As Broadway stars, Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster must remember that their once-not-so-secret love affair could lead on to great theater behind the scenes – perhaps punctuated by some bittersweet Stephen Sondheim-style ballads and stirring dance numbers Michael Bennett.

As Foster herself said, she and Jackman developed an in depth bond and reportedly much more so once they were married to other people and starred in a Broadway revival of “The Music Man” from late 2021 to early 2023. Foster, 49, explained in a 2022 interview that she and Jackman, 56, enjoyed private pre-performance meetings in her dressing room and sat on the carpet “catching up on our day.”

“We call it carpet chat,” Foster said.

But it has now been officially confirmed that those locker room conversations were about rather more than simply skilled ties. As a people magazine On Tuesday, the world was told that the previous “Music Man” co-stars were photographed the night before walking the streets of Santa Monica holding hands, laughing and staring into one another's eyes.

The Cut said the photos were of the brand new couple “High-gloss paparazzi debut” After keeping their romance an “open secret” in Broadway circles for several years – and maybe an actual secret to Jackman's longtime wife Deborah-lee Furness. In the photos, the couple seem like either unaware that they’re being photographed, or that they know and don't care.

In the autumn, New York tabloids and other media outlets began reporting that Jackman and Foster had begun a relationship through the run of The Music Man. In the classic musical revival, Jackman played con artist Harold Hill, who falls in love with Foster's librarian Marian Paroo.

The affair reports began when Tony Award-winning Foster filed for divorce from screenwriter Ted Griffin in October after 10 years of marriage – “amid rumors” that she was now dating Jackman.

The 12 months before, Jackman and Furness announced they were separating after 27 years of marriage, however the two spoke of their split as a mutual decision to “pursue our individual growth.”

However, following the flood of reports about Jackman's backstage romance with Foster, sources near Furness confirmed to entertainment media that the affair was “the reason for Hugh and Deb's divorce,” Us Weekly reported in November.

“A lot of people on Broadway knew, and we kept it a secret because they're both such nice and great people,” the source continued to Us Weekly. “Everyone respected their privacy. But there was an affair and overlap.”

Furness also appeared to verify to herself that her husband's secret romance with Foster led to their divorce, Us Weekly reported. At one point, gossip blogger Tasha Lustig spilled “big tea” about Furness being “blindsided” by her husband's romance together with his co-star.

In an Instagram video, Lustig said the “Wolverine” star “blindsided” Furness, who had given him “her entire life and career,” by “eloping with the mistress.” On her personal account, Furness was among the many greater than 26,000 who viewed and “liked” Lustig's post, Us Weekly reported.

Additionally, Furness' close friend, British media personality Amanda de Cadenet, also commented on Lustig's claim, Us Weekly reported. “You’re right.”

Lustig also reported that Jackman and Foster planned to publicly “soft launch” their relationship.

It looks like this “soft launch” took place in the brand new 12 months. Ahead of Monday night's sighting, People reported that Jackman was spotted within the audience at a recent performance of Foster's “Once Upon a Mattress” on the Ahmanson Theater in Los Angeles. He had the privilege of sitting next to comedy legend Carol Burnett, who originated Foster's role within the 1959 production of the show.

The Los Angeles production of Once Upon a Mattress definitely explains why New Yorkers Jackman and Foster were in Santa Monica on Monday night. People magazine reported that the 2 were photographed arriving at a restaurant in Santa Monica. Jackman was dressed casually, wearing a dark jacket over a gray shirt and white jeans, while Foster wore a brown trench coat over an olive dress.

People magazine won't reveal which restaurant they ate at. But in the case of a selected Italian restaurant in Santa Monica that's often known as a celeb hotspot, it's easy to assume that this “glossy paparazzi debut” might need been well thought out by Jackman, Foster and their publicists.

Perhaps that is where the rumors began about Hugh Jackman and his Broadway co-star Sutton Foster having a secret romance behind the scenes while each were married to other people.

Foster herself admitted in a 2022 interview that she and Jackman, 56, developed a really close bond after they appeared together in a Broadway revival of “The Music Man.” reported the New York Post. During the show's run from late 2021 to early 2023, additionally they began a pre-performance ritual that took place after they were alone of their dressing room.

“We call it carpet chat,” Foster, 49, revealed during an appearance on “Live with Kelly and Ryan.”

“We hang out in my dressing room before every show and just talk,” Foster continued. “Somehow we ended up sitting…maybe because my dressing room is a mess, we're sitting on the carpet.”

“It’s such a wonderful thing,” Foster also said. “We have become really good friends and just chat and discuss the day. The best part of the whole thing was that I found this wonderful new friend.”

According to multiple reports, Foster and Jackman became greater than just friends. They reportedly “fell in love,” which led to Jackman's ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness developing “suspicions” a few collaboration between them, the Daily Mail reported earlier this week. This report from the Daily Mail and other media outlets suggests that Jackman and Foster's romance began in the ultimate years of his 27-year marriage to Furness.

Jackman and Furness announced their separation in October 2023, nine months after The Music Man closed. Meanwhile, speculation has reportedly been rife in New York theater circles that Jackman is in love together with his co-star. That speculation spread to the tabloids last week when Page Six and other media outlets revealed that the Tony Award-winning Foster had filed for divorce from screenwriter Ted Griffin after ten years of marriage – “amid rumors” that she was now with Jackman is together.

It has since been reported that Jackman and Foster are “100% together” and plan to spend “the rest of their lives together.” But this news probably doesn't come as a surprise to the individuals who worked with them on the show.

