What’s Next for Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster? ‘Taking Their Romance 1 Day at a Time’

Sutton Foster has earned some of the best reviews of her career for Once Upon a Mattress, her musical currently playing in Los Angeles — but her romance with Hugh Jackman has received more mixed reviews. The pair’s love story, which allegedly began when they starred together on Broadway in The Music Man, from 2021 to 2023, has led to splits with their long-term partners and hurt feelings. “They ’re very passionate about each other and want the same things,” an insider exclusively tells Closer. “But they’re trying to move forward in a caring, considerate way.”

In late 2023, Hugh, 56, and Deborra-Lee Furness, 69, announced their breakup after 27 years of marriage. “Deborra is still hurt, but she’s moving on with her life,” says a friend, who notes that Sutton’s divorce from screenwriter Ted Griffin, 53, whom she wed in 2014, is still ongoing. “I’m not sure how he feels or what he knew about her relationship with Hugh.”

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A New Year for Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster

Hugh and Sutton, 49, planned to make their families their priorities over the holidays. He is dad to Oscar, 24, and Ava, 19, while Sutton is the mom of Emily, 7. “They split the holidays with their families,” says the friend. “I don’t think they’ve officially met each other’s children yet.”

After Sutton’s musical wraps in early January, she and Hugh will clear their schedules for each other. “Hugh and Sutton are talking of going off somewhere in the new year, just the two of them, for some needed R&R,” says the insider.

While both of them feel it’s too soon to move in or even walk a red carpet together, both insiders say Hugh and Sutton want to give their relationship room to grow. It’s not just a casual fling. “They’re taking their romance one day at a time,” explains the friend. “They were friends first, so they are just enjoying getting to know each other on a different level. Although they are very serious, I don’t think either one of them is rushing into another marriage.”