Marion Ross’s life story truly embodies resilience and warmth. Famous for her role as Marion Cunningham on *Happy Days*, she portrayed the quintessential American mother—a character who was not only adored on screen but was close to her own caring nature. Ross’s journey from Watertown, Minnesota, to Hollywood success was shaped by her determination and passion, even as she faced challenges in her personal life.
Her marriage to Freeman “Effie” Meskimen presented difficult times. Despite outward appearances, their life was far from perfect, with Freeman’s struggles with alcohol adding strain. After their divorce, Marion had to balance single motherhood and her career, often renting out a room to make ends meet. Yet she persevered, ultimately finding fulfillment in both her role on *Happy Days* and in her life.
At 60, Marion found love again with actor Paul Michael. Their relationship blossomed into a deeply affectionate partnership that brought happiness into her later years. Though Paul passed away in 2011, Marion’s joy for life never dimmed. She retired from acting a few years ago, choosing instead to focus on spending time with family, especially her son, Jim, who often shares touching moments with her on social media.
Now nearing 96, Marion Ross remains an enduring inspiration, celebrated for both her career and her personal strength. Her journey speaks to the power of resilience, love, and living with joy, making her a beloved figure for fans old and new.
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Separate After 27 Years of Marriage and the Reason Is Unexpected
One of Hollywood’s longest lasting couples, Hugh Jackman, 54, and Deborra-Lee Jackman, 67, shocked audiences when they shared the news that they are going their separate ways. The duo, who share 2 children, have been together for half their lives and the reason for their soon-to-come divorce has been revealed, and it’s nothing like what people expected.
Hugh and Deborra-Lee met in 1995.
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness met on the set of the Australian TV series Correlli in 1995, on the first day of the actor’s first job after drama school.
“She was a big star. Everyone loved Deb. I get picked up by the car and Deb is in the front seat of the car. I get in the backseat. She had sunglasses on, she took off her seatbelt, turned around and said ‘Hi, I’m Deborra-Lee Furness, nice to meet you.’ and I remember thinking, ‘I like this girl’.”
6 weeks into filming, Jackman noticed a man courting Deborra-Lee, and he thought “that man has a crush on her”. That’s when he realized he was actually jealous of the man, and he had a crush on her himself. A few days later, after not talking to her for one week, he confessed his feelings and to his surprise, she reciprocated; she told him she was also crushing on him and that’s how their love story began.
After 11 months of dating, Hugh and Deborra-Lee tied the knot.
Over the following years, the couple struggled with infertility and experienced many failed IVF attempts and sadly, multiple miscarriages, all of which were “particularly difficult on Deb,” Jackman shared. Becoming parents was always their plan, Jackman shared, “We thought we’d have a kid or two biologically and then adopt. But when we decided we’d had enough of IVF, we went ahead with adoption.”
In 2000, they adopted their eldest son, Oscar, now 23 years old, and their daughter Ava, in 2005, who recently turned 18.
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee had a happy life together.
The two never missed a moment to show each other and the world how much they mean to each other. Every single year Jackman honored his wife by publicly sharing how much he loves her and fans always admired and gushed over the outpour of love.
In April 2023, on their 27th and last wedding anniversary, Jackman shared a loving tribute to his wife, stating, “27 YEARS! I love you so much, and together we have created a beautiful family. And life. Your laughter, your spirit, generosity, humor, cheekiness, courage, loyalty is an incredible gift to me. I love you with all my heart.”
Just a few months later, one of Hollywood’s most loved duos announced their separation.
In a joint statement, Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee announced, “We have been blessed to share almost 3 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.
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.”
2023 brought many Hollywood couples to a stop, with many celebrities divorcing after years spent together. Another recent divorce was Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner’s and their reason, although different than the ex-Jackmans’, is equally devastating.
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