In a candid conversation with writer Kelly Matthews, the acclaimed actor, now 46, reflects on his latest role, his journey into fatherhood, and a harrowing experience of losing his son in a grocery store.
How did you find stepping into the shoes of a villain this time?
It was an absolute thrill to portray a character without any moral restraints. I actually had to check in with the director to see if I was enjoying it too much. Roles like this don’t come around often. My character believes he has created the ultimate robot and bets his entire career on its success, only to be outdone by a superior version. That’s when he truly becomes relentless. After all, who really enjoys losing?
You certainly don’t embody a loser in your career.
It’s a curious perspective. Despite appearances, I often feel just the opposite. Many opportunities that have come my way were completely unexpected, and perhaps that’s a blessing. It’s better to approach things feeling like an underdog. Throughout my career, I’ve simply endeavored to work hard, and I’m genuinely surprised by the chances I’ve been given. However, I’ve faced my share of rejections too, a lot of which happened before the age of YouTube. Now, it seems like every audition—successful or otherwise—can be found online.
What were the early days like for you?
At the end of my drama training, I made a personal commitment to pursue acting for five years. I was 26 and had already spent eight years working various jobs, like in restaurants and service stations. I learned that acting is akin to running a small business; you must invest everything before you can determine your success. Just before my self-imposed deadline, I landed the role of Wolverine in X-Men, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Even amid your achievements, you seem to prioritize being a husband and father.
My love for my wife is profound, but nothing could have prepared me for the overwhelming love I have for my children. It’s an indescribable feeling. The mere thought of them in distress or facing pain is unbearable; I would do anything to shield them, even if it meant jumping in front of a bus. I experienced a terrifying hour in a supermarket when I lost my son, and let me tell you, it felt like the longest hour of my life.
What do you find important in daily life?
People often ask how I can perform the same show repeatedly on Broadway. Yet we all have our routines in life. Relationships and daily patterns tend to repeat themselves. Each iteration offers a new opportunity. My acting instructor once told me, “Acting is the best training for life,” and he was spot on. You get to revisit the same performance but deepen it each time. Isn’t that what life is truly about?
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In summary, Hugh Jackman shares his unique perspective on the unexpected love of fatherhood, his thrilling experience of playing a villain, and the importance of embracing life’s repeated opportunities.