Deborra-Lee Furness is a prominent Australian actress, producer, director, philanthropist, and adoption advocate known for her acclaimed performances in films like Shame (1988), for which she won Best Actor awards from the Film Critics Circle of Australia and the Golden Space Needle Award at the Seattle International Film Festival.
Essential Data
- Full Name: Deborra-Lee Furness
- Stage Name: Deborra-Lee Furness
- Born: November 30, 1955
- Age: 70 years old
- Birthplace: Annandale, New South Wales, Australia
- Nationality: Australian
- Ethnicity: Australian
- Occupation: Actress, Producer, Director, Philanthropist, Adoption Advocate
- Height: 173 cm
- Religion: Christianity
- Parents: Fay Duncan and Mr. Furness
- Siblings: Unknown
- Spouse: Hugh Jackman (divorced)
- Children: Two (adopted)
- Relationship: Divorced
- Net Worth: $70 million USD
Early Life and Education
Deborra-Lee Furness was born on November 30, 1955, in Annandale, New South Wales, Australia, to her parents Fay Duncan and Mr. Furness. She was raised in Melbourne, Victoria, after her father’s death in a plane crash when she was eight years old.
She later studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City from 1980 to 1982, graduating and building foundational skills in theatre and film. Her ethnicity is Australian. Her religion is Christianity.
Career
Deborra-Lee Furness began her acting career in Australian television and theatre before gaining prominence with her starring role in Shame (1988), earning critical acclaim and awards for her portrayal of a lawyer in a rural town.
She has appeared in films like Evil Angels (1988), Angel Baby (1995), Jindabyne (2006), and provided voice work in Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole (2010).
Deborra starred in the television series Correlli (1995) and guest-starred in various Australian programs. Transitioning into production and direction, she has worked behind the camera on short films and advocacy projects.
As a philanthropist, she co-founded National Adoption Awareness Week in Australia and has served as a World Vision ambassador, advocating for improved adoption laws and children’s rights.
She received the Officer of the Order of Australia in 2022 for services to the performing arts and charitable contributions. She has maintained a selective but impactful presence in film and advocacy throughout her career.
Award and Nominations
- 1988: Film Critics Circle of Australia (FCCA) Award for Best Actress (Shame)- Won
- 1991: Silver Shell for Best Actress, San Sebastián International Film Festival (Waiting)- Won
- 2000: Australian Film Institute (AFI) / AACTA Nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Guest Role in a Television Drama Series (SeaChange)
- 2006: Film Critics Circle of Australia (FCCA) Award for Best Supporting Actress (Jindabyne)- Won
- 2006: Australian Film Institute (AFI) Nomination for Best Supporting Actress (Jindabyne)
- 2015: NSW Australian of the Year (for her campaign to reform adoption laws in Australia)
- 2022: Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
Social Media
Deborra-Lee Furness does not have a social media account.
Personal Life
Deborra-Lee Furness, 70, stands at 173 cm tall. She was married to actor Hugh Jackman from April 11, 1996, until their divorce finalized on June 12, 2025, after announcing separation in September 2023. They met on the set of Correlli in 1995, married in a private ceremony, and adopted two children: son Oscar Maximilian Jackman and daughter Ava Eliot Jackman.
No other past relationships are widely known. She has focused on family, advocacy, and personal well-being post-divorce, residing in Australia and the United States at various times.
Net Worth
Deborra-Lee Furness’s net worth is estimated at $70 million USD. Her income primarily comes from acting salaries and residuals from decades of film and television roles including Shame, Angel Baby, Jindabyne, and Legend of the Guardians; producing and directing credits on projects; endorsements and appearances tied to her advocacy work; potential real estate investments and asset divisions from her marriage to Hugh Jackman; charitable and ambassadorial roles with organizations like World Vision; and royalties or licensing from her body of work in the entertainment industry.
Filmography
- Shame (film, 1988)
- Celia
- Waiting
- Jindabyne
- Beautiful
- Blessed
- Force of Nature: The Dry 2
Television
- The Box
- Kings
- Neighbours
- Act of Betrayal
- Correlli
- Fire
- Hyde & Seek
- Misunderstanding of Miscarriage