Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster Spark Romance Rumors with Dinner Date in Los Angeles
Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster have seemingly confirmed their budding romance as they were spotted enjoying an intimate dinner date on Monday night.
The 56-year-old X-Men star and the 49-year-old Broadway veteran were photographed holding hands and smiling as they strolled through Santa Monica, California. The candid photos, obtained by People Magazine, showcased the pair’s undeniable chemistry during their night out.
A Public Outing Fuels Speculation
The dinner date comes amid reports that Jackman is planning to “go public” with his new relationship soon. The outing follows Jackman’s highly publicized separation from his wife of 27 years, Deborra-Lee Furness, in September 2023.
In the photos, Jackman looked effortlessly stylish in a charcoal zip-up jacket layered over a gray sweater, paired with tan chinos and black sneakers. His salt-and-pepper beard and slightly tousled hair added a rugged charm to his casual look.
Meanwhile, Foster exuded elegance in a double-breasted cashmere coat, featuring military-inspired details like a storm flap and epaulets. Beneath the coat, she wore a stunning dark green maxi dress that flowed gracefully to her ankles, paired with classic black heels. Her shoulder-length brown hair was sleek and straight, complementing her sophisticated ensemble.
From Onstage Chemistry to Real-Life Connection
The duo’s chemistry was evident as they held hands while walking down the sidewalk, occasionally sharing meaningful glances. Their radiant smiles and lighthearted laughter hinted at a strong connection.
This sighting follows Jackman attending Foster’s performance in Once Upon a Mattress over the weekend in Los Angeles. The Broadway production recently moved to LA after wrapping its New York run in late November.
Jackman and Foster previously shared the stage in the acclaimed Broadway revival of The Music Man. Fans have long speculated about their offstage closeness, which seemed to deepen during their time working together.
Parallel Endings to Long-Term Marriages
Both stars are navigating new chapters following the end of their long-term marriages. Foster filed for an uncontested divorce from her husband, Ted Griffin, in October 2023, just weeks after Jackman announced his separation from Furness.
Rumors of an alleged affair between Jackman and Foster have swirled for months, with some claiming their relationship contributed to the breakdown of both marriages. Fans pointed to their warm interactions during The Music Man as evidence of their closeness, but neither star has publicly addressed the allegations.
Behind-the-Scenes Drama
Reports suggest that Furness began suspecting Jackman of infidelity before their separation but was blindsided by the confirmation of the affair. According to Us Weekly, Furness even liked an Instagram post by a gossip blogger claiming Jackman had “run off with his mistress.”
An insider described the situation as Broadway’s “worst-kept secret,” adding that Furness felt betrayed by those close to Jackman, including his close friend Ryan Reynolds and Reynolds’ wife, Blake Lively. The source claimed the couple “remained silent out of loyalty to Hugh,” further intensifying Furness’s frustration.
A Statement on Their Split
Following their separation, Jackman and Furness released a joint statement addressing their decision:
“We have been blessed to share nearly three decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our journey is now shifting, and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth,” they wrote.
“Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness. We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition in all of our lives.”
As speculation continues to swirl around their relationship, Jackman and Foster appear to be embracing their connection and focusing on their future together. Whether on stage or off, their undeniable chemistry has captured the attention of fans and fueled curiosity about what lies ahead for this new couple.
