Hugh Jackman has thanked his wife for "believing in him" when he didn’t even believe in himself.
The ‘Greatest Showman’ star paid tribute to Deborra-lee Furness as he collected the Kirk Douglas Award at the 2018 Santa Barbara International Film Festival at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Goleta, California.
Speaking at the ceremony on Monday (19.11.18), he said: "Life actually happens in between that. Life happens when the camera is not going. You believed in me when I couldn’t. You’ve loved me with a passion and a depth that I didn’t even know existed – and I don’t think I felt that I deserved. You have pushed and encouraged me when I was scared to venture out. You have smiled me into smiling. You have sung me into singing. You have loved me into loving and like everything I do in my life, I share this with you. I love you."
Meanwhile, Hugh previously revealed his love for his wife "only gets deeper".
Sharing a touching message to mark their wedding anniversary, Hugh wrote on Instagram: "I believe in life we need to see and truly be seen by the most important people in our lives.
"Deb, from day one, we had that. 22 years later … it only gets deeper. You and the kids are the greatest gift I will ever receive. I love you a gazillion times around the world. (sic)"
And the 50-year-old actor makes a heartfelt gesture for his wife every time he’s up on stage as he wants her to know how special she is to him.
He added: "Every time I go out on stage, if I go to an awards ceremony, or if I present the Oscars, I put my hand on my heart and I look for her in the crowd. That’s my way of thanking her because for me, that’s what really matters."
Hugh Jackman’s tribute to his wife Deborra-lee Furness
