Hugh Jackman biography, wife, height, net worth, age, children 2025

Hugh Jackman's Biography

Hugh Jackman is an Australian-born Hollywood actor, Golden Globe winner, and 2013 Academy Award nominee for his powerhouse performance in the musical drama "Les Misérables".

Most viewers know Jackman best as Logan-Wolverine, the tough, gruff mutant from the X-Men film series. Hugh remains the first and only actor to play the same superhero for such an extended period and across so many films (he portrayed Wolverine for 17 years).

Many film critics, however, consider his role as Keller Dover, a missing girl's father in Denis Villeneuve's thriller "Prisoners", to be Jackman's career-best performance.

Other notable Hugh Jackman films include the romantic comedy "Kate & Leopold", action thriller "Swordfish", mystery thriller "The Prestige" and musical drama "Les Misérables". And the list can go on and on. His net worth: $180 million.

Childhood

Hugh Jackman's parents – Christopher Jackman, an accountant, and Grace McNeil, a housewife – moved to Australia from Great Britain in 1967 as part of the "Ten Pound Poms" government migration program.

Hugh was born on 12 October 1968 in Sydney, soon after the family's relocation, and was the youngest of five children. When Hugh was eight years old, his parents got divorced; he stayed with his father and two brothers in Australia, while his mother moved back to England together with Jackman's two sisters. His mother, Grace, lost contact with her ex-husband and sons, and Hugh didn't see her again until he was an adult.

Hugh's father remarried soon after, and his stepmother bonded with the kids immediately, creating a peaceful, harmonious household. When Hugh turned 11, his stepsister was born.

His father was loving but strict, believing it was important to teach his kids never to back down and always push through difficulties. Years later, as an established actor, Hugh would fondly recall those fun family camping trips filled with adventures and valuable life lessons.

Hugh Jackman's school picture (bottom row, second from the left)

Hugh was a dedicated student who loved basketball, eventually becoming team captain. But acting wasn't even on his radar. As he once revealed in an interview: "I used to spend nights looking at atlases. I decided I wanted to be a chef on a plane. Because I'd been on a plane and there was food on board, I presumed there was a chef. I thought that would be an ideal job".

Hugh Jackman became obsessed with theater when he was quite young

Hugh's acting talent emerged during his school years. He joined the school's amateur acting troupe and discovered he wasn't just good at it – he genuinely loved it. One of his first major productions was "My Fair Lady", based on Bernard Shaw's play "Pygmalion".

After graduating from high school, Hugh Jackman took a gap year in England to travel and discover his true passion before returning to Australia and enrolling in the communications program at the University of Technology, Sydney.

1991: University of Technology, Sydney graduation

According to Zoomboola.com, Hugh earned his BA in communications with a journalism major in 1991. However, toward the end of his studies, Hugh realized he wasn't really interested in becoming a journalist and spent more and more time focusing on his hobby – acting. In 1992, Jackman enrolled in "The Journey" acting course at the Actors' Center in Surry Hills, where he soaked up his teachers' knowledge and experience like a sponge.

After completing "The Journey" courses, Hugh Jackman was accepted into the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). In order to study there, he had to turn down a role in a popular Australian soap opera "Neighbours". The young actor paid $3,500 for tuition – his entire inheritance from his grandmother.

Beginning of the Acting Career

At his 1994 WAAPA graduation, Hugh received a phone call from the manager of Australian TV series "Correlli," offering him a starring role. The drama series focused on prison psychologist Louisa Correlli working at a men's prison. Hugh landed the role of her most complicated patient – inmate Kevin Jones, convicted of armed robbery.

"Correlli" TV series: Hugh Jackman's first television role

From October 1996 to June 1997 Hugh Jackman was a part of Australian productions of "Sunset Boulevard" and "Beauty and the Beast".

In 1998 Hugh Jackman debuted on the stage of the Royal National Theater in London, in the production of "Oklahoma!", directed by Trevor Nunn. He was nominated for the Lawrence Olivier Award for his portrayal of Curly McLain, and in 1999 a film version of the same stage musical came out, where Jackman reprised his leading role.

Hugh Jackman as Wolverine

In 1999, Hugh Jackman struck gold when he was cast as Wolverine in the superhero blockbuster "X-Men." His character is a mutant with incredible regenerative powers: he barely ages, wounds heal within seconds, and his skeleton is reinforced with virtually indestructible adamantium, making him nearly impossible to kill. His signature weapons are retractable adamantium claws that can slice through anything – from human flesh to steel doors.

Interestingly, director Bryan Singer initially wanted Scottish actor Dougray Scott for the Wolverine role. But Scott turned down the charismatic mutant role for "Mission: Impossible II" – a decision that would prove fortunate for Jackman's future fans. That's when Jackman got the call from Toronto, where "X-Men" filming was already six weeks underway.

