The “Legend of the Guardians” star turned heads as she stepped out for a rare public appearance with her teenage daughter at a high-profile sporting event.
Deborra-Lee Furness, 69, and her adoptive daughter, Ava Eliot Jackman, 19, appeared during the 2025 Australian Opens Mens Singles First Round match between Daniil Medvedev and Kasidit Samrej, garnering mixed online views.
A user comment on the mother-daughter duo, dated January 15, 2025 | Source: Instagram/justjared
The event happened on January 14, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. Deborra-Lee, known for her timeless elegance, donned a striking purple silk blouse featuring an intricate printed pattern. She paired it with light beige pants, creating a comfortable yet stylish look for the event.
Deborra-Lee Furness (L) and her daughter Ava Eliot Jackman (R) are seen during the Mens Singles First Round match between Daniil Medvedev and Kasidit Samrej of Thailand on January 14, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia | Source: Getty Images
Her signature short blonde hair was neatly styled, and she accessorized with tinted aviator sunglasses that complemented her ensemble. Ava opted for a modern, youthful outfit.
Deborra-Lee Furness and Ava Eliot Jackman at the Womens Singles First Round between Emma Navarro and Peyton Stearns on January 14, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia | Source: Getty Images
The young woman wore a black lace-trimmed spaghetti-strap top with a statement necklace. Her long dark hair flowed freely, and she, too, sported sunglasses, adding a casual, chic vibe to her overall appearance.
Deborra-Lee Furness and Ava Eliot Jackman at the Womens Singles First Round between Emma Navarro and Peyton Stearns on January 14, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia | Source: Getty Images
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The duo was seated in the stands, enjoying the intense tennis match. While Deborra-Lee appeared engaged, occasionally laughing and chatting, Ava maintained a more reserved demeanor, often gazing at the court quietly.
Deborra-Lee Furness and Ava Eliot Jackman have their eyes on the court during their appearance at the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 14, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia | Source: Getty Images
The pairs public outing sparked diverse reactions across social media platforms, with fans and observers sharing their thoughts. On Facebook, users quickly commented on the noticeable contrast in the mother and daughters moods.
Deborra-Lee Furness gets excited while sitting next to her daughter during the Mens Singles First Round match between Daniil Medvedev and Kasidit Samrej of Thailand on January 14, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia | Source: Getty Images
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One user wrote, “Daughter doesnt look happy being at the tennis Id say she wanted to be somewhere else [sic].”
Another added, “I wouldnt of known it was her if I seen her, she has changed a lot. Daughter look sulky [sic].” A third remarked, “Daughter doesnt look to interested [sic].”
Deborra-Lee Furness and her daughter Ava Eliot Jackman are seated among the attendees during day three of the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 14, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia | Source: Getty Images
On Instagram, users shared similar sentiments but also expressed support. One comment read, “Awww shes such a good mom, good for her and glad her daughter and sticking to her mother, thats loyalty [sic].”
Ava Eliot Jackman rests her head on her mother Deborra-Lee Furness’ shoulder as they attend day three of the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 14, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia | Source: Getty Images
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Another user questioned Avas interest in the event, “Dont get it, why the daughter there, when she clearly seems to be disinterested and sleepy [sic].”
Deborra-Lee Furness watches her daughter Ava Eliot Jackman using her phone during their appearance at the 2025 Australian Open on January 14, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia | Source: Getty Images
Expressing admiration for Deborra-Lees parenting, one user stated, “Im so glad Deborah had the children. Regardless biological or not [sic].”
Another commenter shared warm wishes, “Very happy to see her and daughter enjoying time together. We wish you all the best for the future Debora-Lee Furness [sic].” A final commenter praised Ava, “What a beautiful daughter.”
Deborra-Lee Furness looks at her daughter Ava Eliot Jackman clapping during their time at the 2025 Australian Open on January 14, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia | Source: Getty Images
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The duos outing is a reminder of Deborra-Lee and her husband Hugh Jackmans heartfelt journey to parenthood, one marked by love, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to their children, Ava and her older brother, Oscar Maximillian, now 24.
Actor Hugh Jackman, his now ex-wife Deborra Lee Furness, and children Oscar Jackman and, Ava Jackman pose with Mickey Mouse outside Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland on April 23, 2009, in Anaheim, California | Source: Getty Images
In a 2020 interview with People, Deborah-Lee, then 64, opened up about the joys and challenges of parenting.
