married life, you’re basically saying that the life they’ve built with the people they love is a sham. That’s wrong. And yes, the rumors are built on f–ked up, judgmental attitudes toward body image and harmful stereotypes. It’s not just offensive to Jackman and his family, but should seem offensive to LGBTQIA community because a lot of people are basing this on stereotypes of the singing, dancing, effeminate gay man. Because if he loves musical theater, HE MUST BE GAY. Also bringing up that his children are adopted is just cruel.

    There’s nothing defensible about the rumors about him. It’s offensive to the Jackman-Furness clan, to their children, to all adopted children and parents, to homosexuals and to women.

  50. Leek says:

    I know a woman who worked with him at one point and she said he adores his wife. He sounds like a really lovely person and my friend said when his wife was around there was no one else in the room.

    • Quinn says:

      I met them both at a fundraiser in New York, while Hugh is incredibly charming, polite and gracious to fans, Deb is charismatic, entertaining and the life of the conversation. She would be an absolute blast to hang out with and face to face, with these personable qualities, she is a VERY attractive woman.
      Comparing photos with other hollywood women is silly, and I’m sure 99% of those women do not have the spark she does. To me it is obvious why Hugh feels he hit the jackpot with Deb rather than chase women who simply look good in photos.
      And whenever Deb was talking Hugh was listening with rapt attention and love-sick eyes. Hugh loves that woman!

  51. Emily C. says:

    There are people — almost all straight women — who refuse to believe any Hollywood actor they are attracted to is attracted to women. When a said actor dates a woman who isn’t unhealthily stick-thin and otherwise Hollywood, they get even worse. I think it’s that they’re a lot more willing to believe that a man just isn’t attracted to women than that he is, but he’ll never want them. There’s a lot of misogyny involved.

    Gossip rags and the entire Hollywood system also tend to present these ideas that people fall in love because of looks, and that everyone likes precisely the same thing when it comes to looks. Both are utter nonsense, but these absurd, immature ideas seem to be getting even more prevalent.

  52. Idreaminprincess says:

    Honestly, I could care less what they do in their personal life. Even if he were gay, it would still be their life and their choices – although I don’t think that he is. I love this couple. The only thing I don’t like are Deb’s shoes. Can’t this woman find an attractive pair of shoes to wear?

  53. Lemony says:

    Hugh Jackman & Pierce Brosnan have a lot in common. Both were abandoned by a parent at a young age & grew up to be very devoted husbands & fathers, perhaps because of their childhoods, and both of their wives have faced criticism over their “less than Hollywood” looks (Pierce’s 2nd wife Keely has gained weight over the years, although she is still sooo pretty).
    They’re both great men who seem to find beauty in more than the typical Hollywood look & also value their marriage vows.
    I adore both of them!

    • EscapedConvent says:

      Hmmm, you’re right, Lemony. There sure are some important things in common.

      I think it would be a dream come true to meet a man like these two gentlemen who appreciate their ladies. There certainly seems to be more substance & character there than most of the airheads we read about.

  54. diva says:

    I didn’t think people thought he was gay because of his wife but just cause they thought he was gay. I guess I could see how that would upset her. They are an odd pair though. They lasted this long so they should stop sweating the rumors. It comes with the job.

  55. Meanchick says:

    Okay, so since he wasn’t asked if he was bisexual and he didn’t deny it, that means he could be? Well guess what? He wasn’t asked if he dressed up like Buzz Lightyear at home and he didn’t deny it, but I doubt that is the case. I don’t get this obsession with trying to shove someone into the closet so you can then yank them out of it. Is there some “I knew he was gay FIRST’ reward involved in this?

    • Emily C. says:

      trying to shove someone into the closet so you can then yank them out of it

      That is an excellent way of putting it. I wonder if anyone’s done real research on this topic.

  56. yoyo says:

    I never believed he was gay because of his wife, when they got together the age difference wasn’t shocking visually, she has just aged badly (too much sun). No the reason I think he is is because of the vibe he gives in interviews, I find him kind of “precious”. This idea also that he is not offended but he’s bothered because it bothers his wife. WTH?! If someonce kept saying I was left handed when I’m right handed it would annoy me. If someone said my relationship was a lie especially if I have kids it would double annoy me. Finally yes he looks the gayest when he does musical theatre or just singing in general, not because of the singing or dancing but because of the WAY he does it. Yeah I guess in the end it’s back to the gaydar again and ok maybe gay isn’t the right word maybe it’s bi, maybe they have some case of open marriage or whatever. In the end though I kinda don’t care per se, I just feel sorry for the kids cause sooner or later its going to get back to them that there are all sorts or rumors and denials about their parents and that just sucks.

    • Dawn says:

      I agree. I think you can only deny something for so long and then after that you ignore it. I think if he was gay he would be one of the guys out in the open.

    • Lemony says:

      I think the gay rumours don’t bother him because he’s secure enough in his manhood that he doesn’t care what people think. Also, most actors, at some point, deal with rumors about their sexuality. So maybe he figures it comes with the territory. I think he doesn’t like the rumors upsetting his wife because the rumors are effectively questioning her sex appeal. He loves her & cares about her, so he doesn’t like her being hurt.
      A few years back a “frenemy” was saying some stupid stuff about me behind my back. I didn’t consider her to be someone worth my time so I didn’t care, I just shrugged my shoulders & carried on. It didn’t bother me. But my husband? He got upset! He was all “How dare you say something false & nasty about my wife, the person I love & know better than anybody?!?! You will shut your piehole right now!!!”
      At first I was surprised by his reaction & though it unnecessary, but later on I thought it was sweet & definitely hot that he would stand up for me like that,even when I didn’t think he needed to bother with it. 😉

    • kristiner says:

      I agree. It’s NOT because of her looks.