Hugh Jackman's first audition for the part of Wolverine

The entire production team was blown away by Hugh Jackman's Wolverine performance. The film screenwriter David Hayter believes Jackman looks just like a young Clint Eastwood.

Jackman put in serious work preparing for the role. Since Wolverine's signature weapons are his claws, Jackman underwent intensive hand-to-hand combat training to make the fight scenes look authentic. He also had to bulk up fast, building impressive muscle mass to hold his own alongside his co-stars.

The time difference between these pics is two months

Hugh Jackman instantly became one of Hollywood's most sought-after actors after the film's release. The second "X-Men" installment hit theaters in 2003. The story explored the conflict between mutants and a fearful society. Naturally, Hugh Jackman returned as Wolverine, joined by beloved characters like Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart), Storm (Halle Berry), Jean Grey (Famke Janssen), Cyclops (James Marsden), and Rogue (Anna Paquin).

Three years later a third installment – "X-Men: The Last Stand" was released, and in 2009 the first part of the trilogy, centered solely on Wolverine came out. "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" peeled back the mystery surrounding the mutant's past and was well-received by audiences. It is no surprise that Hugh Jackman received a $20 million paycheck for this film alone.

The evolution of Wolverine (2000-2017)

In 2013 a second part ("The Wolverine"), which was shot in Japan, came out. In Japan, Wolverine had to discover whether his claws could match the razor-sharp blade of his adversary. Notably, Russian actress Svetlana Khodchenkova played the main antagonist. However, this film was the trilogy's worst-received entry among audiences.

Hugh Jackman with a Russian actress Svetlana Khodchenkova

In 2014 Jackman appeared in "X-Men: Days of Future Past" alongside a refreshed cast, which was joined by Nicholas Hoult (as Beast), Jennifer Lawrence (as Mystique), James McAvoy (as professor Xavier) and Michael Fassbender (as Magneto).

In "Logan" Jackman made his last appearance as Wolverine

In 2016 Hugh Jackman's "X-Men" contract was over. He decided not to renew it and in March of 2015 announced that he would portray Wolverine for the last time in the final part of his "personal" trilogy – "Logan". He uploaded a picture of his signature claws to his Instagram account with a sad caption "Wolverine…One last time".

Jackman explained that he was ready to move on, having grown tired of the character. However, he managed to make the most of his final appearance and revealed Wolverine in a never-before-seen light.

The final part of Wolverine trilogy – "Logan" premiered in March 2017. The viewers saw an old Wolverine (Jackman looks quite young in real life, so he had to be aged with the help of make-up), who almost lost his ability to regenerate. Most mutants have been wiped out, and artificially-created children from laboratories have taken their place. One such creation is young Laura (Dafne Keen) – Wolverine's daughter.

Jackman was artificially aged for "Logan"

This intense drama about aging and legacy provided a beautiful, touching conclusion to Wolverine's story. The producers were so impressed with Dafne Keen's performance that they decided to develop a future film centered on her character.

Hugh Jackman and Dafne Keen on the set of "Logan"

Other Roles

One of Hugh Jackman's most memorable early performances came right after he hit international stardom with the first "X-Men" movie. Starring opposite Meg Ryan, he played the charming Victorian English aristocrat Leopold, who accidentally time-travels to modern New York. The role earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy.

That same year, he starred in a completely different genre with the action crime thriller "Swordfish." Directed by Dominic Cena, the film co-starred John Travolta and Halle Berry.

Hugh Jackman and Halle Berry in "Swordfish"

While countless studios courted Hugh, the actor chose every role carefully, regardless of the paycheck. He wanted to play characters who aligned with his personal values and beliefs. That's probably why his roles share a common thread – Jackman embodies honor, strength, and romanticism on screen. Even when playing a villain, he always brought charisma and flair, adding depth and dimension to the character.

Hugh Jackman chooses to play only the characters he can relate to

In 2004, Stephen Sommers' dark fantasy action film "Van Helsing" hit theaters. Jackman landed the title role as vampire hunter Gabriel Van Helsing and insisted on doing all his own stunts – the chasing, fights, and tumbling – without stunt doubles.

In 2006, he got the chance to work with Woody Allen on the romantic comedy crime film "Scoop," playing a promising politician and aristocrat suspected of being a serial killer. His co-star was Scarlett Johansson, then an up-and-coming actress.

That same year, he starred in Christopher Nolan's mystery thriller "The Prestige." The puzzle-filled, mystical film tells the story of a rivalry between two magicians – aristocratic Robert Caldlow (Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale).

Around the same time, Darren Aronofsky's multidimensional existential drama "The Fountain" was released. Jackman fully committed to portraying Tom Creo, a neuroscientist so desperate to cure his wife's terminal illness that he agrees to a mystical experience.

