Deborra-Lee Furness Biography

(Actress)

Birthday: November 30, 1955 (Sagittarius)

Born In: Australia

Deborra-lee Furness is an Australian actress, producer, and the wife of noted actor, Hugh Jackman. A graduate from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, New York City, Furness has made mark in both films and television shows. Her claim to fame came with the starring role of Asta Cadell in the 1988 film, ‘Shame,’ that fetched her several awards. Other notable performances of the actress includes in films like ‘Voyager,’ ‘Jindabyne’ and ‘Angel Baby’; in television series like ‘Neighbours,’ ‘Correlli’ and ‘Fire’; and in TV miniseries ‘Stark.’ Apart from her professional pursuits, Furness is also involved with several social and humanitarian endeavours. She was named the ‘New South Wales Australian of the Year’ in 2014 for her endeavours in adoption campaigning.
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Quick Facts

Australian Celebrities Born In November

Also Known As: Debbie Jackman, Deborra-Li Fyorness

Age: 68 Years, 68 Year Old Females

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Hugh Jackman

mother: Fay Duncan

children: Ava Eliot Jackman, Oscar Maximilian Jackman

Actresses Australian Women

Height: 5'7" (170 cm), 5'7" Females

More Facts

education: American Academy of Dramatic Arts

awards: 2006 · Jindabyne - AACTA Award for Best Supporting Actress
2000 · SeaChange - AACTA Award for Best Guest or Supporting Actress in a Television Drama

  • 1

    What is Deborra-Lee Furness known for?

    Deborra-Lee Furness is known for her career as an actress, producer, and advocate for adoption and child welfare.
  • 2

    How did Deborra-Lee Furness become involved in advocating for adoption?

    Deborra-Lee Furness became involved in advocating for adoption after experiencing the challenges of adopting her own children with husband Hugh Jackman.
  • 3

    What are some of Deborra-Lee Furness' notable film or TV roles?

    Deborra-Lee Furness has appeared in films such as "Shame," "Jindabyne," and "Beautiful." She has also appeared in TV shows like "Correlli" and "Time Trax."
  • 4

    Has Deborra-Lee Furness directed any films?

    Yes, Deborra-Lee Furness has directed short films such as "Standing Up" and "Angel Baby."
  • 5

    What charitable work is Deborra-Lee Furness involved in?

    Deborra-Lee Furness is involved in various charitable activities, particularly focused on children's rights and welfare, including her work with the Worldwide Orphans Foundation.
Childhood & Early Life
Deborra-lee Furness was born on November 30, 1955, in Perth, Australia. Furness grew up in Melbourne. She attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, and completed her graduation in 1981 or 1982.
Her mother, Fay Duncan, was a dedicated charity campaigner. She was honoured with the ‘Order of Australia Medal.’
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Career
In 1975, she appeared as ‘Junior 1’ in the episode titled ‘The Human Factor’ in the police drama series, ‘Division 4.’
In 1985, she played Linda Fielding in five episodes of the popular television soap opera, ‘Neighbours.’ That year she also featured in a film, ‘Crossover Dreams,’ and television series, ‘The Flying Doctors’ and ‘Glass Babies.’
In 1986, she featured in three Australian films namely ‘Jenny Kissed Me,’ ‘Cool Change’ and ‘The Humpty Dumpty Man.’
She appeared as Kathleen in a single episode of television soap opera, ‘Falcon Crest,’ in 1987. She also appeared in stage productions in New York, prior to her return to Australia to resume acting pursuits. That year she appeared in the Australian comedy film, ‘The Bit Part,’ and also starred as ‘Valma’ in the television film, ‘A Matter of Convenience,’ and featured in another episode of ‘The Flying Doctors.’
She garnered fame playing the starring role of ‘Asta Cadell’ in the 1988 film, ‘Shame.’ Her brilliant performance in the film earned her ‘Best Actor’ awards at the ‘Golden Space Needle’ and the ‘Film Critics Circle of Australia’ in 1988. She also appeared in three films, ‘Evil Angels,’ ‘Two Brothers Running,’ and ‘Celia,’ and a television mini-series, ‘Act of Betrayal.’
The 1990 action film, ‘The Last of the Finest,’ featured her in the role of Linda Daly. In the ensuing years she appeared in several other films, including ‘Voyager’ (1991), ‘Newsies’ (1992) and ‘Angel Baby’ (1995).
Meanwhile in 1993, she essayed the part of Chrissy in the three-episode British-Australian television miniseries, ‘Stark,’ adopted from a bestselling novel of comedian Ben Elton bearing the same title. It was first aired on ‘ABC TV’ in Australia and then on ‘BBC2’ in the UK.
She in one episode, ‘All of Me,’ of the popular Australian television series, ‘G.P.’ in 1994.
She played the recurring character of ‘Dolores Kennedy’ in 17 episodes of the television series, ‘Fire,’ that aired on ‘Seven Network’ for 2 seasons. In 1995, she also featured in the starring role of a prison psychologist, Louisa Correlli, in the television series, ‘Correlli.’ The series, which was broadcast on ‘ABC TV,’ marked one of the initial roles of her future husband, Hugh Jackman.
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Her role of ‘Jude’ in the Australian drama film, ‘Jindabyne,’ is one of the notable portrayals of her career. It had its world premiere at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival. Although a box-office bomb, the film received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the ‘Best Actress in a Supporting Role’ award at the 2006 ‘Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards.’
She was part of the main cast of the Australian television drama thriller series, ‘Hyde & Seek,’ playing the role of Claudia Rossini. The series aired on ‘Nine Network’ for 8 episodes from October 3, 2016 to November 21, 2016.
Other notable works of Furness include films like ‘Sleepwalking’ (2008) and ‘Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole’ (voice role, 2010); and television shows like ‘This Is Your Life’ (2010) and ‘Kimchi Chronicles’ (2010).
Personal Life
Furness met Hugh Jackman in 1995, while working on ‘Correlli’ and the two got married on April 11, 1996, at St. John's in Toorak, Victoria. Furness suffered from two miscarriages after which the couple adopted a boy called Oscar Maximillian, born on May 15, 2000, and a girl called Ava Eliot, born on July 10, 2005.
Humanitarian Work
Furness is one of the founders and patrons of ‘National Adoption Awareness Week.’ She works towards helping orphans globally and making international adoptions more streamlined, particularly in her homeland. She has spoken on adoption laws in Australia at the ‘National Press Club of Australia.’
She also patrons ‘International Adoption Families for Queensland’ and the ‘Lighthouse Foundation’ for displaced children.
She is an ambassador of ‘World Vision International.’ She also serves on the ‘advisory committee of the non-profit humanitarian organization called ‘Film Aid International’ that uses films to entertain and educate displaced people across the globe.
Facts About Deborra-Lee Furness
Deborra-Lee Furness is a talented actress, director, and producer who has appeared in numerous films and TV shows throughout her career.
She is a passionate advocate for adoption and has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the importance of adoption and foster care.
Deborra-Lee is also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting various charities and causes that are close to her heart.
In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Deborra-Lee is a devoted mother to her two adopted children, Ava and Oscar.

See the events in life of Deborra-Lee Furness in Chronological Order

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- Deborra-Lee Furness Biography
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