How Hugh Jackman Lives His Best Life
The multifaceted actor—you can catch him in The Wolverine—on yo-yoing, caffeine addiction, and one memorable karaoke moment.
Photo: Getty Images
Best Childhood Memory
One afternoon when I was 9, my dad told me I'd be skipping school the next day. Then we drove 12 hours from Melbourne to Sydney for the Centenary Test, a once-in-a-lifetime commemorative cricket match. It was great fun—especially for a kid who was a massive sports fan.
Best Karaoke Song
I once sang "Summer Nights," from Grease, at a bar in Melbourne with John Travolta, who's a good friend of mine. He looked cool singing the part of Danny—sitting in an armchair, smoking a cigar—while I got stuck playing Sandy.
Best Energy Boost
I got hooked on espresso when I visited Italy at 18, but these days I prefer a "flat white." It's like a small latte with less milk—they're popular in Australia. I make it with Dukale's Dream espresso from Laughing Man Worldwide, the company I cofounded, which donates its profits to educational charities around the globe.
Best Hidden Talent
Yo-yoing. I won a competition in high school, and the prize was a Coca-Cola T-shirt. I was the youngest of five kids and wore nothing but hand-me-downs, so I thought it was the most valuable thing on Earth.
Best Kept Secret
I like to dress up in a tailored suit from time to time, and there's a tailor I go to in Naples who's fantastic. But if I told anyone his name, I'd have to kill them.
Best Guilty Pleasure
Reruns of Supernanny—the reality program where British nanny Jo Frost helped parents with misbehaving kids. I can spend hours watching that show.
Best Marital Advice
Your wife is always right. Very simple. I think I'm going to get it tattooed on my forehead.
Best Advice
When I graduated from college, my acting teacher told me: "Buy your own house. People will always cook you a meal, but it gets pretty old sleeping on someone's couch." I took his advice and bought a home as soon as I was able. It was the most nerve-racking purchase I've ever made, but I'm glad I did it.
A Few More Ways to Live Your Best Life
One afternoon when I was 9, my dad told me I'd be skipping school the next day. Then we drove 12 hours from Melbourne to Sydney for the Centenary Test, a once-in-a-lifetime commemorative cricket match. It was great fun—especially for a kid who was a massive sports fan.
Best Karaoke Song
I once sang "Summer Nights," from Grease, at a bar in Melbourne with John Travolta, who's a good friend of mine. He looked cool singing the part of Danny—sitting in an armchair, smoking a cigar—while I got stuck playing Sandy.
Best Energy Boost
I got hooked on espresso when I visited Italy at 18, but these days I prefer a "flat white." It's like a small latte with less milk—they're popular in Australia. I make it with Dukale's Dream espresso from Laughing Man Worldwide, the company I cofounded, which donates its profits to educational charities around the globe.
Best Hidden Talent
Yo-yoing. I won a competition in high school, and the prize was a Coca-Cola T-shirt. I was the youngest of five kids and wore nothing but hand-me-downs, so I thought it was the most valuable thing on Earth.
Best Kept Secret
I like to dress up in a tailored suit from time to time, and there's a tailor I go to in Naples who's fantastic. But if I told anyone his name, I'd have to kill them.
Best Guilty Pleasure
Reruns of Supernanny—the reality program where British nanny Jo Frost helped parents with misbehaving kids. I can spend hours watching that show.
Best Marital Advice
Your wife is always right. Very simple. I think I'm going to get it tattooed on my forehead.
Best Advice
When I graduated from college, my acting teacher told me: "Buy your own house. People will always cook you a meal, but it gets pretty old sleeping on someone's couch." I took his advice and bought a home as soon as I was able. It was the most nerve-racking purchase I've ever made, but I'm glad I did it.
A Few More Ways to Live Your Best Life
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