Early Life and Career Furness was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. She trained as an actor at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, graduating in 1981. After returning to Australia, she began her career in various film and television roles. Her early work included appearances in Australian dramas and films.
Acting Career Furness gained early recognition for her role in the 1988 film Shame, for which she won the AFI Award for Best Actress. Throughout her career, she has appeared in a diverse range of projects, showcasing her versatility. Notable film credits include:
- Shame (1988)
- Angel Baby (1995)
- Jindabyne (2006)
- Beautiful (2009)
- Sleeping Beauty (2011)
On television, she has starred in series such as Correlli (1995), where she met her future husband, Hugh Jackman.
Humanitarian Work and Advocacy Beyond her acting career, Furness is a prominent advocate for adoption reform and children's welfare. She founded National Adoption Awareness Week in Australia and is a patron of Lighthouse Foundation, an organization supporting homeless youth. She co-founded Hopeland, a global organization focused on creating better outcomes for vulnerable children, particularly those in foster care or orphanages, by advocating for family-based care solutions. Her passion stems from her own experience with adoption and her desire to streamline and simplify adoption processes both in Australia and internationally.
Personal Life Furness married actor Hugh Jackman in 1996. The couple adopted two children, Oscar Maximilian and Ava Eliot. Their public platform has often been used to champion Furness's advocacy work, bringing increased attention to adoption issues.
Awards and Recognition
- AFI Award for Best Actress in a Lead Role for Shame (1988).
- Her extensive advocacy work has earned her recognition and numerous humanitarian awards.