Hugh Jackman and the Art of Acting

[jo]

One way to describe Hugh Jackman's talent and versatility --

[jo]

And he is not acting - Hugh is always gracious!

[jo]

It has been reported that Kirk Douglas has passed on, at age 103.


Rest in Peace, Kirk!

[jo]

[jo]

http://instagram.com/p/B8OmjJ2nEO0

Keep swiping...


There must have been mutual respect and admiration from Kirk and Anne Douglas to have asked Hugh and Deb to present their personal letters in a public reading…

After all, his son Michael and daughter-in-law Catherine Zeta Jones could have done the honors?

Perhaps the choice of Hugh must have stemmed partly from that time when Kirk ( and presumably Anne) went to see Hugh in A STEADY RAIN...and then later on requested to have dinner with him ( maybe with Deb) after the show?


If they filmed that one-night only benefit -- it would be nice if they would consider having the reading released so the public may be able to share in this unveiling of a life and a relationship through the intimacy of letters written to each other?

Jo

[jo]

A very slightly different tribute on Twitter --

[jo]

Loved Hugh's story of how Kirk and Anne wanted to see him backstage after A STEADY RAIN!

Hugh's assistant initially told them when they wanted to invite him for post-show dinner that Hugh did not accept any invitations after a show. Hugh was aghast when he learned who his assistant almost turned down - LOL!

You had excellent taste, Mr&Mrs Kirk Douglas! A STEADY RAIN and Hugh Jackman in the play is also a special favorite of mine

Interesting that the reading of the passages from the book on Kirk and Anne had some interesting producers/sponsors. Jeffrey Katzenberg of the former Dreamworks Animation who was mainly responsible for REAL STEEL and who was present when Hugh was presented his Walk of Fame Star. And Steven Spielberg who saw Hugh perform in that one-time show at Wynn Las Vegas and eventually made the pitch to Hugh Jackman to host the 2009 Oscars. Spielberg had shown initial interest on A STEADY RAIN as a film project but that did not push through. I have always wondered if the ASR producers ( mainly the James Bond franchise people) were too stringent in their demands re the film adaptation?

I do wonder if the suggestion for Hugh and Deb to read from the book came from Jeff Katzenberg and Steven Spielberg initially... or confirmed by them after the Douglas couple thought of it (because Kirk and Anne had seen Hugh in A STEADY RAIN)?


Jo

[jo]

Variety sums up well the life of Kirk Douglas as an actor and as a public persona --

www.msn.com/en-ph/entertainment/movies/news/why-kirk-douglas-was-the-consummate-mr-hollywood/ar-BBZHMI4?ocid=spartandhp

[jo]

Another point of interaction for Hugh and Kirk Douglas was their involvement in the MPTF (Motion Picture Television Fund) activities.

Kirk had donated generously to the fund in the past.

Hugh has been involved in yearly concerts later called A FINE ROMANCE, featuring Hollywood and Broadway stars. It was an advocacy of former Fox Chairman Jim Gianopulos and his wife...and that was likely how Hugh became involved in the fund activites to raise money for members of the industry who are in need.

*One special concert was when Hugh Jackman reprised his Back On Broadway show in L.A.

*His co-emcee had occasionally been Catherine Zeta Jones ( daughter in law of Kirk Douglas)

*I do recall a duet of Hugh with Kristin Chenoweth with the 2 Broadway stars singing a duet from "Annie Get Your Gun" called " Anything You Can Do..."
It is interesting to note that this was the performance that Oscars producer Larry Mark saw which prodded him to get Hugh to host the 2009 Oscars

www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-dec-13-et-hughbig13-story.html

*Another more recent one, when Jim Gianopulos was about to leave FOX had Hugh singing songs from Les Misérables.

Check out the 2016 activity, showing MPTF honoring Kirk Douglas … and a photo of performer Hugh with Jim Gianopulos, Jeffrey Katzenberg and George Clooney.

mptf.com/95-2/





Jo

[jo]

[jo]

Just for fun

Of course at the moment, he would rather be the Music Man … than the Spy Man


Jo

[njr]

Feb 9, 2020 4:35:55 GMT -5 jo said:

Just for fun

Of course at the moment, he would rather be the Music Man … than the Spy Man


Jo

My Outlander fan friends are hoping Sam Heughan (Jamie Fraser) will be the next Bond. He’s 39 and a redhead, but they could easily dye it!
(Hugh is my 1st choice though!)

Nancy

[jo]

In the trailer if you watch it very carefully --

In this particular shot, it is noticeable that Frank Tassone's eyes glisten with tears.

Presumably, this was the moment when the student body acknowledges his contribution to the school and for the students.


