Hugh Jackman Says Fame Didn’t Make Him Safer – It Made Him Braver

Graphic by Miguel Rodriguez

Hugh Jackman is a dedicated triple threat performer. Across film, television and the stage, he has built one of the most well-rounded careers in modern entertainment. On screen, he captivates audiences while moving seamlessly between prestige drama and global blockbusters, earning acclaim for performances in “Les Misérables,” “The Greatest Showman” and “Logan.” 

On Broadway, he remains a top box office draw and a respected leading man, winning a Tony Award and helping redefine what a modern musical star can look like. 

His reach extends to television and live events as well, including multiple high profile hosting turns at the Academy Awards. 

Across every medium, Jackman’s career is marked not just by commercial success, but by consistent critical recognition and an enduring reputation as one of the industry’s most versatile and trusted performers.

In his latest role as a leading man, Jackman didn’t wait for a script before saying yes to “Song Sung Blue.” After watching the real life documentary the film is based on, he was immediately drawn to its underdog love story, and to the creative risk it represented. 

JP (Jack) Pasquale: What motivated you to get involved with the movie “Song Sung Blue?”

Hugh Jackman: I was sent the documentary, which this film is based on, called “Song Sung Blue,” by the director, Craig Brewer. He thought this would be a good story. I watched this documentary, Jack, and I couldn't believe how that it was all true. I couldn't believe that this had happened to a couple and I found it really inspiring. I love underdog stories, and it's a love story, and I just said ‘yes’ before the script was even written.

 JP (Jack) Pasquale: What kind of actor would you be if musicals had never worked out for you?

Hugh Jackman:  When I first graduated from drama school, where I studied for four years, I thought I would be a classical theater actor, mainly doing Shakespeare, doing things like that. My dream was to go to the Royal Shakespeare Companyor the National Theater in London. That was my dream. So, I figured that's where I was going to go.

JP (Jack) Pasquale: Has fame ever made you less brave creativity?

Hugh Jackman: That's a very good question, Jack. Has fame made me less brave creatively? No, I think what I realized was I have to – and I don't always do it but I do it most of the time – I follow my gut instinct, and my gut instinct usually leads me to things that frighten me. Either it's something I haven't done before, or I don't know if I can pull this off – even musicals! I'd never sung before I went for an audition for a musical. So I think I'm drawn to things that are a little bit of a risk creatively and therefore frightening. And now I realize that I think I would be bored if I was doing things that I knew how to do.

JP (Jack) Pasquale: If your character couldn't sing Neil Diamond anymore, who would he be?

Hugh Jackman: If he couldn't sing Neil Diamond, I think he would be doing some other classic rock, maybe Springsteen – maybe a bit of Elvis or the Beatles. I think he liked lots of great music. He played in a band called The Esquires. They had a hit song. He would have definitely gravitated towards the showman. Those are the great live performers but I would say more rock and roll.

JP (Jack) Pasquale: What would you love to bring to Broadway?

Hugh Jackman: I have heard that “Greater Showman” is coming, which is exciting. What would I love to bring to Broadway? You know what – I think this movie would be good. It reminds me a little bit of “Once.” I don't know if you saw the movie “Once,” or I don't know if you saw that on Broadway, but there could be something really cool about this coming to Broadway.

JP (Jack) Pasquale: If you were not acting, what would your dream job be?

Hugh Jackman: Oh, a dream job if I wasn't acting? I think maybe being like an ambassador, like an Australian Ambassador, to a country. I love Australia. I love my country. I love the world. I love where Australia fits in n the world. I don't think I've ever said that before to anyone. It's a scoop!

JP (Jack) Pasquale: What is the worst advice you have ever been given?

Hugh Jackman: From my brother when I was very little, who told me that soap is edible.

JP (Jack) Pasquale: What is the one question you wish people would ask you, but they never do?

Hugh Jackman: Oh, what's the one question I wish people would ask me, but they never do? I'm really trying to think. To think honestly about this,Jack, I don't think I have one. There's an implication, I guess, in your question – that people aren't asking me the things that matter to me, or I have things to say, but no one wants to know, and I don't feel that.

JP (Jack) Pasquale: What advice would you give your younger self that he would absolutely ignore?

Hugh Jackman: To not take things too seriously.

Hugh Jackman: Jack, you asked some really, really good questions. You're really good at this. I hope people have been telling you that. Can I ask you a question? Do you enjoy doing this? Is this your dream job?

JP (Jack) Pasquale: Yes.

Hugh Jackman:  Congratulations then! We're both doing our dream job!