Hugh Jackman Then & Now: Photos From His Young Days To ‘X-Men’ & Beyond

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October 12, 2023 10:00AM EDT
hugh jackman
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Hugh Jackman is a man of many trades. Celebrate his birthday with a look at him through the years in honor of his birthday.

Hugh Jackman is a huge star, able to split his talents between action films and Broadway stages. The Aussie star was born on October 12, 1968, and didn’t find an interest in acting until the end of his college years. After some post-grad theater training, he got his start on the series Corelli, where he met future wife Deborra-Lee Furness. 

After some time performing on stage, he was cast in his breakout role as Wolverine in X-Men (2000). Beloved for the part, he would continue playing the mutant for another 17 years. Other prominent roles include Kate & Leopold (2001), Van Helsing (2004), The Prestige (2006), Australia (2008), Les Misérables (2012), The Greatest Showman (2017), The Front Runner (2018), and Bad Education (2019). He has been the recipient of two Tony Awards, a Grammy Award, a Emmy Award, and a Golden Globe Award. See the star from his young days to today, here.

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Hugh Jackman In 2000

Hugh Jackman In 2000
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Hugh Jackman looked so dapper during a cocktail reception held on the set of The West Wing on Jul. 31, 2000. 

October 2, 2022, 6:09PM
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Hugh Jackman in 2001

Hugh Jackman in 2001
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Hugh Jackman looked so handsome in this black and white portrait taken in Sydney, Australia in Jun. 2001. He smiled while resting on a windowsill.

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‘Someone Like You’

‘Someone Like You’
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Hugh Jackman appeared in 2001’s Someone Like You. The Ashley Judd movie was about a recently-dumped talk show talent scout who gains big attention for her column on the relationship habits of men.

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‘Paperback Hero’

‘Paperback Hero’
Australian Film Finance Corp/Kob

Hugh Jackman looked super hunky in 1998’s Paperback Hero. The Aussie romance-comedy was about a truck driver who writes romance novels.

October 2, 2022, 6:09PM
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‘X-Men’

‘X-Men’
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Comic book king! Hugh Jackman had his star break in X-Men. His character James “Logan” Howlett AKA Wolverine is a fan favorite.

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‘Bad Education’

‘Bad Education’
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Hugh Jackman starred in the 2020 picture Bad Education. The film was about the beloved superintendent of New York’s Roslyn school district who, along with his staff, friends and relatives, become the prime suspects in a giant embezzlement scandal.

October 2, 2022, 6:09PM
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Hugh Jackman In 2018

Hugh Jackman In 2018
Mediapunch/Shutterstock

Hugh Jackman was super cool on the red carpet of the 5th Annual Gold Meets Golden event in LA on Jan 6, 2018. He donned sunglassed and an all-black suit offset with a navy tee shirt.

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Hugh Jackman At The 2018 AACTA International Awards

Hugh Jackman At The 2018 AACTA International Awards
Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP/Shut

Hugh Jackman smiled for photographers on the red carpet of the 7th annual AACTA International Awards in LA on Jan. 5, 2018. His hair was slicked back and he wore a striped tie.

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Hugh Jackman At The Premiere Of ‘Eddie The Eagle’

Hugh Jackman At The Premiere Of ‘Eddie The Eagle’
Facundo Arrizabalaga/EPA/Shutter

Hugh Jackman bundled up for the London premiere of Eddie The Eagle on Mar. 17, 2019. He fended off the cold with a jacket and a scarf.

October 2, 2022, 6:09PM
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Hugh Jackman At A Press Conference For ‘The Front Runner’

Hugh Jackman At A Press Conference For ‘The Front Runner’
Din Eugenio/Shutterstock

Hugh Jackman smiled during a Tokyo press conference for The Front Runner on Jan. 21, 2019. His grey suit was ultra-dapper.

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‘Missing Link’

‘Missing Link’
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Hugh Jackman held a figure of his character from the animated film Missing Link. The movie was about a duo of adventurers who search for the fabled valley of Shangri-La.

October 2, 2022, 6:09PM
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Hugh Jackman Celebrates The Release Of ‘The Son’

Hugh Jackman Celebrates The Release Of ‘The Son’
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Hugh Jackman smiled ahead of a premiere party for his movie The Son during the Toronto International Film Festival on Sep. 12, 2022. His dark suit and maroon tie looked great together.

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Hugh Jackman At The 2022 Venice Film Festival

Hugh Jackman At The 2022 Venice Film Festival
Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock

Hugh Jackman suited up for the premiere of his film The Son during the 79th Venice International Film Festival on Sep. 7, 2022. He was clean-shaven and wore shiny shoes.

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Hugh Jackman & Ryan Reynolds At The Premiere Of ‘The Adam Project’

Hugh Jackman & Ryan Reynolds At The Premiere Of ‘The Adam Project’
Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutte

Hugh Jackman teamed up with Ryan Reynolds at the world premiere of The Adam Project on Feb. 28, 2022. The two have a running bit about their rivalry.

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Hugh Jackman At A Photocall For ‘The Son’

Hugh Jackman At A Photocall For ‘The Son’
Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock

Hugh Jackman stood tall during a photocall for his film The Son at the 79th Venice International Film Festival on Sep. 7, 2022.

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Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness at the 2023 Met Gala

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness at the 2023 Met Gala
Matt Baron/Shutterstock

Hugh Jackman and his ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness, posed together at the Met Gala celebrating the opening of the Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty exhibition on May 1, 2023.

October 12, 2023, 9:56AM