Life for Hugh Jackman since his divorce last year has been nothing short of a magical mystery tour. From sparring with celeb mates like Ryan Reynolds to comparing his cheese on toast to an emoji, his social-media posts have made his fans laugh, cry and even had some calling for a wellness check!
But despite the highs and lows of his crazy Hollywood existence – and being linked to an array of eligible ladies, including Katie Holmes and Sutton Foster – friends say the Deadpool & Wolverine star has been focused on rebuilding his life after the heartbreaking end of his 27-year marriage to Deborra-Lee Furness, 68, a year ago.
“You don’t just walk away from that and sail into the sunset,” says a longtime pal. “Hugh’s been serious about healing and he’s now at the point where he’s almost finished his memoir. He’s been working on it forever but only got serious about it when he started journalling for his therapy work.”
A healing journey
In December 2022, Hugh, 56, revealed he’d been seeing a therapist to help him deal with the childhood trauma from when his mum Grace McNeil moved back to her native England when he was just eight.
“It’s been a difficult journey that he’s had to deal with silently, like most men do,” adds the friend. “Writing this memoir has been such a release for him. He’s finally ready to unveil the mysteries of his wacky mind to the world.
“Everyone’s convinced he’s also working on a documentary or some kind of special as he’s been filming a lot.”
Last week, social media went into overdrive. Hugh teased a behind-the-scenes picture as he sat down for an interview. A boom mic and cameras were visibly set up in preparation.
“Ever since his divorce, he’s been fielding offers from all the streaming giants for the first sit-down interview,” says an insider. “But the offers got real when the news about his memoir dropped late last year.
“Hugh does plan on doing a proper sit-down interview when he releases this book. He feels nervous, of course, because he’s always had his characters or his family to hide behind. He’s never felt like this real hardman he’s made out to be. He’s worried his natural-born geekiness will ruin his image.”
While fans continue to speculate as to what “bombshells” Hugh plans on revealing, friends are excited about the project.
“Honestly, we’ve all been a bit worried about him,” adds the pal. “He’s been so focused on Deb and the kids, and making sure they’re all taken care of in this divorce, that he kind of got lost there. For a while, he was running on autopilot in this strange kind of docile state. Telling his side of the story is the first big sign that he’s ready to move forward.
“And there’s a lot of explaining to do! He’s now in a much more comfortable situation with Deb. They’re completely united when it comes to the kids and making sure no-one is slacking in the parenting department. But it’s been a year now and the boundaries have all been set. They have a comfortable and supportive friendship now, and they’re both a lot happier.”
From exes to friends
Deb is staying out of Hugh’s personal life, the friend adds, but he’ll seek his ex’s approval should he start dating again.
“That’s not something she would even have to ask for as it affects the kids, who are doing a lot better a year on. As young adults, they’ve dealt with the new situation remarkably well. In fact, all four of them are planning a family dinner for Deb’s birthday next month.”
Friends say one of the best collaborations Hugh could have asked for during this time was with his old mate Ryan, 47.
“Ryan literally had Hugh laugh his way through a divorce,” says the pal. “He opened up his home and support network. He was an absolute hero and it’s why Hugh will always have his back – on one condition, of course: He doesn’t make him get back into his Wolverine costume again!”
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