Hugh Jackman

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18 Feb 2024

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Michael Jackman AC, an Australian actor born on 12 October 1968, has left an indelible mark on both stage and screen. Rising from theatre and television, Jackman catapulted to fame with his iconic portrayal of Wolverine in the X-Men film series. Spanning from 2000 to 2017 and again in 2024, his tenure as Wolverine earned him the Guinness World Record for the "longest career as a live-action Marvel character." While this record was later surpassed, Jackman's contribution remains legendary.
Throughout his illustrious career, Jackman has garnered numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award, a Grammy Award, and two Tony Awards. His versatility shines through in a diverse array of film roles, ranging from the romantic comedy Kate & Leopold to the action-horror Van Helsing, and from the dramatic The Prestige to the musical Les Misérables. His performance as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables earned him an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe Award.
In addition to his film work, Jackman's theatrical talents have been widely acclaimed. He made waves in original Australian productions such as Beauty and the Beast and Sunset Boulevard before earning a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for his role in the West End revival of Oklahoma! In 2004, he took Broadway by storm, winning the Tony Award for his portrayal of Peter Allen in The Boy from Oz.
Jackman's stage presence continued to captivate audiences with his recent portrayal of con man Harold Hill in the Broadway revival of The Music Man from 2021 to 2023, earning yet another Tony Award nomination. A seasoned host, he has graced the Tony Awards stage four times and earned an Emmy Award for hosting the ceremony in 2005. Furthermore, he showcased his hosting skills on the grand stage of the 81st Academy Awards in 2009.
Beyond his acting prowess, Jackman's contributions to the arts were recognized with his appointment as a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2019. With a career marked by versatility, acclaim, and a dedication to his craft, Hugh Jackman continues to enchant audiences worldwide, leaving an indelible legacy in the realms of both theatre and film.

Jackman's roots trace back to Sydney, New South Wales, where he was born to Grace McNeil (née Greenwood) and Christopher John Jackman. His father, a Cambridge-educated accountant, and his mother, both originally from England, immigrated to Australia in 1967 under the "Ten Pound Poms" scheme. This dual heritage bestowed upon Jackman both Australian and British citizenship. Beyond his English lineage, Jackman's ancestry carries a touch of Greek heritage from his paternal great-grandfather, Nicholas Isidor Bellas, who hailed from the Ottoman Empire.
Raised in a devout Christian household, Jackman spent his formative years alongside his four older siblings, reveling in the outdoors and nurturing a curiosity about the wider world. However, familial stability was disrupted by his parents' divorce when he was just eight years old. Subsequently, Jackman remained in Australia with his father and siblings, while his mother returned to England with his sisters.
Despite the upheaval, Jackman's childhood was filled with adventures, from beach outings to camping trips across Australia. His insatiable curiosity led him to dream of becoming a chef on an airplane, a testament to his early wanderlust and fascination with exploration.
Jackman's educational journey took him through Pymble Public School and later Knox Grammar School, where he honed his talents in the school's theatrical productions. Following a gap year in England, he pursued higher education at the University of Technology, Sydney, graduating in 1991 with a degree in Communications. It was during his university years that Jackman discovered his passion for acting, prompting him to enroll in drama courses and ultimately embark on a career in the performing arts.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Jackman pursued further training at the Actors' Centre in Sydney, followed by a stint at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Despite initial challenges and self-doubt, Jackman persevered, recognizing the value of coming from behind and striving to excel in his craft.
His dedication and resilience paid off, propelling him into the world of acting with a determination to succeed. Rejecting an offer to join the cast of the soap opera Neighbours, Jackman forged ahead, carving out a path that would lead to international acclaim and recognition.

On the eve of his final Academy graduation performance, destiny came calling for Jackman in the form of a phone call offering him a role on Correlli. Remarkably, he transitioned from being technically unemployed to landing his first major professional job in a mere thirteen seconds. Correlli, a 10-part drama series on ABC devised by Australian actress Denise Roberts, not only marked Jackman's auspicious debut but also introduced him to his future wife, Deborra-Lee Furness. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Jackman affirmed that "Meeting my wife was the greatest thing to come out of it." Despite its brief run, Correlli set Jackman on a trajectory towards success.
Following Correlli, Jackman graced the stage in Melbourne, portraying Gaston in the local Walt Disney production of Beauty and the Beast in 1996, and subsequently stepping into the role of Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard. His theatrical prowess continued to shine as he starred in the 1998 Midsumma festival cabaret production Summa Cabaret. Moreover, Jackman's charismatic presence extended beyond the stage, as he hosted notable events like Melbourne's Carols by Candlelight and Sydney's Carols in the Domain.
Jackman's foray into film and television during this period showcased his versatility and range as an actor. Notable works include Erskineville Kings and Paperback Hero (both 1999) on the big screen, and appearances in television series such as Law of the Land, Halifax f.p., Blue Heelers, and Banjo Paterson's The Man from Snowy River.

However, it was in 1998 that Jackman gained international recognition with his portrayal of Curly in the Royal National Theatre's acclaimed stage production of Oklahoma! in London's West End. His stellar performance earned him an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical and solidified his status as a rising star. This success paved the way for his role in the 1999 film adaptation of the same stage musical, further expanding his global audience.
The dawn of the new millennium marked Jackman's meteoric rise to prominence with his breakthrough role as Wolverine in Bryan Singer's X-Men (2000). Initially envisioned for Russell Crowe, Jackman's portrayal of the iconic superhero garnered widespread acclaim, earning him a Saturn Award for Best Actor. Despite initial skepticism from his wife about taking on the role, Jackman's dedication and preparation, including studying wolves and emulating the intensity of actors like Clint Eastwood and Mel Gibson, elevated his performance to new heights. Jackman's commitment extended to performing his own stunts and mastering Wolverine's trademark claws, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to his craft and cementing his status as a Hollywood heavyweight.