Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster’s connection began long before they shared the Broadway “Music Man” stage. Over the years, their projects have led to behind-the-scenes friendships for years. Both stars often praised each other on social media and gave a glimpse of friendship. On January 6th, 2025, Foster and Jackman were filmed holding hands in Santa Monica, adding fuel to date rumors.
Both actors recently shared news of their split in September 2023, along with Jackman and his ex-wife Deborary Furness.
Let’s take a closer look at the key moments in Jackman and Foster’s relationship, both on stage and off.
2003
Jackman and Foster crossed the pass behind the scenes in a thoroughly modern Milly performance on Broadway, in which Foster played Millie Dillmount. In July 2021, Foster posted photos on her and Jackman’s Instagram from that day. She captioned it. “Behind the scenes of Millie, thoroughly modern almost 20 years ago. Millie and Wolverine. Harold and Marian. Thank you @jeremydanielphoto.
December 2008
Jackman and Foster reconnected with Shrek: In the Broadway musical, Foster starred as Princess Fiona. A behind-the-scenes photo captured the two of them smiling.
June 2014
During the 68th Tony Awards hosted by Jackman, he shared a playful moment with Foster. Jackman danced through the audience and he danced briefly with Foster at memorable moments from the ceremony.
March 2019
It has been announced that Jackman and Foster will be performing together in Music Man’s Broadway Revival.
Speaking about Foster, music man producer Scott Rudyn told the Hollywood Reporter, “Since Millie I’ve been a huge, troubling fan.”
He said, “I think she’s great and I’ve wanted to work with her for years. What we want in this production is a rich, exciting and lively love story, and she’s a great partner for Hugh.
In an episode of people shortly after the news broke, Foster expressed her excitement, saying, “Tell me about charisma. I’m so excited to be in the room with him and learn from him and do this classic musical.”
December 2021
After the pandemic suspended all Broadway productions for 18 months, rehearsals resumed for the music man. Jackman posted an Instagram Carousel featuring his photos and nurtured them on Instagram, celebrating their return. He writes: “@Suttonlenore and I took these photos. We were just beginning our first workshop on @MusicManbway. Little did we know we were hiding around the corner… We packed up our bags from the rehearsal space and weren’t excited to share these photos in the great home in the #Winterially Timeful great home. Standing by Sutton and others other than this extraordinary cast and crew.
February 2022
On February 10th, Jackman and Foster made their Broadway debuts as Harold Hill and Marian Paloo in Music Man. The opening night show was opened by participants such as Blake Lively, Anne Hathaway, Dona Curran and Andy Cohen following page 6 pages.
On February 11th, Foster posted an Instagram photo of her and Jackman from the musical red carpet premiere. She captioned the shot.
March 2022
On March 4th, Foster appeared on the Today Show. When asked what his experience playing with Jackman turned out to be, she said, “He’s extraordinary. He’s as talented, he’s just as great as a human. He’s generous, he’s kind, and I’m like the luckyest woman in the world.”
Shortly afterwards, Jackman posted a photo of Foster’s birthday on March 18th. In the caption, he wrote:
Jackman also let the audience sing for Foster’s birthday during the performance that night. Foster captioned the Instagram reel of the moment.
May 2022
When they co-starred late at night with Seth Myers on May 6th, the pair shared anecdotes after working together on Broadway.
Foster revealed that she was initially threatened by Jackman. Jackman admitted that he was nervous too. He said, “This is six Tony nominations, two winners. Just like you saw her (Sutton) do a completely modern Millie when you’re like 4 years old.
On May 10th, Jackman posted his Instagram and raised the caption “Marion and Harold 2.0.” In the photo, Jackman is seen growing up wearing a suit and a white gown with a floral design.
Ten days later, Foster won the renowned Performance Award at the 2022 Drama League Awards. Jackman was also recognized as a special award.
June 2022
In an interview with Vogue on June 10th, Foster spoke about her experiences with Jackman, calling him “one of (her) best friends.”
She added: “He is the hardest working man and has an impeccable reputation for being incredibly kind and generous. It’s all true. He disarms everyone and he does nothing about him.” Foster also said the two “just spent an anniversary with our family.”
On June 12th, Jackman and Foster performed the segment where Music Man lives together at the 70th Annual Tony Awards.
July 2022
Appearing in Live With Kelly and Ryan, Foster talked about the “carpet chat” she and Jackman have before all the Music Man performances.
“Hugh and I actually call it ‘carpet chat’, but for some reason we just hang out in my dressing room before every show and catch up, but somehow we’re confused by my dressing room. “It’s such a great thing and we’ve become really good friends…it’s what I made this amazing new friend.”
January 2023
The music guy closed after running 11 months at the Winter Garden Theater. Foster highlighted the special bond she formed with her co-stars and shared her Instagram reels reflecting her experience.
September 2023
Jackman and his wife, Deborary Furness, announced their separation after 27 years of marriage. They said, “We have been blessed to be blessed to be able to share in a wonderful, loving marriage as husbands and wives. Our journey is now changing and we have decided to separate ourselves to pursue individual growth.”
October 2024
Foster filed for divorce from her husband Ted Griffin, people reported. The former couple were married for 10 years and shared their daughter, Emily.
January 2025
On January 4th, Jackman was seen taking part in Once Upon Amattress’ Los Angeles performance in support of Foster. People reported that Jackman sat next to the first Carol Barnett, who played the role of Foster as Princess Winifred when the show debuted in 1959.
Two days later, Jackman and Foster were photographed holding hands while out for dinner in Santa Monica. Jackman wore a dark jacket while Foster wore a brown trench coat and a dark green dress.
On January 24th, she was in the audience for the opening night of Jackman’s new concert series from New York. The event was of course held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. In the photos people shared, Foster wore a black tuxedo coat over a sparkling black dress.
September 2025
On September 18th, people shared photos of Jackman and Foster and appeared to be heading for a trip. Jackman had two suitcases, while Foster carried a backpack and wallet. Jackman was wearing a baseball cap and mask, both casually and comfortably dressed.
