Exclusive Interview with Hugh Jackman: Embracing Differences for a Remarkable Life

An Inspiring Chat with Hugh Jackman: The Man Behind the Magic

We had the privilege of sitting down with Hugh Jackman, an actor who has been hailed as one of the most attractive men on the planet time and time again. Our conversation took place right after the release of the musical “The Greatest Showman,” where Jackman played the lead role. One of the songs from this musical, “This Is Me,” was nominated for an Oscar and won a Golden Globe.

The Birth of a Musical Masterpiece

“The idea for the film came about right after I hosted the Oscars in 2009,” Jackman shared. “A producer approached me and insisted that I had to star in a musical. However, as you know, getting studios to greenlight musicals can be quite challenging. They’re a risky genre in the film industry—either a massive hit or a total flop.”

He continued, “For a musical to succeed, everything needs to align perfectly: a captivating story, catchy music, and exceptional performances. It took over seven years for Michael Gracey to bring his vision of an original musical to life. This film marks his directorial debut, by the way.”

A Tale of Imagination and Ambition

“The Greatest Showman” is not your typical Broadway adaptation. It tells the story of P.T. Barnum, an innovative entrepreneur who created a circus featuring extraordinary artists in the 19th century. The music for the film was composed by two young and incredibly talented writers, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who were relatively unknown at the time. They later wrote the music for “La La Land” and won an Oscar for Best Original Song. We were the first to collaborate with them, and we’re hopeful that “This Is Me” from our musical will also win an Oscar this year.”

Jackman emphasized, “This film is not just about a circus. It’s a story about a man who truly believed in the power of imagination. P.T. Barnum was instrumental in shaping modern America. He championed the idea of meritocracy—the belief that the most capable individuals should hold leadership positions, regardless of their social background.”

Embracing Differences

“In those days, America was heavily influenced by Calvinism, which was quite austere and dull. Barnum was one of the few who believed that people should live more freely and happily, finding more reasons to smile and laugh,” Jackman explained. He quoted Barnum’s famous saying: “One of the noblest arts is the art of making others happy.”

“The Greatest Showman” is the perfect film for Hugh Jackman, allowing him to showcase his acting and musical talents. The role of P.T. Barnum, who is both a romantic hero and a source of optimism and self-belief for others, seems tailor-made for him.

In modern cinema, it’s hard to find another actor who combines the talents of a showman, singer, dancer, and action hero, while also being an exceptional host for major events like the Oscars, as Jackman did in 2009.

Overcoming Challenges

Jackman shared, “Barnum’s life was full of ups and downs. While preparing for the role, I read 37 books about him. You could make 37 different films about his life. Ours is not a biographical film, as it’s hard to separate fact from fiction. But it’s true that he grew up in poverty and achieved everything through his hard work and ingenuity.”

He added, “Barnum believed that our differences make us unique. There’s no need to be ashamed of being different; instead, we should embrace our uniqueness. In those times, any deviation from the norm was seen as a divine punishment. Barnum not only brought these individuals into the spotlight but also gave them a chance to feel like true human beings.”

Personal Reflections

When asked about his own differences, Jackman shared, “When I first arrived in Hollywood, I was told that my height was a problem. At 6’3″, it was challenging to find co-stars who could match my stature. I was also told that having too many talents could confuse producers, making it hard for them to categorize me. However, I believe that a wide range of skills should only increase an actor’s chances of being cast.”

He also reflected on his personal life, “I remember when my parents divorced, and we kids stayed with our father, who was always respectful and supportive of us. I felt the unwanted curiosity from people who looked at me with pity, knowing that I was from ‘that family.’ It was a tough experience, but it shaped who I am today.”

A Journey from Sydney to Stardom

Hugh Jackman’s journey began in Sydney, Australia, where his parents emigrated from England a year before his birth in 1968. Unfortunately, his family broke apart when he was eight, with his mother returning to England and leaving five children with their father.

Despite the challenges, Jackman’s talent and determination have made him one of the most beloved actors in Hollywood. His role in “The Greatest Showman” is a testament to his belief in embracing differences and celebrating uniqueness.