The Greatest Show Man, X-Men, Kate & Leopold, Van Helsing, Les Misérables: what do all these movies have in common? Hugh Jackman, of course. The charismatic Australian won us over due to his acting chops, charm, and sublime voice. With an impressive filmography and several awards under his belt, the X-Men hunk became one of the most renowned actors working today, while also adding some producer stints to his resume.
Curious to learn more about Hugh Jackman’s biography? The Aussie star was born in 1968 and earned international recognition portraying Wolverine in the X-Men film series. He’s also a producer and musician. His role in Les Misérables got him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and his first Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. He also won a Tony for his work on Broadway and an Emmy for hosting the Tony Awards. Not too bad.
However, there is much more to Jackman than meets the eye. For example, did you know he had anger issues as a child? Or that he almost portrayed James Bond in Casino Royale? We’ve made a list of some Hugh Jackman facts that give you a glimpse at what’s hiding behind Wolverine’s tough exterior.
1. He Used to Work as a Professional Clown
74.5k Likes, 639 Comments – Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman) on Instagram: “Damning proof I used to do clowning.”
Before he was famous, Jackman paid his dues taking on menial jobs to make ends meet. He spent years working the night shift at a gas station as a teen, and worked as a clown at children’s parties during university. He says these entertainment jobs were the hardest $50 he ever made, and that a six-year-old once called him a terrible clown because he didn’t know any tricks. Jackman admits that the kid was right.
2. He Never Watched SNL Before Hosting
101.6k Likes, 1,166 Comments – Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman) on Instagram: “TUESDAY.”
Jackman wasn’t familiar with Saturday Night Live before being invited to host, back in 2001. The producers sent him tapes of the show so that he could have an idea about it before showing up to work.
3. He Accidentally Broke an Extra’s Hand
151.5k Likes, 2,599 Comments – Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman) on Instagram: “This is what comes of “someone” taking photos whilst I train! #youknowwhoyouare”
While filming Van Helsing, Jackman accidentally broke an extra’s hand. “I was getting lifted and propelled and couldn’t stop. I put my hand out and felt this guy crumple in front of me. I found out later he’d been running away. He thought I was going to fire him – for getting in the star’s way,” he said about the incident.
4. He Participated in an Actual WWE Match
Raw: Zack Ryder with Hugh Jackman vs. Dolph Ziggler with Vickie Guerrero
Back in 2011, when he was promoting his action movie Real Steel, Jackman was at a WWE match where he punched wrestler Dolph Ziggler.
5. He Had a Stalker
83.2k Likes, 431 Comments – Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman) on Instagram: “BRING ON THE WEEKEND!!!”
In 2013, a woman followed the actor into his West Village gym, barging past the front desk and flinging a razor at the star. She apparently wanted to marry the Les Misérables hunk, but was sentenced to five years probation instead.
6. He Had Anger Issues When He Was Young
100.7k Likes, 674 Comments – Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman) on Instagram: “My hero. My Dad. Happy Father’s Day to Chris Jackman and all the Dads of the world.”
In order to play Wolverine, Jackman draws from personal experience. “As a teenager, I was explosively angry; I think rugby saved me, because that’s just organized violence,” he said in an interview. His anger issues can probably be traced to his childhood, when his parents separated. He was eight. His mother moved to England, while his father brought up five children by himself.
7. He and His Wife Had Trouble Having Kids
Check out why Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness are joining forces with Hamish and Andy: https://t.co/cA0JhtXiaz
Jackman and his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, suffered through two miscarriages. Both of their children are adopted. They first adopted a son, Oscar, in 2000, and then a daughter, Ava, in 2004.
8. He Struggles with Skin Cancer
114.6k Likes, 3,015 Comments – Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman) on Instagram: “An example of what happens when you don’t wear sunscreen. Basal Cell. The mildest form of cancer…”
When Jackman first discovered a mark on his nose in November 2013, he thought it was a spot of blood caused by his Wolverine claws. It was much worse. He was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, one of three types of skin cancer. A mild form, but still serious. He’s been struggling with the disease ever since. To raise awareness about how sun exposure can lead to serious complications, he launched a line of sunscreen for kids.
9. He Wears Contacts
108.5k Likes, 779 Comments – Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman) on Instagram: “There’s just no two ways as about it – I’m Hugh and I’m a nerd! #TheFonz”
The actor is terribly near-sighted and has extremely blurry vision when he isn’t wearing contacts. He reportedly has trouble reading teleprompters and relies on old-fashioned memorization instead.?
