Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness announce split

Australian actor Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness have announced they are separating after 27 years of marriage.

"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," the two announced in a statement first shared with People and confirmed by CNN.

"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."

Jackman and Furness met on the set of the 1995 Australian television series Corelli and married the following year. The two actors share kids Oscar, 23, and Ava, 18.

Jackman marked their most recent wedding anniversary with a tribute to Furness in April.

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"I love you so much," Jackman wrote in an Instagram post at the time.

"Together we have created a beautiful family. And life. Your laughter, your spirit, generosity, humor, cheekiness, courage and loyalty is an incredible gift to me."

Announcing their split, which was signed "Deb and Hugh Jackman”, they confirmed "This is the sole statement either of us will make."

Jackman found international fame portraying the superhero Logan in the X-Men franchise from 2000, a role to which he will return in the upcoming Deadpool 3.

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He is also known for his stage roles, particularly in The Boy From Oz.

Furness, a one-time on-air reporter for Nine, has multiple roles under belt including in award-winning Australian film Jindabyne, but is also renowned for her work with orphans and adoption laws in Australia and around the world.

A co-creator of National Adoption Awareness Week, she is also a patron of the Lighthouse Foundation and a World Vision ambassador.

Last year she received the Medal of the Order of Australia (AO) for her services to the arts and her adoption advocacy.

With CNN.