Deborra-lee Furness Reveals What She’s Learned About Herself This Year (Exclusive)

Deborra-lee Furness has been doing a little introspection over the past year.  

The Australian actress, 68, opened up about what she’s learned about herself following recent changes in her life — including her high-profile split from Hugh Jackman in September 2023 after almost three decades of marriage.

“[I learned] that I’m strong and resilient,” Furness told PEOPLE at the New York special screening of Force of Nature: The Dry 2. “And that I — we are all a constant evolution.”

Despite this, there are still some things that Furness can count on to stay the same — including her support from kids Oscar Maximilian, 23, and Ava Eliot, 18, whom she shares with Jackman. She said that the two are “thrilled” for her new film and have already watched it “several times already.”

“They’re very supportive of any pursuits,” she said. “We’re all supportive of each other in any artistic pursuit that we do.”

One of the artistic pursuits she enjoys doing is portraying a “strong” female lead in her projects. She said that she was particularly “drawn” to starring in Force of Nature: The Dry 2 because of its “female driven ensemble of actors.”

“I love playing women that are great role models for younger girls,” Furness said. “Women are great leaders or women can do this. So, I like to play women who’ve got something to say.”

2023 was a major year of change for the Blessed actress who, with the Wolverine star, announced they were amicably ending their marriage in a statement saying, “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,” they added.

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The pair have shown to still be in each other’s lives since announcing their split. Furness and Jackman celebrated his 55th birthday together alongside family and friends at Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar in New York City a month after they announced plans to end their marriage. 

Since then, the pair have been spotted on their own solo outings around New York City. Jackman was seen in recent months taking a stroll in the city with friends Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively.

Force of Nature: The Dry 2 releases in theaters in the U.S. on Friday, May 10.