Australian star Hugh Jackman has spoken publicly for the first time since he and wife Deborra-Lee Furness announced they were splitting.

The Wolverine star spoke to photographers in New York City at the weekend.

In footage captured by TMZ, Jackman admitted that “it’s a difficult time” for him.

“I appreciate your thoughts,” he said.

Jackman and Furness announced on Saturday (AEST) that their 27-year marriage was over. The couple, whose enduring relationship was rare in Hollywood, said they were moving into the next chapter of their lives as individuals.

“We have been blessed to share almost 3 decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage,” they said in a statement.

“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.”

The statement was signed “Deb and Hugh Jackman”.

There have been reports in the US that the couple’s relationship became strained during the pandemic and then the Hollywood writers’ strike.

“After the past few years, the love they had for each other turned more into a friendship which got broken during COVID, as the lockdown didn’t help their marriage at all and really put a strain on their relationship,” a US source has told media.

But neither Jackman nor Furness has made any comment on the reasons for their split.

“This is the sole statement either of us will make,” their Saturday statement said.

Jackman and Furness met on the set of the Australian TV drama Corelli in 1995, and their connection was instant. They married just four months later, and have two adopted children, 18-year-old Ava and 23-year-old Oscar.

In April, he posted a loving message to Furness on social media to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

“I love you Deb. Today is our 27th wedding anniversary. 27 YEARS!! I love you so much. Together we have created a beautiful family. And life. Your laughter, your generosity, spirit, humour, cheekiness, courage and loyalty is an incredible gift to me. I love you with all my heart,” the star wrote.

“I knew two weeks into meeting Deb that we were going to be together for the rest of our lives,” Jackman told Today of their meeting.

Furness, 13 years older than Jackman, was an established actress and Jackman was fresh out of drama school.

He later ascended to become a major star in Hollywood and on Broadway.

The couple have been red carpet mainstays for years, posing together at the Oscars, at Broadway events and at the Met Gala, including the most recent edition in May.

They were at Wimbledon together in July.

Furness, 67, is an advocate for orphans and adoption, especially in her native Australia, and one of the founding members of National Adoption Awareness Week.

Jackman, 54, who played the superhero Wolverine in several movies, is reprising the role in Deadpool 3, which is on hold due to the actors’ strike.