Hugh Jackman TV interviews

Over the last two weeks or so, I've had the pleasure of watching Hugh Jackman being interviewed on numerous talk shows, namely Letterman, Ellen, Bob Costas, Regis and Kelly and a few others, and I've been noticing that on every interview, he appears fairly disinterested in his new Van Helsing film and instead attempts to turn all the conversation over to broadway musicals and the boy from oz. And i personally think its adorable. I love how we have this masculine figure who could easily turn into a full time hollywood star, but clearly would rather perform nightly on a stage while singing and dancing. I watch the interviews thinking, I doubt this guy will be in Hollywood too much longer. He just loves the stage too much. Of course he'll do film occasionally, but for the most part, i think he'd rather stick to broadway. Anyone else notice this?

I wouldn't have said he was disinterested.. rather the people doing the interview, i.e. Leno, talked first about BFO, before devoting a second segment to Van Helsing. Same with Letterman. I haven't seen Ellen or the Bob Costas programs, and I think Regis and Kelly was several weeks ago; nor have I seen The View. But of the talks shows I have seen it seemed as though there was a balance between the two projects -- a few minutes on BFO and a few on Van Helsing.

I'm sure he will return to Broadway in the near future, but he's got a few film projects coming up that sound fairly interesting; The Fountain, directed by Darrin Aronofsky; the third X-Men Film, and, possibly, Sunset Boulevard? *hopeful*

He's also apparently working on a solo CD, so who knows... he may be doing concert tours some time in the future .

Updated On: 5/16/04 at 01:59 PM

I agree. Jackman would much rather do theatre than movies. I just saw him on NY1 On Stage and he called working in the theatre "an act of love." He said he didn't mind all the fuss leading into the award season because it gave theatre much needed exposure. He called affairs like the Tony Luncheon "a celebration" and was happy to attend.

It's not unusual that actors who are classically trained would look at the theatre as their first love. Until that great movie script comes along - Hugh will probably find greater satisfaction everytime he experiences the connection with the audience that the theatre offers compared to the sometimes tedious aspects of movie-making. He is blessed, as there are not too many top Hollywood names ( whose careers are on the ascendant in movies) who can do both Broadway/West End and Hollywood with equal success. And even more unusual if you are considered a true triple threat.

I hope we can also have the chance to see him perform in dramatic theatre. He has talked about how he has kept in touch with Trevor Nunn ( Les Miserables, Sunset Boulevard, Nicholas Nickleby, Oklahoma!, Aspects of Love, etc...and famed head of the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre in the UK) because some day they would like to get together for that one play. Henry V, anyone ?

I would not want him to forego movie-making because there are many more opportunities there to show his acting talents - dramatic roles, action movies, comedies, and of course movie musicals! But I would not hesitate to come over just to see him in another role on Broadway or the West End.

Updated On: 5/16/04 at 07:41 PM

Trevor Nunn is one of Hugh Jackman's mentors; so it is not
suprising that he would mention him in an interview.

I enjoyed the Costas interview on HBO, and I agree with your judgement. It was also cool to hear him belch. At least now I know I can top him in one talent category.

Piglet I felt the same way. Ellen seemed so distant with Hugh, so removed. When the singer came on (forgot her name) and she was awful in my opinion, Ellen was all over her, she was also thrilled to hear every word Al Roker had to say. He is so easy to interview and is so much fun. I wonder why she gave off such bad vibes, like she couldn't wait for him to leave.

I didn't like the Dateline interview too much. It was barely an interview- just tons of old clips interspersed with Couric practically jumping into Jackman's lap. The Costas one was better- he actually let the man talk. And Jackman's impression of a stoned koala was priceless. :)

Updated On: 5/18/04 at 12:58 AM

Perhaps Ellen was intimidated by Hugh's beauty. HAHA

---

Yes, Piglet - I'm still chuckling after watching the COSTAS interview. There was nothing new - but I enjoy it when Hugh is allowed to be a good raconteur, complete with acting out the funny or dramatic moments. He is a good subject to interview because he has no airs and doesn't mind laughing at himself.

I think you are right Third Row.

---