      They really give off absoluetely NO chemistry whatsoever.

      Look at Pierce Brosnan. Keely was really thin and pretty when they married but she’s really big now but you can SEE and feel that he thinks she’s the most beautiful woman in the world to him. You can always just feel the love without a doubt.

      Hugh and Deborah feel off. Like maybe good friends but they don’t give off a married vibe yet they are.

      • Camille (TheOriginal) says:

        Agree completely. It’s nothing to do with her looks. Great comments.

  57. ms. deneuve says:

    Bitch, please? wake up!

    • Kim says:

      Shes awake and paid very well & gets the celebrity lifestyle to lie lie lie. So common in Hollywood.

  58. april says:

    They look like a great couple and in love, also with a history of a stable marriage and family. I don’t believe the gay rumors and I hope she just turns the other cheek and focuses on people who support them.

  59. Ozwatcher says:

    Hugh Jackman gave a wonderful interview, to an Australian broadsheet years ago, in which he talked about falling in love with Deborra-Lee on set of Corelli. Described her as THE most dynamic woman; he couldn’t help himself.

    • Emily says:

      I remember him saying he couldn’t believe how lucky he was that she actually agreed to go out with him.
      This speculation is all Hollywood boredom – tabloids have to make up stupid stories to sell their magazines.

      I’ve never seen a story like this in Australia.

  60. Kim says:

    Whats offensive (to gays) is their denial!

  61. Lucky Charm says:

    I don’t understand why people “expect” successful actors to come out as gay. Whether they really are or not is really not our business. I have never heard anyone say “I wish he would just admit that he’s straight! I don’t care if he’s a straight dude, I’ll still watch his movies because he’s a great actor.”

  62. Moi says:

    Dear Hugh and Debbie,

    All I see from both of you is love for one another. Try not to care what others say. Just know that I am a ‘back up’ for both of you. This is a good thing, trust me. Deb, we will be set…Hugh, we will be set. Either way…..set. 😉😁

  63. Shoe_Lover says:

    the whole gay actor hiding in the closet and using women as beards thing is offensive on so many levels.

    Its offensive to the men involved because it insinuates that the are liars, it’s offensive to the women involved as it insinuates that they are either naïve, stupid women who cant see what’s right in front of them or that they are liars and using the man to their own gain.

    It’s offensive to the public because the media believes that the general public are stupid enough to buy these lies, although as some of the comments on this thread indicate some people are that stupid.

    And finally, its most offensive to the LGBT community at large as it implies that being gay is wrong and something that needs to be hidden, that a man (or woman) cant be successful if they are gay or perceived to be gay and that gayness must be hidden at all costs.

    It’s absolute bullsh!t.

  64. rudy says:

    At this point I don’t understand why Deborrah just doesn’t laugh it off. It is so ridiculous.

  65. lanette says:

    it’s offensive and disrespectful …

  66. Deedee says:

    They shouldn’t bother about what anyone else writes or says about their marriage. It’s none of anybody’s business and it just adds fuel to the fire. The more they protest, the worse it will get. I wish they would just shake things up and say it was all true and see what happens!

  67. unmade_bed says:

    She’s beautiful! Most people can’t see that, because their idea of beauty has been dumbed down by the media.

  68. Zoe says:

    Who among us can explain human emotion, what attracts one to another? I see couples all the time in everyday life who aren’t what I would call “well-matched.” Deb doesn’t look like Heidi Klum, or even close. WHO DOES? Obviously she was very appealing when they met and that’s all that matters. And the fact they’re still together and consumed in family life after almost 18 years speaks volumes, whatever their sexual preferances may be. My major regret….that I will never be a part of his.

    He truly is one of the hunkiest men I’ve ever seen and his sex appeal won’t be affected if I find he may have experienced lovers of both sexes. He’s just an incredibly charming & talented man who totally holds my interest in every character he plays, no matter what he may do behind closed doors. That means nothing to me. And I have to say his wife is one more lucky lady as I see it — just to watch him brush his teeth would thrill me! Anything over and above …Utopia!!!

  69. Nyle says:

    I want to believe that their marriage is real. If they were people living outside of hollywood, I might have a better time believing it. I think it’s cruel to make those insinuations based on looks, yes, but come on. Has there been a person in hollywood who didn’t care about looks? I don’t know if it’s the real people in the world who are cynical so much as it’s what hollywood sets as a standard. This is Hugh Jackman. And any man who has women throwing themselves at him is going to be tempted at one point or another. And hollywood has basically made a name for itself this way. I wish Deborah well. I really do. I don’t doubt that she’s an incredible person and probably as witty and talented as the next. But my marriage would shatter in hollywood. Too many temptations and so little appreciation for what actually matters. I think that’s why it’s raised some eyebrows. But that said, I hope the best for them and hope they’re totally in love. They seem like great people, both of them.

  70. Kristine says:

    My father is 14 years younger than my mother. When my dad met her he fell in love instantly. He chased her for 2 years before she would date him. She kept telling him she was too old for him. Finally she gave in and he has never stopped adoring her and has cherished her and given her everything he possibly could. They’ve been married for 30 years now.

    It does happen. I don’t know why this is such a shock to people. I love that HJ is a real man and doesn’t need a girl half his age to feel good about himself. He seems genuinely in love. Good for him.