Deborra-lee Furness Reportedly “Hurt” by Sutton Foster’s Career “Power Move”
Melbourne, Australia – Sources close to Deborra-lee Furness are suggesting the Australian actress is feeling the sting of recent career developments involving her ex-husband Hugh Jackman’s new partner, Sutton Foster. Furness, who announced her separation from Jackman in September 2023 after 27 years of marriage, is reportedly finding the period leading up to the 30th anniversary of her wedding to the Wolverine star particularly challenging.
Adding to what insiders describe as a difficult time, news has emerged that Sutton Foster has signed with a prestigious new talent agency, Range Media Partners. This move, described by one source as a significant “power move” for Foster, is said to have further dampened Furness’s spirits.
Range Media Partners boasts an impressive roster of Hollywood A-listers, including Bradley Cooper, Keira Knightley, Emilia Clarke, and Halle Berry. The agency is known for its ability to elevate and broaden the portfolios of its clients, particularly in television and film.
“This is a significant step for Sutton,” a source close to the situation revealed. “She’s recognised a crucial window of opportunity to really establish herself globally, and her ambition is to expand her reach within the television and film industries. Range Media Partners is perfectly positioned to help her achieve that.” The agency’s strong connections with leading directors, such as Michael Bay, and its own substantial production capabilities, are seen as key assets.
The insider added that Foster is “absolutely thrilled” to be joining the ranks of such esteemed creative professionals. “She has an upcoming film with Matthew Broderick, The Best Is Yet to Come, and her horror trilogy, Rule Of Three, is also in the pipeline. However, securing representation with Range is a game-changer. They have a proven track record of negotiating lucrative international deals, forging brand partnerships, and creating innovative mixed-media projects that seamlessly blend stage work with streaming and film opportunities.”
While Foster’s high-profile relationship with Hugh Jackman is acknowledged as a factor that could boost her profile, the source emphasised that Jackman’s involvement in her career choices is significant. “Hugh wouldn’t have allowed her to sign with just any agency,” they explained. “He has extensive connections within the industry, knowing many of Range’s clients personally, including figures like Johnny Depp, Michael Fassbender, Bradley Cooper, and Rebel Wilson. He would have thoroughly researched this decision.” The insider further suggested that Jackman possesses “considerable influence and a strong network of friends who can actively support and guide Sutton’s career trajectory.”
“This is a major career decision, and Hugh genuinely believes Sutton deserves a career as prominent as his own,” the source continued. “He’s more than happy to step back and allow her to take centre stage in their lives for the next few years.”
However, a friend of Deborra-lee Furness paints a different picture, describing the situation as “just another kick in the gut” for the Australian actress. This perspective highlights Furness’s own career sacrifices. “The narrative is that Deborra-lee sacrificed her own highly successful leading lady career for Hugh’s,” the friend stated.
“Before his career truly took off, the mutual understanding was that he would be the primary caregiver for their children while she continued to build her successful acting career,” the insider explained. “Circumstances evolved differently, but it’s undoubtedly difficult for Deborra-lee to witness Hugh now actively paving a golden path for Sutton, especially as their children are now older. Hugh had previously promised her a career resurgence once the kids were more independent, so this news is particularly painful for her to process.”
