Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster have delighted audiences once again, this time with an unexpected onstage duet. On August 6, 2026, Jackman joined Foster at the Sun Valley Music Festival in Ketchum, Idaho, where they performed “A Million Dreams” from the 2017 musical film The Greatest Showman. The surprise performance added yet another memorable chapter to a relationship that has evolved from a professional partnership into a high-profile romance.
The moment was especially meaningful for fans who have followed Jackman and Foster since their days together on Broadway. The pair first crossed paths backstage in 2003, long before they became household names individually. Over the years, their frequent collaborations and public admiration for each other created a strong bond, eventually leading to a romantic relationship that was confirmed in 2025. Their recent duet is a reflection of how far they have come—from shared theater stages to global red carpets.
A Broadway Friendship That Began in 2003
Jackman and Foster’s connection dates back more than two decades. In 2003, they met backstage at a performance of Thoroughly Modern Millie on Broadway, where Foster was starring as Millie Dillmount. At the time, Jackman was already an established actor, known for his role as Wolverine in the X-Men film series, while Foster was making a name for herself in theater.
Years later, in July 2021, Foster shared a throwback photo on Instagram from that initial meeting. In her caption, she wrote, “Backstage at Thoroughly Modern Millie almost 20 years ago. Millie and Wolverine. Harold and Marian. Thank you @jeremydanielphoto for the great pic!” The post highlighted the serendipity of their encounter, referencing the characters they would later play together in The Music Man.
Their paths crossed again in December 2008 at Shrek: The Musical, where Foster played Princess Fiona. A backstage photo captured the two smiling together, but at that point their relationship remained purely professional. It wasn’t until 2014 that they shared a more playful public moment.
From Tony Awards to The Music Man
In June 2014, Jackman hosted the 68th Tony Awards. During the ceremony, he danced through the audience and stopped to share a lighthearted moment with Foster, who was seated among the nominees. That brief interaction gave audiences a glimpse of their natural chemistry, though they would not work together on stage for several more years.
In March 2019, it was announced that Jackman and Foster would co-star in a Broadway revival of The Music Man. Jackman would play Harold Hill, while Foster took on the role of Marian Paroo. The casting news generated significant excitement, as both performers were highly respected in the theater community.
Speaking about Foster at the time, producer Scott Rudin praised her talent and suitability for the role. “I’ve been a giant, besotted fan since Millie,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “I think she’s brilliant, and I’ve wanted to work with her for years. In terms of what we’re going for in this production, which is a rich, exciting, vibrant love story, she’s a fantastic partner for Hugh.”
Foster also expressed her enthusiasm in an interview with People Now, saying, “Talk about charisma. I’m just so excited to be in the room with him and learn from him and work with him and to be able to do this classic musical.”
Rehearsals, Delays, and a Broadway Debut
Rehearsals for The Music Man began in March 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic shut down Broadway just days later. The production was halted for 18 months, leaving the cast and crew in limbo. In December 2021, rehearsals finally resumed, and Jackman took to Instagram to share photos of him and Foster from their first workshop. He wrote about the uncertainty they had faced and his excitement about returning to the stage.
“On March 10, 2020 @suttonlenore and I took these photos. We were just starting our first workshop for @musicmanbway. Little did we know what was lurking around the corner…I’m beyond excited to share these photos as we pack up from the rehearsal space and make our way uptown to the great white way at our new home at the wintergarten. Deliriously joyful, grateful and petrified all at the same time. Wouldn’t want to be standing beside anyone else but Sutton and this extraordinary cast and crew.”
On February 10, 2022, Jackman and Foster made their Broadway debut together as Harold Hill and Marian Paroo. The opening night was a star-studded affair, with attendees including Blake Lively, Anne Hathaway, Donna Karan, and Andy Cohen. The production received widespread acclaim, and the chemistry between its two leads was a major talking point.
Foster celebrated the milestone on Instagram the following day, posting a photo from the red carpet with the caption, “This man. An honor to be by your side. You. Are. The. BEST.”
A Growing Bond During the Run
As The Music Man continued its run, Jackman and Foster frequently spoke about their deepening friendship. In March 2022, Foster appeared on the Today show and praised Jackman warmly. “He’s extraordinary. As talented as he is, he’s even more great just as a human being. He’s generous, and he’s kind, and I just feel like the luckiest woman in the world.”
That same month, Jackman posted a birthday tribute to Foster, writing, “Happy birthday to a great friend and the best onstage partner in the world. @suttonlenore you make the world a better place.” He also arranged for the audience to sing “Happy Birthday” to her during that evening’s performance. Foster later shared a video of the moment, jokingly calling Jackman “an evil, horrible, WONDERFUL human.”
In May 2022, the pair appeared together on Late Night with Seth Meyers, where they shared anecdotes about their time working together. Foster admitted she was initially intimidated by Jackman, while Jackman revealed he was also nervous. He praised Foster’s extensive career, noting her multiple Tony nominations and wins. “This is a six-time Tony nominee, two-time winner. Like I saw her do Thoroughly Modern Millie when you were like, four years old. But I’ve watched everything she’s done, it’s amazing.”