She shared, “Its so interesting being a parent, and theyve both made me smarter than I think I ever could have been on my own. But when youre a parent, you cant lie to them or yourself. They will shine a light on every one of your flaws, your Achilles heel, whatever. Youve got to look at yourself.”
Hugh Jackman, Deborra-Lee Furness, and their children Ava Jackman, and Oscar Jackman attend the handprint and footprint ceremony honoring Hugh Jackman at Graumans Chinese Theatre on April 21, 2009, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
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The Australian star also spoke candidly about navigating the unique dynamics of raising adopted children. “What Im very interested in is epigenetics, and its even more so when you have adopted children because Im coming from my lineage of my mother, how she parented me, how her mother parented her, and Im translating that to my children,” she said.
“But my children also have a separate lineage. So its almost like we have more players at the table.”
Deborra-Lee Furness, Ava, and Oscar attend the handprint and footprint ceremony honoring Hugh Jackman in Hollywood, California on April 21, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
The actress and producer also reflected on the cultural differences present within their family. “Weve got cultural differences in there, and I do believe these will play out generation after generation. So our family is just a little more late, I guess, at dinner time; a few more ancestors at the table.”
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Helen Christiansen, Deborah Jackman, and Hugh Jackman attend the Edun Fall 2011 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on February 12, 2011, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
The “Deadpool & Wolverine” alum has also been vocal about the couples adoption journey. In a 2017 interview with People, Hugh recalled their struggles before deciding to adopt.
Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman at the Children of the City benefit gala at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers on September 30, 2010, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
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“Because of her age, we started [trying] straightaway when we were together,” said the Australian actor, who married Deborra-Lee in 1996 when he was 27 and she was 40. “We struggled, a couple miscarriages, [in vitro fertilization] — it was not easy. It was difficult, obviously particularly on Deb.”
Hugh Jackman, Ava Eliot Jackman, and Deborra-Lee Furness are seen on December 3, 2012, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Hugh shared how he approached the decision, saying, “I remember saying to her, We were always going to adopt — lets just adopt now.”
For the couple, the motivation to adopt came from a desire to meet the greatest need. It was important for the “Logan” star and his wife to adopt mixed-race children as well — a demographic he referred to as “the biggest need.”
Actor Hugh Jackman, his now ex-wife Deborra Lee Furness, and their children Oscar and Ava attend the handprint and footprint ceremony honoring Hugh Jackman on April 21, 2009, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
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He further elaborated, “A lot of people go into [adoption thinking] its really important to them for the kid to look like them, and honestly, for Deb and I, that just never even was an issue.”
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness at The Met Gala in New York City on May 1, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
The “Van Helsing” actor also emphasized the deeper values he hoped to instill in his children.
“I believe in life and I want to tell my kids that your personality is interesting, it in some way very much defines you, the color of your skin, whether youre a male, whether youre a female, but thats not who you really are. What defines you as a human is underneath all that.”
Actress Deborra-Lee Furness and children Ava and Oscar participate in the Hugh Jackman Star ceremony at The Hollywood Walk Of Fame on December 13, 2012, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
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Hugh and Deborra-Lee announced in early September 2023 that they were separating after almost 30 years of marriage.
The two had been married for 27 years and noted that their separation was amicable, as their journey was shifting, forcing them to pursue individual growth. They said their family will remain their highest priority.
Hugh Jackman, Ava Eliot Jackman, and Deborra-Lee Furness walk in New York City on December 3, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
On the pairs 27th anniversary, a few months before they announced their separation, Hugh shared a sweet post celebrating Deborra-Lee. “I love you so much. Together we created a beautiful family. And life,” he wrote partly.
He added that her laughter, spirit, generosity, humor, cheekiness, loyalty, and courage were a wonderful gift to him.
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The two met in 1995 on the set of the Australian drama series “Corelli,” where the actress was the lead. The series was the actors first job after drama school, but Deborra-Lee was already a big star everyone loved.
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When she greeted Hugh, the “Scoop” actor knew he really liked her and saw that she was absolutely beautiful.