I always find it amazing how well Hugh can summon up emotions, especially when he can draw tears just like that -- maybe it is not as unusual when filming a movie as that can be done with camera tricks or his eyes are helped by eyedrops...but he can do it on stage at will!


Jo

[jo]

[jo]

From DEAN CAREY, his former acting teacher at WAAPA...and who also founded The Actors Centre in Australia ( of which Hugh is a patron) -- of Hugh's acting student days :

He reminds me of a young Gregory Peck. There is such maturity in his work. That sense of knowing that Peck has. Unlike most other young actors, he commands attention on stage. Because of his creative integrity, he commands respect for his character...

If ever Scott Rudin ( who is also a famous film producer, in addition to being the most powerful Broadway producer) thinks of producing a film remake of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, based on the Aaron Sorkin adaptation currently on Broadway - Hugh would be perfect for the role of Atticus Finch! The film classic will be celebrating its 60th year of release by 2022!


Jo

[jo]

Another interview focus during his appearance at the recent Montblanc event --


theblast.com/120448/why-hugh-jackman-is-one-of-hollywoods-most-versatile-actors

Why Hugh Jackman Is One Of Hollywood’s Most Versatile Actors

Mar 12, 2020 at 23:43 pm UTC
By Jimmy Ha

Hugh Jackman is one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. From his action roles as Wolverine to singi ng musical numbers in The Greatest Showman, Jackman is one of the most versatile actors of our day.

Recently he talked to Fox News at the launch of Montblanc’s first-ever Smart Headphones MB01 in New York City about how he has felt about the different roles throughout his career, "I find it all a challenge. I've never been bored or found easy so that's never been a problem."


The actor talked about what it was like early on in his career and what his strategy was to pursue his dream:
"But right from the beginning [of my career] what I loved about acting was the variety. I liked stage. I liked singing. I like film. I liked Shakespeare. I liked all of it. So I thought well, my approach is I'm going to hold as many doors open as possible, try to open them and once they're open, try to hold them up for as long as I can," he explained.


He mentioned that he faced tons of resistance. He talked about how critics and industry people were trying to label him to a specific type of actor but couldn't:

"There was a period in [my career] where I wasn't sure if [my] strategy was working. There was some feedback around the early 2000s I was getting like, what are you? What do you do? Are you Wolverine? Are you an action guy? Are you a Broadway guy? But weirdly, I think I stuck in there long enough for it to become an asset," he said.


Jackman admitted that there were times of self-doubt and worries about if he could perform his roles well enough.
"If I look back, there are four or five projects. 'Les Mis' is one. There were moments at the beginning of Wolverine where I doubted early on [if I could do it]," he admitted.

"And usually, if I look back, the projects where I've had that feeling are generally the best [ones]. And I wish I could have told myself that back then," he said.


Jackman continued by saying that he performs his best when his back is against the wall. “That feeling of being with your back against the wall and like there's a lot at stake here and I could really blow it all up. That sort of galvanizes me. For me, that works. It's not comfortable, but that works."

Jackman’s next film is called, “Reminiscence” which is about a scientist who discovers a way to relive the past and uses the technology to search for his long lost love. Though the release date has yet to be confirmed, the film is set to release sometime later in 2020.

.

[jo]

[jo]

I just can’t think of another performer with his name recognition who can be so energetic, infectious, theatrical & endearing; & then in another role, be so effortlessly natural, intense & terrifyingly masculine

He has put into words what many regard is the best quality of Hugh Jackman as an actor!

*Energetic, infectious, theatrical and endearing!
*Effortlessly natural, intense & terrifyingly masculine


That is why his Wolverine/Logan is incomparable...that is why his portrayal of the vengeful father in Prisoners seemed so natural...that is why his convict Valjean is to be feared for his strength...and that is why he was so credible as leader of a renegade circus troupe!

*That is why we loved Charlie Kenton, despite his careless attitude about fatherhood...why Kate&Leopold created an instant female fandom...and why his grieving husband made us cry in The Fountain!

*That is why his Peter Allen personification was such a glorious and joyous hit, even if the show was dissed by critics!

*That is why his Blackbeard was awesome and terrifying...why his Wyatt Bose is slick and devious...and why his magician/showman GreatDanton was both admired and disdained!

*And why his cameos always steal the show!

Jo

[jo]

One of the comments responding to someone on YouTube who said that Hugh was perfect for the role of THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, even if he is actually Wolverine

cool cod
2 months ago

Yeah a lot of the roles he does he's perfect for

In a few words --
Speaks so well of his talent and versatility!

