"Took three days off": Hugh Jackman recalls heartwarming moments with his father (and big fan) on The Graham Norton Show 

"Took three days off": High Jackman recalls heartwarming moments with his father (and big fan) on The Graham Norton Show (Image via Instagram/@thehughjackman)
"Took three days off": High Jackman recalls heartwarming moments with his father (and big fan) on The Graham Norton Show (Image via Instagram/@thehughjackman)

Hugh Jackman, the actor widely celebrated for Wolverine, recently appeared on The Graham Norton Show. In a moment of warm nostalgia, Jackman discussed heartwarming moments with his father and how his father supported his artistic journey.

Through a personal anecdote, Jackman mentioned how his father took three days off from work solely to attend the actor's performance of Carousel at Carnegie Hall. Jackman also shared that his father would give him a subscription to the Sydney Theatre Company as a birthday gift every year without fail.

He said on The Graham Norton Show,

"So my dad never missed a day of work in his life. He worked at Price Waterhouse his entire working life. and he took three days off to come to New York to see me in carousel. Now, when I say three days, that's 24-hour flight from Sydney to New York. He was in New York for less than 24 hours, then a 24-hour flight back straight to the office"

"Took three days off": Hugh Jackman recalls heartwarming moments with his father (and big fan) on The Graham Norton Show

Hugh Jackman has had an illustrious career in Hollywood and is a recipient of many prestigious awards and nominations. He boasts an Emmy, a Grammy, and a Golden Globe.

He has also received an Academy nomination, among other significant accolades that he has earned throughout his long acting career. His fond recollection hints at the supportive parental encouragement that Jackman had received during his days of hustle.

When the host of the show addressed Jackman and asked him about how his dad did something really sweet for him, Jackman excitedly answered the host of The Graham Norton Show,

"My standing, my gift every year for my birthday was a subscription to the Sydney Theater Company.. so that I could go. He bought the cheapest one possible. So I had to go Wednesday matinea and skip class just so I could do it. But dad made sure I saw everything."

This small yet heartfelt investment by Jackman's dad helped in his early exposure to theater, which in turn cultivated Jackman’s passion and appreciation for the art form, laying the groundwork for his future career.

Jackman said that his father was always appreciative of his work, even though he may not have taken equal interest in the form. He did not discourage him but always encouraged him with a positive response.

He mentioned to the host of The Graham Norton Show that his father saw everything he did, adding further that his 'Dad' was,

"just so affusive when he came back, even the stuff that he had no interest in. And I could tell he didn't like it, but he would be like, "Wonderful work here. Wonderful."

The Wolverine actor also mentioned that even though he did not take particular interest in that area, Caraousek was something he was indeed interested in.

"And one time I was offered to do Carousel um at Carnegie Hall. And I just I told dad, I'm doing this thing. He goes, "I'm coming." I.. cuz for for my dad, Carousel, that's his jam."

He mentioned how his father skipped work for three days just so that he could attend his son's performance at Carnegie Hall. This trip involved a grueling 24-hour flight each way, with his father spending less than 24 hours in New York before returning to work.

He ended the conversation on The Graham Norton Show on a sweet note, bearing a smile on his face as he mentioned how his father insisted on wearing a black tie for his son's proud moment in Carnegie Hall.

Even though only performers were instructed to wear the black tie, Jackman's father carried it with happiness, becoming a part of his son's remarkable achievement.


The sweet and candid recollection of Jackman reflects the deeply supportive and nurturing bond that Jackman has experienced with his father.

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Edited by Debanjana