10. He Adores George Clooney
If I were a woman which celebrity would I date? I reckon George Clooney because …..ps sorry Amal xx HJ http://t.co/maN1Zxge9A
“He’s funny, he’s naughty and he’s kind of cheeky. And he just looks like fun,” Jackman said about Clooney. Who could blame him?
11. He Passed on Casino Royale
108.9k Likes, 717 Comments – Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman) on Instagram: “About to surprise the awesomely talented folks who are auditioning for BROADWAY TO OZ!”
Although there’s no doubt Jackman would make an awesome James Bond, he turned down the role of the British spy in the mid-2000s. However, he admitted last year that he’d seriously consider the role in the future.
11. He Wanted to Become a Journalist
Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness have visited a hospital to launch a program that will help sick kids keep up with their school work. See the full report, and how Hugh photobombs reporter Jessica Turner See more at teneyewitnessnews.com.au
Hugh Jackman majored in communications at the University of Technology in Sydney, wanting to become a journalist. During his senior year, however, the actor found himself a few credits short, so he decided to take a drama class. And the rest was history. There’s no wonder he gets along great with reporters, as we can all see in the video above.
12. His Idol as a Teen Was Olivia Newton-John
87.9k Likes, 764 Comments – Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman) on Instagram: “This is what “hurry up – and wait” looks like!!”
Growing up, Jackman had a huge crush on Olivia Newton-John. “I did have a poster of Olivia Newton-John up on my wall, which I literally kissed… maybe even practiced tongue-kissing on. I’m not sure!,” he admitted during an event.
14. He Sang at Nicole Kidman’s Wedding
100.9k Likes, 740 Comments – Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman) on Instagram: “Me: evil eye to my mate to stop talking. Mate: (unseen and unnamed) continues to prattle on without…”
Hugh Jackman performed at Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s wedding, back in 2006. “I sang a song that Nicole asked me to sing – Keith’s favorite song, Tenterfield Saddler, a Peter Allen song, which is probably one of my favorite songs, as well,” the actor said.
15. He Holds a World Record
142.2k Likes, 1,286 Comments – Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman) on Instagram: “No go @vancityreynolds – the 11th day is #Wolverine’s! #snkit #12daysofdeadpool”
Jackman holds the world record for most superhero film appearances for his role of Logan/Wolverine. He’s also the only actor to star in all chapters of the X-Men franchise.
16. He Went on a 6,000-Calorie Diet to Play Wolverine
141.5k Likes, 933 Comments – Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman) on Instagram: “Come to Papa!! #bananasfoster #EddieTheEagle”
To build his body for The Wolverine, Hugh Jackman followed a brutal nutrition plan recommended to him by Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson. Besides vigorous training, he had to consume 6,000 calories per day. As a comparison, average sedentary men need between 2,000 to 2,600 calories per day.
17. He Met His Wife on Set
153.8k Likes, 1,162 Comments – Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman) on Instagram: “I love you with all my heart! #paris #tbt”
His first role was in Correlli, a ten-episode Australian drama series. Although it lasted for only one season, it was his first major job. Moreover, that’s when he met his future wife, on set. They got married in 1996 in Melbourne.
18. He Likes Sushi
https://instagram.com/p/o_8FY4ihGb/?utm_source=ig_embed
Jackman is a huge fan of sushi. While in Japan, he stopped by Sukiyabashi Jiro in Tokyo and tweeted pics with the master himself. He also thinks we should all watch Jiro Dreams of Sushi, and for good reason. That’s one great documentary.
19. He Would Have Loved to Play Jason on Friday the 13th
It’s been a lifelong dream for Hugh Jackman to play Jason Voorhees in a film… That version of Friday the 13th would probably have the mostfantastic dance scenes EVER! SUBSCRIBE: http://po.st/TMZSubscribe About TMZ: TMZ has consistently been credited for breaking the biggest stories dominating the entertainment news landscape and changed the way the public gets their news.
Jackman admitted in an interview that he is a fan of the Friday The 13th film series and he became an actor because he wanted to play Jason in one. Fingers crossed – maybe he’ll still get to do that one day.
20. People Think He’s Pretty
159.1k Likes, 1,224 Comments – Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman) on Instagram: “TUESDAY.”
Like that’s a secret. Jackman was chosen as one of People magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People in the World five years in a row, 2000-2004. He was also declared Sexiest Man Alive in 2008.
