Hugh Jackman’s journey to stardom began when he first appeared as Wolverine in the original X-Men movie, instantly captivating audiences. Since then, he’s established himself as a Hollywood powerhouse, reprising his iconic role nine times, starring in numerous blockbuster films, earning an Oscar nomination, and even charting in the UK Top 20 with a song from The Greatest Showman.
That film marked a reconnection to his roots—before finding success in movies, he was a celebrated stage performer in Australia and the UK, even receiving an Olivier Award nomination in 1999 for his role as Curly in the musical Oklahoma!. However, a twist of fate led him to portray the rugged mutant that ultimately defined his legacy.
Like many aspiring actors, Jackman faced the harsh realities of auditions. While participating in An Evening with Hugh Jackman at the famed Hollywood Bowl, he shared a particularly embarrassing moment from his early career.
“I started off strong with the reading,” he recalled in an interview. “But then I sang, and I cracked spectacularly on the final note. It was one of the worst moments of my life. The excitement in the room just vanished. I felt like running away, utterly humiliated.”
Jackman chose “Stars,” a well-known song from the musical Les Misérables, for his audition. As Javert, the determined lawman, sings about seeking guidance from the stars in his quest to capture Jean Valjean, the song reflects deep introspection. When the casting director asked why he picked it, Jackman sheepishly admitted it was the only piece he had the sheet music for. The director’s brutal response: he could “throw that away,” and he would “never sing that again.”
Ironically, years later, Jackman is forever linked to Les Misérables. In 2012, he starred as Valjean in the film adaptation, which featured Anne Hathaway, who won an Oscar for her role as Fantine. Russell Crowe played Javert—a part whose reception was so critically panned that audiences wished Jackman had taken a chance on the song again. Despite the situation Russell faced, it wasn’t as bad as it seemed.
Jackman’s ability to rise above criticism and keep pushing forward has defined his career. Instead of letting that audition haunt him, he persevered and ultimately had the last laugh.
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