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Hugh Jackman Biography

By Rebecca Murray, About.com

Hugh Jackman Van Helsing

Hugh Jackman stars in Universal Pictures' "Van Helsing."

Universal Pictures
Birth Day: October 12, 1968
Place of Birth: Sydney, Australia
Role That Got Him Noticed:
As Wolverine in the "X-Men" movies, Hugh Jackman captured the hearts of women worldwide.
Hugh Jackman Biography (Courtesy of Universal Pictures and "Van Helsing"):
April 21, 2004 - Hugh Jackman ('Van Helsing') recently starred as Wolverine in last summer’s international blockbuster "X2: X-Men United," starring Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellan and Halle Berry and directed by Bryan Singer. His first major U.S. film appearance in the original "X-Men" was followed by leading roles in such features as "Someone Like You" (opposite Ashley Judd and Greg Kinnear) and "Swordfish" (starring opposite John Travolta and Halle Berry). Jackman received a 2002 Golden Globe nomination for his role in "Kate & Leopold," starring with Meg Ryan.

Jackman’s career began in Australia withleading roles in the independent films "Paperback Hero" and "Erskineville Kings," for which he received a Best Actor award from the Australian Film Critics Circle and a Best Actor nomination from the Australian Film Institute. In 1999, he was named “Australian Star of the Year” at the Australian Movie Convention. Jackman’s additional credits include the hit Australian television series "Corelli" and "Halifax f.p."

Onstage, Jackman is currently starring on Broadway in the hit musical "The Boy from Oz," about the life and songs of singer/songwriter and fellow Australian Peter Allen. Previously, Jackman played Curly in Trevor Nunn’s revival of "Oklahoma!" at Britain’s National Theatre (which was also broadcast on PBS’ Great Performances). His performance earned him an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical. The production also received an International Emmy Award in the Performing Arts category. Prior to "The Boy from Oz," his most recent New York stage appearance was in a concert production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s "Carousel," opposite Audra McDonald at Carnegie Hall.

Jackman received the MO Award (Australia’s Tony Award) for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance in "Sunset Boulevard" and a MO Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance as Gaston in "Beauty and the Beast."

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