Starting in 2003, Jackman’s profile rose in both theater and Hollywood. For three years in a row, from 2003 to 2005, he was the host of the Tony Awards. He also played the role of Gabriel Van Helsing in the movie “Van Helsing” and voiced the same character in the sequel, “Van Helsing: The London Assignment,” both of which were released in 2004.
Despite many of Jackman’s film roles being in fantasy, thriller, or animated genres, he has also played leading man roles. In 2006, he starred with Scarlett Johansson in the romantic crime comedy film “Scoop.” “Kate & Leopold” and “Australia” are also among his notable works.
However, before landing these projects, Jackman had to work hard to establish himself. He shared with Variety how he needed to secure a job on Sandra Bullock’s “Miss Congeniality” for his talent manager to help him land a role in Ashley Judd’s “Someone Like You” in 2001.
Hugh Jackman, one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, had to work tirelessly to get to where he is today. In his early career, his talent manager had a plan to get him a role in the upcoming romantic comedy film “Someone Like You,” but he had to land the role of Sandra Bullock’s love interest in “Miss Congeniality” first.
Despite not wanting the role, Jackman auditioned as his agent wanted him to, hoping it would help him negotiate his way to get the role he actually wanted.
However, during the audition, Jackman was blown away by Bullock’s talent, making him feel like he was “pedaling as fast as he could” to keep up with her. Unfortunately for Jackman, the role was eventually given to Benjamin Bratt, who had great on-screen chemistry with Bullock.
According to Jackman, during his rehearsal with Bullock, he was amazed by her acting skills. He remarked, “‘Holy sh*t! She’s amazing! And so quick and fast. I’m not even vaguely up to speed here.’” Even though he tried his best, he was unable to keep up with her pace as he wasn’t well-versed in the script.
Regrettably, Jackman was not selected for the role. Instead, it went to Benjamin Bratt, an Emmy-nominated actor and producer, who was popular for his on-screen rapport with Bullock at that time.
For Jackman, this incident was a valuable learning experience that he now recalls with humor. “That’s humiliating when your agent says, ‘I don’t want you to get this job, but just go get it.’ And then you don’t get it,” he said.
Jackman has gone on to star in numerous blockbuster films such as the X-Men series, Van Helsing, and Les Misérables, to name a few.
Despite being a big name in the industry, he remains grounded and grateful for his beginnings, always keeping in mind the hard work and dedication that got him to where he is today.