In 2012, Jackman starred in the musical drama "Les Misérables," Tom Hooper's screen adaptation of the Broadway hit, itself based on Victor Hugo's classic novel. Jackman's powerful portrayal of fugitive Jean Valjean earned him an Academy Award nomination, though he lost to Daniel Day-Lewis for his Lincoln performance in Spielberg's biopic. Jackman, however, was awarded the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in Musical or Comedy.

"Les Misérables": Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean

Critics widely agree that Jackman reached his dramatic peak in 2013 with Denis Villeneuve's thriller "Prisoners." He played Keller Dover, whose 6-year-old daughter is abducted, and when police hit dead ends, he's forced to take matters into his own hands. Jackman delivered an incredibly accurate emotional range: everything from denial and despair to aggression and madness was flawless.

Other Projects

In 2005, Jackman and business partner John Palermo formed production company "Seed Productions." The company's first project was comedy-drama series "Viva Laughlin" (2007), featuring a Jackman cameo.

In 2006, Jackman voiced two animated films: the musical family comedy "Happy Feet," which won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, and action-adventure parody "Flushed Away."

Hugh Jackman – the Academy Awards host (opening number)

In 2009 Jackman was invited to host the 81st Academy Awards. Throughout the three-hour show, Jackman gave his all, with audiences later declaring him the best host ever—especially impressive since his trademark performances were far from comedy.

Hugh Jackman in Lipton commercial

In 2009, Jackman starred in a Lipton commercial featuring an energetic chair dance routine.

Jackman is the only Broadway artist in history to receive all the main awards in a single season. His "The Boy From Oz" performance earned him the Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle awards—Broadway's "Triple Crown."

Hugh Jackman is the star of Broadway ("The Boy From Oz")

Hugh Jackman's Personal Life

In April 1996, Hugh Jackman met Deborra-Lee Furness while filming a TV series "Correlli". Their characters' complex relationship gradually blossomed from screen to real life, and despite Deborra-Lee being 13 years older than Hugh, who was 27 at the time, their romance proved incredibly enduring. They quickly tied the knot and went on to become Australia's most beloved celebrity couple.

They adopted a new-born boy Oscar Maximillian in May 2000 and five years later, in 2005, a girl – Ava Eliot. Not surprisingly, Hugh became an incredibly devoted father and husband, consistently praising Deborra-Lee and calling her the world's best mother.

In February 2017, breakup rumors surfaced online, but the couple's representative quickly denied them, stating that Hugh and Deborra were doing great with nothing more to discuss.

Hugh Jackman and Deborra Furness are adoptive parents of two

In November 2013, the actor announced that he had basal-cell carcinoma (a form of cancer) removed from his nose. At the beginning of 2017, he underwent his sixth similar procedure. He posted a photo with a bandage on his nose, revealing the cancer had returned, though he quickly reassured fans that it had been successfully removed again.

Hugh Jackman has been fighting skin cancer

The actor loves to play golf, practices Transcendental Meditation, and does windsurfing. In addition, he is really good at playing the piano and the guitar and can juggle up to five balls.

Jim Carrey and Hugh Jackman make fun of each other

Hugh Jackman Now

Jackman bid his final farewell to Wolverine with mixed emotions, but now that he's free from contractual obligations, he has many exciting projects ahead. For instance, he had a leading role in the musical "The Greatest Showman", for which he was nominated for the Golden Globe and he is set to star in another musical – "Broadway 4D".

'The Front Runner' didn't receive high praise from critics, who called it 'boring' and 'overextended.' However, Hugh's portrayal of Senator Gary Hart showcased his trademark excellence.

In September 2019, his new movie 'Bad Education' was premiered at the Toronto film festival. The actor's character is the head of an elite private school with a perfect reputation. But the man has skeletons in his closet.

Hugh Jackman about «Bad Education»

In 2020, the sci-fi thriller 'Reminiscence' was set to premiere, with Jackman playing a private investigator living in a world largely submerged underwater. He uses technology that can help anyone recall their memories.

Hugh Jackman: latest news and articles

Marvel Studios Will Reboot "X-Men"

25 Jun 2025

The world's first boxing tournament for robots, inspired by the movie "Real Steel," took place in China

26 May 2025

Chase Cody Moore

He is not messing around, the movies with him has a quality and it`s more important than quantity. That is right, every great actor does it.

2021-05-17 20:04:12
Deborah Ruiz

He has a very charming family. I guess he is a wonderful father with adopted kids.

2021-04-30 17:54:05
Aiden Mason Kelly

Interesting actor. He can unfold his characters very good, getting into the role. Nowadays there are not so much professionals.

2021-04-20 10:43:51
James Baker

Probably everybody will remember all their lives Hugh Jackman as a Wolverine Logan from X-Men.

2021-04-17 12:29:52
Martha Rose

Oh! Hugh Jackman! Handsome man in a bloom of forces! I adore this actor not only for his appearance but also for an excellent actor`s work.

2021-04-09 22:37:15
Amileigha

I love you. In the greatest showman

2018-12-04 22:55:02

Photos: Hugh Jackman