Ava Eliot Jackman is the adopted daughter of famous Australian actor Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness. While her father is known worldwide for his roles in movies like the X-Men series, Les Misérables, and The Greatest Showman, 18-year-old Ava has mostly stayed out of the spotlight. However, interest in Hugh Jackman’s family life has led many fans to want to know more about his daughter Ava.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at who Ava Eliot Jackman is, her family background, and what she’s up to now as a young adult. While respecting the Jackman family’s privacy, we’ll share some of the key facts and heartwarming moments that Hugh and Deborra-Lee have revealed about their daughter over the years.
So who exactly is Ava Eliot Jackman, and what is it like growing up as the daughter of a Hollywood superstar? Let’s find out.
Who is Ava Eliot Jackman?
Ava Eliot Jackman was born on July 10, 2005 in the United States. She is the adopted daughter of Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness, who are both successful Australian actors. Ava has an older adopted brother named Oscar Maximilian Jackman, who was born in 2000.
Ava’s Adoption Story
After struggling with infertility and miscarriages, Hugh and Deborra-Lee decided to adopt their children. They adopted Oscar first in 2000, and then welcomed Ava into their family in 2005 when she was just a baby. The couple has been very open about their journey with adoption.
In an interview with People magazine in 2020, Hugh shared, “From the moment we started the adoption process, all the anxiety went away. I don’t think of them as adopted – they’re our children. Deb and I are believers in I suppose you could call it destiny. We feel things happened the way they are meant to.”
Growing Up with Famous Parents
As the daughter of a major Hollywood star, Ava has had a unique upbringing compared to most kids. However, Hugh and Deborra-Lee have worked hard to give their children as normal a childhood as possible despite their celebrity status.
The Jackman family splits their time between New York City and Sydney, Australia. Ava attended school in New York growing up. Her parents are very protective of Ava and Oscar’s privacy, and have kept them mostly shielded from the media spotlight.
However, Hugh frequently gushes about his kids in interviews and on social media. He has described Ava as “smart, funny and kind” and shared cute anecdotes, like how Ava sometimes helps him rehearse lines. It’s clear that family is the top priority for the devoted dad.
What is Ava Eliot Jackman Up to Now?
Now that she is 18, many have wondered what’s next for Ava Eliot Jackman as she enters adulthood. Here’s what we know about Hugh Jackman’s daughter today:
Education
In 2023, Ava graduated from high school in New York City. She has not shared publicly if she plans to attend college or what she might study. Her older brother Oscar is currently a student at the University of Melbourne in Australia.
Interests and Hobbies
Ava seems to share her parents’ creative talents. Hugh has mentioned in interviews that Ava enjoys singing and is “a really good singer.” He also said that Ava “loves dance and acting and singing” and joked that “I’d love it if she became a scientist or something, but I think she’ll probably end up in the arts.”
Ava also appears to have an interest in social justice causes, as she has attended protests and marches with her family, such as the Global Citizen Festival in New York City.
Relationship with Her Parents
From the glimpses that Hugh shares on social media, it seems that Ava has a very close and loving relationship with both of her parents. In 2022, Hugh posted a rare photo with his daughter, showing them smiling together outdoors. He captioned it with a simple heart emoji.
For Ava’s 18th birthday in July 2023, Hugh shared a beautiful black-and-white photo of the two of them, writing, “I love you so much. Your spirit, your heart, your goodness, your kindness, your silliness, your laughter, your courage, your loyalty, your love. Happy 18th Ava Eliot Jackman!”
Deborra-Lee has also spoken very proudly of her daughter, telling People magazine, “She’s a very generous and kind soul. She’s always been so easy, from the get-go, a really easy child.”
Maintaining Privacy
As Ava becomes an adult, it remains to be seen whether she will embrace the spotlight like her famous father or continue to maintain a more private life. So far, it seems she is following in her parents’ footsteps of keeping a low public profile.
Ava does not appear to have any public social media accounts, and has not done any major interviews or public appearances. Her parents continue to be selective about sharing photos and details about Ava and her brother.
In a 2020 interview, Hugh explained, “We try to keep them grounded and have a normal life as much as possible. We’re not a show business family. We’re just a family that happens to have a dad who’s in show business.”
Hugh Jackman’s Thoughts on Fatherhood
For Hugh Jackman, being a father to Ava and Oscar is his most important role. Over the years, he has shared many heartfelt thoughts on parenting and the joys of raising his kids. Here are a few of his best quotes:
“The love for your children is so powerful. It’s different from any other love. It’s a very pure love, and it’s one that you’ll do anything for, and you’ll happily sacrifice anything for.”
“I said to my daughter this morning, ‘Ava, the most important thing in your life is that you’re true to your mates and that you’re kind to other people.’ That’s all that matters. Everything else is a distraction.”
“Your child is the greatest gift and the greatest responsibility you’ll ever have. You have the opportunity to shape their life and help them become good human beings. That’s a big responsibility.”
“The greatest feeling I have is when I’m with my kids. It’s pure joy and pure love. I think that’s what life is all about – those moments of being with the people you love.”
It’s clear that for all his fame and success, Hugh Jackman’s true pride and joy is his family, especially his beloved kids Oscar and Ava. As he told People magazine, “I have two amazing kids with the most extraordinary wife. I’m a very, very happy man.”
Final Thoughts
While much of Ava Eliot Jackman’s life has been kept private, the glimpses we do see paint a picture of a kind, talented young woman who is deeply loved by her devoted parents. As the daughter of Hugh Jackman, Ava has undoubtedly had an extraordinary upbringing – but at her core, she seems to be a normal teenager figuring out her place in the world.
As she enters adulthood, many will be curious to see what path Ava chooses and whether she decides to follow in her famous father’s acting footsteps. But if Hugh and Deborra-Lee have their way, Ava’s happiness and fulfillment will be the only things that matter, far more than fame or public attention.
We wish Ava Eliot Jackman all the best as she embarks on this exciting new chapter of her life. With the love and support of her tight-knit family, she is sure to achieve great things, no matter where her unique talents and passions take her.