[jo]

I was drawn ( again ) to this Variety article published around the time of the release of THE GREATEST SHOWMAN because Variety used its issue with Hugh on the cover to announce some changes brought on by the current health crisis.

variety.com/2017/film/features/hugh-jackman-the-greatest-showman-logan-1202629864/


There is a lot of discussion on how Hugh built his career based on his talent, aspirations, and dedication as an actor.

It was judgment day for “The Greatest Showman.”

The brass at 20th Century Fox and a cadre of financiers were descending on New York City to decide whether or not to give the greenlight to a musical biopic about circus impresario P.T. Barnum — one that by 2015 had been in development for seven years. In order to convince the studio, director Michael Gracey and star Hugh Jackman had arranged to do an elaborate read-through, with several Broadway greats playing supporting parts.

There was just one catch. Twenty-four hours before the presentation, Jackman had gone to the doctor to have a basal cell carcinoma removed from his nose.


“‘Michael, I have some good news and some bad news,’” Jackman said on the phone to Gracey. “The operation was a huge success; that’s no problem. But I’m in the surgeon’s office, and he’s not letting me leave until I call you and say there’s no way I can sing tomorrow.”

Gracey’s heart sank.

Fearful that people wouldn’t make the trek across country if they found out their leading man would need an understudy, the two men conspired to wait to share the bad news until everyone was seated. At the run-through, “Newsies” star Jeremy Jordan did the singing for Jackman while the actor mimed the stage directions. Concerned that if he burst into song, he would split his stitches, cause an infection and possibly disfigure a face that has sold millions of movie tickets, Jackman tried to stay silent. But at one key moment, when a power ballad titled “From Now On” was to be sung, Jackman strode to center stage, spread his arms wide and held forth with his burly, rafters-shaking baritone.

It’s been quite a year for the actor. Not only is Jackman hoofing it up as Barnum, but 2017 also saw him bid farewell to his signature role of Wolverine. “Logan,” his swan song to the world of mutants, was a critical and commercial smash, a bloody neo-Western that featured the clawed hero beaten up, grappling with his own mortality and staring down the neck of too many empty whiskey bottles.

“This was not a film about selling lunch boxes or action figures,” says director James Mangold. “It was oriented toward adults. The goal was to make something gritty that was also a character piece.”

Jackman says that despite playing Wolverine in nine films over nearly two decades, he had a hard time finding the heart of the cigar-chomping bad boy.

“He epito­mized the idea that your imagination is your limit in a time where things were very rigid,” says Jackman of P.T. Barnum, whom the actor portrays in “The Greatest Showman.”

“I wish I’d started playing him like that 17 years ago,” he says. “So there’s some sense of missed opportunity, but when I saw ‘Logan,’ I sat there and I did have tears in my eyes. The main feeling I had was: “There, that’s the character. I feel like I’ve done it now.” And I was calm and at peace, but I’m going to miss that guy.”

Patrick Stewart, who played the mutant leader Professor Charles Xavier in several “X-Men” films and in “Logan,” vividly remembers meeting Jackman when he came in to do his screen test.

“We’d been shooting for a week or maybe more, and we were running out of stuff to shoot without someone to play Logan. One morning this slender, pleasant-looking guy with a strong Australian accent is introduced to us all,” recounts Stewart. “He spent 15 to 20 minutes chatting, and by the time he was called to do his reading, we’d fallen in love. He charmed everybody.”

Jackman wasn’t as confident. He thought he’d blown the audition. As he left, he whispered to Stewart, “You’re never going to see me again.” Four days later he was stunned when he got a call telling him they needed him to come back.

At a time when Hollywood movie stars are a rare breed indeed, Jackman has leveraged the Wolverine films to bankroll a diverse number of personal projects and has emerged as one of the last of the bankable leading men. It’s a status he’s worked hard to achieve, not just in the care he’s taken in selecting films but in the hours he spends at the gym bulking up to superhero size.

“People always say to me, ‘Why are you in such good shape?’ and I always answer, ‘If I told you that you were going to be on film on a 40-foot screen with your shirt off, you’d be in good shape too.’”

Even as Wolverine has kept him on the A-list, the actor hasn’t felt the need to add another film franchise to his stable. At one point, when the James Bond producers were casting a net to find a replacement for Pierce Brosnan, Jackman rejected their overtures.

“I was about to do ‘X-Men 2’ and a call came from my agent asking if I’d be interested in Bond,” recalls Jackman as he dives into a plate of salmon. “I just felt at the time that the scripts had become so unbelievable and crazy, and I felt like they needed to become grittier and real. And the response was: ‘Oh, you don’t get a say. You just have to sign on.’ I was also worried that between Bond and ‘X-Men,’ I’d never have time to do different things.”

Instead of trying to land a 007-style crowd-pleaser, Jackman has focused on proving he can act without the aid of adamantium claws.

