How Jackman was pushed out of his comfort zone
Actor Hugh Jackman who has carved a successful career in films and on stage, for his iconic roles including in Wolverine (2013), The Greatest Showman (2017), and his touring oneman Broadway show, used criticism in his early career as “an asset” to push him out of his comfort zone.
In a recent TV, the 51-yearold actor opened up about his refusal to be pigeonholed into one single genre throughout his career, and how it pushed him to seek out “variety” in the roles he takes. “I liked (the) stage. I liked singing. I liked films. I liked Shakespeare. I liked all of it. So I thought well, my approach is I’m going to hold as many doors open as possible, try to open them and once they’re open, try to hold them up for as long as I can,” he said.
Jackman also shared how he faced resistance from critics who struggled to label him when he was starting out, said that he believes resisting conformity helped him achieve the success he enjoys today.
“There was a period in (my career) where I wasn’t sure if (my) strategy was working. But weirdly, I think I stuck in there long enough for it to become an asset,” he said, adding, “And usually, if I look back, the projects where I’ve had that feeling are generally the best (ones). And, I wish I could have told myself that back then.”
There was a period in (my career) where I wasn’t sure if (my) strategy was working. I think I stuck in there long enough for it to become an asset.
HUGH JACKMAN ACTOR