In the classic musical, Jackman played con artist Prof. Harold Hill, who involves a small town to perform his latest scam but becomes fascinated by the residents, particularly librarian Marian Paroo. He and Marian fall in love and he’s redeemed by this love because the two sing to one another: “There was love everywhere/But I never heard it sing/No, I didn't hear it at all/Until you were there.”

Jackman and Foster performed this love story in greater than 300 performances, in accordance with the Internet Broadway Database. Sources told In Touch that Foster couldn't resist the charms of the handsome, famously fit, 6-foot-2 Australian actor. A source told In Touch that she is “absolutely giddy” around him. He, however, “was smitten with Sutton from the moment he met her. He followed her like a puppy!”

In hindsight, their mutual appreciation was clear to see as they appeared on red carpets together or did interviews together to advertise the show.

During an appearance on “Late Night With Seth Meyers” in 2022, they each gushed about how “intimidated” they were by one another before they got “close.” The New York Post also reported.

“You're Hugh Jackman!” Foster shouted on Seth Meyers' show after the “Wolverine” star questioned whether she can be intimidated by him. He, in turn, talked about her achievements and said that she is a six-time Tony nominee and two-time winner.

“For example, I saw her do 'Thoroughly Modern Millie' when you were about four years old,” Jackman joked, turning to his co-star. He was referring to her Tony win in 2002 for the lead role in Thoroughly Modern Millie, when she was actually in her 20s.

“I watched everything she did,” Jackman continued. “It's amazing.”

Now that Foster has filed for divorce, she and Jackman are presumably free to go public with their romance. But until that happens, they like to maintain things private, a source told Page Six. “They spend all their free time together,” the source said. “They’re a normal couple, they’re just private.”

Originally published: October 31, 2024 at 11:42 am PDT

Celebrities born on this present day: Josh Hutcherson, 32; Tyler Blackburn, 38; Bode Miller, 47; Hugh Jackman, 56.

Happy Birthday: Move forward with vigor and vigor, socialize, express yourself creatively, and search for modern ways to take a position and budget your money flow with finesse. It is a turning point and a chance to take steps, implement latest ideas and plans, and express who you might be and what you offer. Expansion is increasing, and in the event you market yourself and what you do best, you’ll receive unprecedented offers which might be fruitful and fun. Their numbers are 9, 13, 20, 27, 31, 38, 47.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You gain momentum whenever you attend an event that addresses a cause that concerns you. The people you share ideas with will motivate you to assist make changes, and your circle of friends will expand. A financial or medical problem will prove higher than expected. 4 stars

Taurus (April 20-May 20): Take every opportunity to watch what others do and say, and it’ll provide help to formulate how you’ll be able to have a positive influence. Put your energy into personal development, meaningful relationships and the expansion of your own home. Romance is written in the celebrities. 2 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Strengthen your bond with a useful person. The information you receive will provide help to determine what to do next. Improving your qualifications or using your skills individually will provide help to be competitive in a competitive situation. Keep your plans secret until you might be able to launch. 5 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Pay attention to details and keep your plans easy and your budget reasonable. Don't expect everyone to agree with you. If you would like to avoid discord, don't share your thoughts or plans. Prioritize personal goals, self-improvement, health and fitness. Socialize, but don't share your beliefs. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-August 22): Stay calm. Look at your options. Develop a method, but don't jeopardize your repute or funds. Focus on learning, listening, and formulating a plan that may stand the test of time and carry you into the long run with enough momentum to make modern changes. 3 stars

VIRGO (August 23-September 22): A way of life change that features things that bring you joy is preferred. Stop giving in to other people and make decisions that put a smile in your face. A positive attitude will resonate with others and convey you the satisfaction you desire and deserve. 3 stars

LIBRA (September 23-October 22): Get on the market, mingle and have a deep conversation with someone who challenges you intellectually, and also you'll gain insight into another lifestyle. Gather information and join for an activity that may have a positive impact on how you progress forward. Put your thoughts and energy into improving your qualifications. 5 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Skip what you’ll be able to't change and deal with creative pursuits, social events, learning or reconnecting with someone you miss. Life is about living, and it's as much as you to succeed in out and make things occur. A change of scenery shall be uplifting, rewarding and a stress reliever. 2 stars

SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21): Too much of anything will set you back. Sign up or volunteer for a cause you would like to help. Donating money is effective, but practical help will provide you with greater satisfaction and front-line insight into what's possible and the way you’ll be able to turn out to be the linchpin of progress. 4 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You may need a change, but don't expect it to return and not using a fight. Don't tackle other people's problems. It's best to not get entangled in anything that causes problems or can't be fixed. Be a very good listener or contribute well, but don't tarnish your repute. 3 stars

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Look for opportunities and be ready, willing and capable of make them occur. The satisfaction you’re feeling and the people you meet along the way in which may have a positive impact on what you do next. Don't make changes for the unsuitable reason. Do what’s best for you. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Uncertainty grows whenever you don't address relevant issues. Listen to your heart and connect with those that share your concerns and beliefs. Adopt a healthy attitude and take physical care of yourself, your family members, and your financial well-being. Enforce discipline, budget properly and reduce your overhead costs. 3 stars

Birthday child: You are curious, thoughtful and intense. You are demonstrative and powerful.

1 star: avoid conflict; Work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can achieve something, but don't depend on others. 3 stars: Focus and you may achieve your goals. 4 stars: High goals; start latest projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; Get gold.

Visit Eugenialast.com or follow Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.