Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster appear to have made their relationship official after being spotted on a cosy dinner date on Monday evening in Santa Monica, California. The 56-year-old X-Men star and the 49-year-old Broadway veteran were photographed holding hands and sharing smiles, marking what seems to be their first public appearance as a couple.
The sighting coincides with reports suggesting that Jackman is planning to go “public” with his new relationship following his separation from his estranged wife, Deborra-lee Furness. The couple, who had been married for 27 years, announced their split in September 2023.
For the outing, Hugh kept his look casual yet sophisticated, donning a charcoal zip-up jacket over a slim grey sweater, paired with tan chinos and black sneakers. His salt-and-pepper beard and slightly tousled hair added to his effortlessly stylish appearance. Sutton Foster, equally radiant, complemented Jackman’s laid-back vibe as the two enjoyed their evening together, visibly at ease in each other’s company.
Their relationship rumours gained traction after Jackman attended a performance of Foster’s production of Once Upon A Mattress in Los Angeles over the weekend. The show had recently transferred to Los Angeles after a successful run in New York. Jackman and Foster share a history, having previously starred together in Broadway’s revival of The Music Man, where they portrayed the lead characters.
Both stars have been navigating the end of long-term relationships. Foster filed for an uncontested divorce from her husband, screenwriter Ted Griffin, in October 2023, concluding a 10-year marriage. Speculation about their romantic involvement had been circulating since their time working together on The Music Man. Fans observed their apparent off-stage chemistry, with some attributing their closeness to the breakdown of their respective marriages.
Deborra-lee Furness seemingly lent credence to these rumours when she liked an Instagram post by a gossip blogger suggesting Jackman was “running off with the mistress” and planning a “soft launch” of his new relationship.
While Jackman and Foster have not yet commented on their romance, their affectionate public outing speaks volumes, sparking both excitement and curiosity among their fans.