Is Sutton Foster related to David Foster? Family explored after photo with Hugh Jackman goes viral

On January 6, 2025, Sutton Foster and Hugh Jackman were photographed during a dinner outing, as exclusively reported by People magazine. The photo sparked renewed curiosity about a long-standing question of whether the actress is related to musician David Foster.

While their shared last name and prominence in entertainment have sparked curiosity, they come from entirely different family backgrounds. Thus, David Foster and Sutton Foster are not related.

David Foster at the 2024 Carousel Of Hope Ball (Image via Getty)

The resemblance ends at their surname, as there is no familial connection between the two. Sutton has an older brother named Hunter Foster, who is also a celebrated Broadway actor and director. Hunter is best known for his performances in musicals like Little Shop of Horrors and Urinetown.

Sutton Foster's father, Bob, is a high school teacher and her mother, Helen, is also an eductor. According to People magazine, Sutton's first marriage to Christian Borle lasted from 2006 to 2009. She then tied the knot with Ted Griffin in 2014. In April 2017, they welcomed a baby girl, Emily, via adoption. The duo got divorced after 10 years of marriage in October 2024.

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Sutton Foster and Hugh Jackman's viral photo

Interest in Sutton Foster's background resurfaced after a recent photo with her friend and co-star Hugh Jackman gained attention online. The two starred in the Broadway musical, The Music Man, which opened in February 2022.

Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the production became a cornerstone of Broadway’s post-pandemic revival. In an interview with People magazine in May 2022, Sutton Foster shared her admiration for Jackman, stating:

"The best thing that’s happened out of this whole thing is that I’ve made a new friend, which you never anticipate."

She described Jackman as "a dream" and praised his generosity. Moreover, PageSix reported that Jackman extended support for Sutton when she recently performed in Once Upon a Mattress play. He was spotted at the Ahmanson Theater, which hosted the production, in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 4, 2025.

Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster at the 2022 Broadway Barks in New York City (Image via Getty)

On the personal front, Sutton Foster has no familial connection with David Foster, the renowned music producer, songwriter, and musician. Born on November 1, 1949, in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, he has been active in the entertainment industry since 1971. He has collaborated with legendary artists, including Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, and Michael Bublé.

His work has earned him 16 Grammy Awards, cementing his status as one of the most accomplished figures in the music industry.

Meanwhile, Sutton Foster was born on March 18, 1975, in Statesboro, Georgia. She is an American actress, singer, and dancer. Known for her performances in Broadway productions like Thoroughly Modern Millie and Anything Goes, she has earned two Tony Awards.

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Hugh Jackman, on the other hand, continues to engage in various projects. Following the release of Deadpool & Wolverine where he reprised his role as Wolverine, Jackman has been involved in the A24-produced film The Death of Robin Hood. Jackman is set to star alongside Jodie Comer, with production slated to begin in February 2025.

Another upcoming project is Song Sung Blue, where Hugh Jackman is collaborating with Kate Hudson. This musical drama follows the story of Neil Diamond tribute band. The film is directed by Craig Brewer and features a star-studded cast, including Michael Imperioli and Jim Belushi. The release date is yet to be announced.

Hugh Jackman has another project in pipeline, From New York With Love. On October 9, 2024, he announced this concert series on Instagram and revealed the venue as Radio City Music Hall. Scheduled for January to October 2025, the project features 24 shows spanning over 8 weekends. The performances will feature some of his iconic roles from musicals, including The Greatest Showman and Les Misérables.