Deborra-Lee Furness at The Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project fundraising event in New York City on November 12, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
However, Hugh didnt want to fall for the leading lady, so six weeks into the shoot, when he realized he had a crush on Deborra-Lee, he didnt speak to her for a week.
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But during a party the actor threw later, he admitted to Deborra-Lee that he had a crush on her, and he was surprised to find out that the actress had a crush on him too. Their romance blossomed from that day.
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During their marriage, Hugh was devoted to the “Jindabyne” star and never shied from showering her with affection publicly.
The 56-year-old is also a dedicated father who is often vocal about his love and joy of fatherhood and how he and Deborra-Lee raise their two kids.
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The duo tied the knot on April 11, 1996. They expanded their family when they adopted Oscar in 2000 and Ava in 2005. “The Wolverine” actor said they always wanted to adopt, but after first having biological kids.
Hugh Jackman plays with Oscar Maximilian on the movie set of “Kate and Leopold” in New York City on April 5, 2001 | Source: Getty Images
However, they went through a difficult time having biological kids. Hugh and Deborra-Lee decided to adopt because it was a step they would take anyway. The pair also wanted a multiracial family, so they adopted multiracial kids.
Hugh Jackman, Ava Jackman, and Deborra-Lee Furness in West Village in New York City on December 2, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
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Ava Jackman in New York City on April 12, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
Hugh also opened up about his kids when they were young, revealing their personalities. He said Oscar never wanted to go to school, but Ava loved it.
Hugh Jackman and Ava Jackman at the Meat Packing District in New York City on November 18, 2006 | Source: Getty Images
He added that his daughter loves life and is “so like” Deborra-Lee. Ava was fairly quiet and very independent as a baby, traits she shared with her mother.
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Hugh revealed that Ava would not be fed from when she turned six months old. Instead, she would feed herself, showcasing her independence.
Deborra-Lee Furness and Ava Jackman spotted at Narita International Airport in Narita, Japan on January 20, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Like her mom, Ava is also a lover of neatness. She would go around the house, closing drawers and picking things up. Hugh joked that their family didnt need a housekeeper because they had Ava. Ava would tell her dad that she loves to be neat.
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Oscar Jackman in New York City on April 12, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
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Meanwhile, Hugh noted that Oscar loves the outdoors. He is a nature kid whose knowledge of the outdoors is unbelievable.
He said he is happiest with Oscar when they spend time in nature, “When Im hiking, camping, fire on the beach roasting marshmallows, out in the wood fishing, that kind of thing with him is when I see him at his most relaxed.”
Hugh Jackman, Deborra-lee Furness, and Oscar Jackman (left) at the 2018 tennis US Open in New York City on August 28, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Ava, just like her dad, loves music and dance. In 2017, Hugh said he had been to four concerts with Ava, including an Ed Sheeran concert where father and daughter knew every word in every song of the singer.
“The Prestige” actor noted that spending time with Ava at these concerts was like “heaven” to him, adding, “When I go to a concert with her and the two of us standing there and, literally, I turn somehow into a 12-year-old.”
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Hugh Jackman carries his daughter Ava at Sydney International Airport in Sydney, Australia on July 14, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
Just like most kids, Hugh noted that his kids sometimes feel embarrassed when they see their dad doing something they find corny.
Hugh Jackman and Ava Jackman in New York City on November 13, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
The actor said when Ava was six, she would hide under a chair during theatre shows when her dad would sing to her mom. Ava finds theatre a little boring, while Oscar thinks its interesting.
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Hugh Jackman walks with Oscar and Ava in New York City on May 18, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
Apart from his kids traits and personalities, Hugh also revealed the kind of father he is. The movie star said he is a strict parent because when his parents split, his dad, an accountant, raised seven kids in a very regimented way.
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness at the Variety Club Heart Awards in Sydney, Australia on July 18, 1997 | Source: Getty Images
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Hugh pointed out that he and Deborra-Lee had very opposite parenting styles. She was raised by a single mom, and her mother wasnt strict. Thus, the 69-year-old took after her mothers parenting style, being lenient with Ava and Oscar.
Hugh Jackman at the Sky Bet League Two match in Wrexham, Wales on August 5, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Now, Hugh and Deborra-Lees romance has burned out. The actor was spotted walking on the streets for the first time after announcing their separation.
When asked to comment about the individual growth he would be pursuing, Hugh politely declined, noting that it wasnt a good time.