“I always tried to do different things,” he says. “But there was a time between ‘X-Men 3’ and the first Wolverine movie when I could see the roles getting smaller. People wanted me to play that kind of hero part exclusively. It felt a little bit claustrophobic.”

To battle typecasting, Jackman has alternated between stage and screen, playing a variety of roles in a number of genres. There was his Tony-winning performance as flamboyant songwriter Peter Allen in “The Boy From Oz”; his riveting work as a father willing to bend the law to find his missing child in “Prisoners”; and his Oscar-nominated turn as the brooding Jean Valjean in “Les Misérables.”

“He has such a humongous range,” says Mangold, who has worked with Jackman on three films. “He’s like a fine musical instrument. He can play comedy and go light, but he’s also capable of delivering a performance of tremendous power. He’s got this incredible masculinity and strength and the courage to throw that all away and do a musical on Broadway.”

“The Greatest Showman” continues the actor’s push to demonstrate his versatility. He proved he could hit some high notes in “Les Misérables,” but the Barnum story required another approach. It’s more upbeat, with a family-friendly vibe.
Barnum’s edges, such as getting into feuds with family members and his semi-exploitation of people with physical deformities, have been largely sanded off in favor of emphasizing his razzle-dazzle.

“We like to say that we made the movie that Barnum would have liked to make,” Jackman says.

“The Greatest Showman” isn’t just a risky commercial proposition, it could also signal a pivot in Jackman’s career. It’s the first time since breaking into the business that he doesn’t have an “X-Men” film or spinoff on the horizon. That said, Fox doesn’t seem as eager to close the door on future Wolverine adventures as Jackman is.

[Jo's Note : Of course we now know that this has been overtaken by events, with the Disney acquisition of FOX.]


“We’re going to stay open-minded,” says Snider. “If there’s an inspired way to bring Hugh Jackman back, we’ll know it when we see it, but it would have to be an idea of integrity that we all wanted to do.”

Looking ahead, the actor wants to keep singing. Emboldened by the success of “Hamilton” and “Dear Evan Hansen,” he’s itching to return to Broadway and is developing an original musical.

[Jo's Note : His return to Broadway will not be in an original musical ( was he cowriting something with Pasek&Paul??) but the revival of THE MUSIC MAN.]

“A bad musical stinks to high heaven, but when a musical works, there’s nothing like it,” he says. “People are screaming and cheering. Nothing I’ve found has matched it. By the end, as you take the curtain call, there’s no sense you’re in front of strangers. It’s an intimacy you get that’s more intense than you have with people you’ve known for many years. It’s everyone coming together and opening their heart.”

Jackman has loved the theater since he saw a high school production of “Man of La Mancha” starring Hugo Weaving, a classmate at the time who went on to star in “The Matrix” and “The Lord of the Rings.” He immediately bought a cast recording of the Broadway production, learning every word. The effect was profound, and growing up, Jackman became determined to have a career onstage. After going through drama school, his early professional years were spent with turns in the Australian productions of “Beauty and the Beast” and “Sunset Boulevard.” He felt like he’d earned his big break when he was cast as Curly in the West End production of “Oklahoma!”

“I remember being at the National Theatre doing that show and walking across Waterloo Bridge thinking this is as far as my dreams have got me,” says Jackman. “I was 28, pretty much having reached most of the goals that I’d set for myself. I was always very vague on the Hollywood thing. I felt like if I pinned all my hopes on that, I was destined for disappointment.”

Movie stardom may have come to him despite those initial doubts, but some things haven’t changed. Like Barnum, Jackman comes alive in front of an audience. Even after decades at the center of popular culture, he still gets a thrill in those moments before the curtain rises.

“To this day when I’m doing stage work, I go down to the wings even if I’m not on first to hear the crowd shuffle in,” he says. “It’s the height of excitement as the orchestra starts to play.”

Jo

[jo]

Emboldened by the success of “Hamilton” and “Dear Evan Hansen,” he’s itching to return to Broadway and is developing an original musical.

He recently posted a Birthday poster for Stephen Sondheim!

Maybe Hugh wants to be inspired by him … if that song project with Pasek and Paul he once mentioned when he was doing press for the tour is still alive? I wonder if that would have been part of the original musical he mentioned in the above Variety interview in late 2017?

Jo

[jo]

Hugh is becoming more and more known and respected for his RANGE!

[jo]

It's his athleticism which is showing up. Water, ground, snow sports - he seems to have tried them all. Plus his regular workouts keep him in athletic trim!

Two running feats --

*In LOGAN - running up the mountainside while slicing and dicing

*In THE GREATEST SHOWMAN - running towards the train while singing FROM NOW ON!


Jo

[jo]

[jo]