Broadway’s Enduring Duet: Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster’s Romance Flourishes Seven Months In
Despite a private approach to their relationship, sources confirm the former ‘Music Man’ co-stars are building a ‘good foundation’ as they navigate post-divorce life together, recently seen hand-in-hand in Massachusetts.
Seven months after their romance was publicly confirmed with a hand-in-hand stroll to dinner in Santa Monica, California, on January 6, actor Hugh Jackman, 56, and Broadway luminary Sutton Foster, 50, continue to build a “good foundation” in their blossoming relationship, according to sources close to the couple. The initial sighting in Santa Monica ended months of quiet speculation that had begun during their acclaimed Broadway run together.
Recent sightings reinforce the stability of their bond. Just last month, in July, the duo was seen holding hands at the tranquil Canyon Ranch wellness resort in Lenox, Massachusetts. Jackman, known for his ardent support of Foster’s career, was reportedly “excited” to attend her “One Night Only” performance at the nearby Tanglewood Music Center, where she shared the stage with fellow Broadway star Kelli O’Hara. While the pair maintains a largely private profile, limiting public appearances, they were also photographed walking hand-in-hand in New York City in May. This outing occurred while Jackman was starring in the Off-Broadway play *Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Class*.
Their connection blossomed quickly following their respective marital separations. Jackman, whose 27-year marriage to Deborra-lee Furness concluded with their separation announced in September 2023, found a new chapter with Foster. Similarly, Foster, who reportedly filed for divorce from screenwriter Ted Griffin in October 2023, embraced this new personal journey. Beyond personal moments, their professional support for one another has been evident. Just two days prior to their Santa Monica dinner in January, Jackman attended Foster’s Los Angeles run of *Once Upon a Mattress*. Conversely, Foster was a visible presence at the opening night of Jackman’s *From New York, with Love* show in New York City on January 24, underscoring their commitment to cheering each other on.
The roots of their bond stretch back decades, long before romance bloomed. Jackman and Foster cultivated a friendship in the early 2000s, both establishing themselves as prominent figures in the vibrant Broadway community. Their paths, though separate for many years, finally converged professionally in a monumental way. In 2019, the theatre world buzzed with excitement when they were cast as the leads, Professor Harold Hill and Marian Paroo, in the highly anticipated Broadway revival of Meredith Willson’s *The Music Man*. Despite pandemic-induced delays that pushed back performances, the show finally premiered in 2022, allowing their on-stage chemistry to captivate audiences eight times a week.
It was during this acclaimed Broadway run that their deep mutual admiration became apparent. In a 2022 interview with PEOPLE, Foster, a two-time Tony Award winner, spoke warmly of their connection, saying, “The best thing that’s happened out of this whole thing is that I’ve made a new friend, which you never anticipate.” She humorously added, “We always joke that after 40, you don’t really make new friends! He’s a dream and so kind and talented and is even more generous. He’s pretty fantastic.” Jackman echoed her sentiments, admitting on *Late Night with Seth Meyers* that he was initially “intimidated” to work alongside Foster, given his long-standing admiration for her extensive Broadway career. He confessed, “I’ve watched everything she’s done and it’s amazing.” Foster, in turn, described the entire *Music Man* production as “so joyful,” expressing her delight in “having the time of my life playing opposite this guy.”
Seven months into their publicly acknowledged relationship, Jackman and Foster’s story is one of shared history, mutual support, and a quiet, yet resilient, companionship that continues to flourish away from the brightest spotlights.
