Hugh Michael Jackman is an Australian actor, producer, and singer. He is best known for playing Wolverine in the X-Men film series from 2000 to 2018.
Jackman was born in Sydney, New South Wales, to English parents. His mother, Grace McNeil, was an English schoolteacher, and his father, Christopher John Jackman, was an accountant. He has four older siblings. He was educated at elementary and high schools in Australia.
Jackmanโs interest in acting began when he was a student at Mount View Primary School in Sydney. When he was 11, he played the lead role in a school production of Return to the Batcave. His mother encouraged his interest in acting, and he enrolled in drama classes at the local high school. When he was 16, he appeared in a production of The Lion King.
Jackman first gained recognition for his role as Curly in the Australian television series Correlli. He also appeared in the films Paperback Hero and Erskineville Kings. His breakthrough role came in 2000, when he played Wolverine in the X-Men film. He reprised the role in five sequels, including X2, X-Men: The Last Stand, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Wolverine, and Logan.
In addition to his work in the X-Men films, Jackman has appeared in a number of other films. He starred in the film Van Helsing, and played the lead role in the romantic comedy Kate & Leopold. He also appeared in the historical drama The Prestige, and the thrillers The Wolfman and The Prestige.
In 2012, Jackman was awarded a Tony Award for his role in the Broadway play The River. He has also been nominated for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a BAFTA Award.
Jackman is married to actress Deborra-Lee Furness. They have two children together.
Jackman is a supporter of various charitable organizations. He is a patron of the Starlight Childrenโs Foundation, and has also worked with the Australian Red Cross, UNICEF, and The Global Poverty Project.