Their bond continued to grow throughout the run. In July 2022, Foster described their pre-show ritual on Live with Kelly and Ryan. “Hugh and I actually have, we call it ‘carpet chats’, but for some reason we hang out in my dressing room before every show and just catch up but somehow we end up—maybe because my dressing room is a mess—sitting on the carpet,” she said. “It’s such a wonderful thing, and we’ve become really good friends… It’s become one of the best parts of the whole thing is that I’ve made this wonderful new friend.”
The Music Man closed in January 2023 after an 11-month run at the Winter Garden Theatre. Foster shared an Instagram Reel reflecting on the experience and the special bond she formed with her co-stars.
Personal Changes and a New Chapter
In September 2023, Jackman and his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, announced their separation after 27 years of marriage. Their joint statement to People read, “We have been blessed to share almost three decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our journey now is shifting, and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.”
Then, in October 2024, Foster filed for divorce from her husband, Ted Griffin, after 10 years of marriage. The former couple share a daughter, Emily. Both stars navigated these significant personal changes in the public eye, and their friendship continued to be a source of support.
Romance Rumors and Going Public
In January 2025, Jackman attended a Los Angeles performance of Once Upon a Mattress to support Foster. People reported that he sat next to Carol Burnett, who had originated the role of Princess Winnifred in the 1959 production. Two days later, on January 6, Jackman and Foster were photographed holding hands during a dinner outing in Santa Monica. The photos fueled dating rumors, and the pair soon confirmed their relationship.
Later that month, Foster attended the opening night of Jackman’s concert series, From New York, with Love, at Radio City Music Hall. She wore a black tuxedo coat over a sparkling black dress, and the couple appeared comfortable together at the high-profile event.
In September 2025, they were photographed heading for a trip, with Jackman handling two suitcases while Foster carried her backpack and purse. Their casual attire suggested a relaxed and comfortable partnership.
Red Carpet Appearances and Instagram Official
On October 26, 2025, Jackman and Foster made their red carpet debut as a couple at the Los Angeles premiere of Jackman’s film Song Sung Blue. Jackman wore a black suit and tie, while Foster chose a low-cut black satin gown. The couple posed together, signaling their relationship was serious.
A month later, on November 26, Jackman made their relationship Instagram official. He shared a photo and video of Foster performing at New York’s Café Carlyle during a holiday show, writing, “@suttonlenore performing during the holidays at @cafecarlyle…now that’s an iconic NYC night! And, truly magical.” The post was notable because it was the first time Jackman had publicly acknowledged their relationship on his own social media.
The couple continued to make public appearances together. On December 11, they attended the New York City premiere of Song Sung Blue, where they held hands and smiled for photographers. Jackman wore a black suit, while Foster opted for a sleeveless navy minidress adorned with silver embellishments.
In early 2026, they rang in the new year with a trip to Costa Rica. Photos showed the couple holding hands and embracing while taking a dip in the ocean. Foster wore a blue bikini set, while Jackman wore floral swim trunks. The vacation photos offered a glimpse into their private life and genuine affection for each other.
Their red carpet appearances continued through 2026. In April, they attended the New York premiere of The Sheep Detectives at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Jackman wore a light blue suit with a coordinating shirt, while Foster chose a sleeveless, mid-length dress covered in reflective embellishments. In June, they attended the world premiere of The Death of Robin Hood in New York City, with Jackman in a charcoal suit and Foster in a navy dress with matching pumps.
Sun Valley Surprise Duet
On August 6, 2026, Jackman joined Foster on stage at the Sun Valley Music Festival in Ketchum, Idaho. The couple sang “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman, a film in which Jackman starred as P.T. Barnum. The song’s themes of hope and building a life together resonated with fans, especially given the couple’s real-life romance.
The surprise duet was a full-circle moment for the pair, who had first met as young performers more than two decades earlier. Their journey from Broadway colleagues to romantic partners has captivated audiences, and their willingness to share moments like this on stage has only deepened public affection for them.
Foster, a celebrated stage actress with multiple Tony Awards, has long been admired for her versatility and charisma. Jackman, equally accomplished in film and theater, has repeatedly praised Foster’s talent and character. Their mutual respect is evident in interviews and social media posts.
The Sun Valley performance also highlighted the couple’s shared love of music and performance. While Jackman has built a career as a Hollywood leading man, he has never strayed far from his musical theater roots. Foster, meanwhile, remains one of Broadway’s most beloved stars. Together, they bring a unique blend of experience and artistry to any stage they share.
Fans have embraced the couple’s relationship, following their journey from friendship to romance. Whether they are walking red carpets, attending industry events, or surprising audiences with impromptu duets, Jackman and Foster continue to capture attention. Their ability to balance their personal and professional lives has made them one of the most watched couples in entertainment.
As they move forward, both individually and together, their partnership seems rooted in a deep friendship and shared passion for their craft. The Sun Valley duet is just the latest example of how their connection continues to inspire their work and delight their audiences.
Source: MSN News