One of the handsomest Aussies around turns 47 today. Hugh Jackman has followed in the path of fellow Aussie successes such as Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman and taken Hollywood by storm.
He came to the attention of a wider audience with his unforgettable turn as Wolverine in the X-Men trilogy, making further appearances in two stand-alone movies, as well as the latest filmic instalments in the world of Professor Xavier and Magneto.
Jackman has proved his mettle in more than comic book fare, flexing his vocal chords for Les Misรฉrables and Rise of the Guardians, and his muscles for Swordfish. His dramatic ability has been tested in Australia and The Prestige, and heโs gone pirate-y for his latest movie: starring as the infamous Blackbeard in Pan.
For Hugh Jackmanโs birthday, M-Net Movies is bringing you ten interesting facts about everyoneโs favourite Aussie actor.
- Growing up, his poster girl was Olivia Newton-John.
- He loves rugby โ but that doesnโt mean we want Australia winning the World Cup!
- Need a wedding singer? Jackman sang at Nicole Kidman and Keith Urbanโs wedding.
- Have you ever wondered how he stays in such excellent shape? Well, it helps that he loves working out. When he returned to the role of Wolverine for the sixth time, he was putting in three hours at the gym every day.
- Broadway? Carnegie Hall? West End? Hughโs done โem all.
- Will we ever see another Aussie as James Bond? It almost happened in 2006 when Jackman was offered the coveted role. Scheduling conflicts forced him to turn it down, and Daniel Craig was cast instead.
- Besides Bond, another part Jackman almost got was that of Harvey Dent in Nolanโs The Dark Knight.
- We almost didnโt get to see him as Wolverine. Dougray Scott was initially cast in the role, but pulled out to film Mission: Impossible II.
- Although weโre likely to see Jackman as Wolverine once more, it looks like heโs likely to pull out of the franchise eventually. His replacement of choice? Tom Hardy.
- Richard Bradshaw was his stunt double in Van Helsing and X-Men: The Last Stand. Who is that, you ask? None other than his brother-in-law.