Photos of Hugh Jackman: An Unconventional Superstar

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman, 44, has appeared in numerous stage plays, hosted the Academy Awards and is now a first-time Oscar nominee for his role as tragic prisoner Jean Valjean in Les Miserables. 

Wolverine

X-Men director Bryan Singer wasn't convinced the strapping 6-foot-3 Hugh Jackman was right for the Marvel star Wolverine. "Hugh went up [to Toronto where the film was underway], and Anna Paquin was there already, and they did a scene together, and after Bryan yelled, 'Cut!' one of the crewmembers said, 'Wow! That's Wolverine," X-Men producer Lauren Shuler Donner recalled.

Starting Out

Hugh Jackman attended Sydney's University of Technology with a focus on journalism but switched to acting after he took a drama course required for graduation. He continued his studies at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts in Perth. His first professional job after graduation was on the prison-set TV series Correlli, starring his future wife Deborra-Lee Furness. 

Tony Robbins

Friend and self-help guru Tony Robbins was the person Hugh Jackman turned to when he received the part of Jean Valjean in Les Mis. "I said: 'I want some help. I got this job, and sometimes in front of the camera I can't feel as relaxed as on stage," Jackman said. Robbins proceeded to coach Jackman on owning his fear. "He goes: 'Man, you're playing Jean Valjean. You should be scared!' " Jackman recalled. 

Star Profile

Hugh Jackman's incredible commitment to his work -- which sometimes includes strict diets and training regimens -- has helped make him an international sensation, but his rising star profile is the thing that matters to him least. "I have no real natural instinct for the star world," he said. I don't really put a lot of currency in stardom. I have this weird feeling that the more you direct your attention into solving that issue, the worse an actor you become."