Did Hugh Jackman adopt his kids?

One part of Hugh Jackman’s story that really stayed with me was him talking about the feeling of helplessness during failed IVF and miscarriages… especially as the partner watching someone you love go through it physically and emotionally.

A lot of infertility discussions focus entirely on medical details, but his comments felt more about grief, disappointment, and eventually accepting that building a family might happen differently than originally planned.

I also thought it was interesting that adoption wasn’t presented as some “backup plan.” It sounded more like they eventually reached a place where they stopped chasing one specific outcome and became open to another path entirely.

Honestly… that mindset shift probably happens for more couples than people realize, but most talk about it privately, not publicly.

Yes, Hugh Jackman and his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness had failed IVFs, repeated miscarriages.

“Deb and I always wanted to adopt. So that was always in our plan," Hugh said. "We didn’t know where in the process that would happen but biologically obviously, we tried and it was not happening for us and it is a difficult time.”

“It’s not easy. You put a lot of time and effort into it, so it’s emotional. I think any parent can relate – trying to have children is wonderful and when you feel as though that’s not going to happen, there’s a certain anxiety that goes with it.”

The wounds were healed and “all the heartache just melted away” once their son, Oscar, came into their lives. Having their child brought a rush of emotions for Hugh and Deborra-Lee.

Born on May 15, 2000, Oscar Maximilian Jackman became a part of Hugh and Deborra’s family. Five years later, they were joined by a baby girl named Ava Eliot Jackman.

Jackman has also talked about how parenthood had brought about wonderful changes in his life.

“It’s been one of the most amazing and difficult journeys. Parenthood is so rewarding, but sometimes so hard,” he said. “I don’t know how this happens, but nothing stirs your emotions more than your kids… They make you face who you really are."