Hugh Jackman, the man behind the iconic Wolverine persona, has been graced with the role for an exorbitant amount of time. Yet, even he was caught off guard by a fan debate so intense that it compelled him to validate his very identity. In a recent interview, the actor shared a hilarious yet surreal incident that has fans buzzing with curiosity about the details.
During a recent episode of CNN's "Actors on Actors" in collaboration with Variety, Hugh Jackman joined Cynthia Erivo for an engaging discussion. The accomplished actors delved into their top films and shared insights about their lives, touching on the success of Wicked, the future of Wolverine, and how Jackman feels it's not the end of his journey. Their conversation also explored themes of fame, career transitions, and emotional stability.
Jackman's experience as Wolverine is filled with unforgettable moments, but one particular story he recounted on the podcast is both funny and surreal. He reminisced about the early days of his rise in the X-Men and an unexpected encounter with two fans who challenged him to prove whether he was Wolverine himself.
Jackman recounted the incident to Erivo with a grin, saying, "I was 29. Luckily, no one recognized me as Wolverine on the street. I remember two guys arguing in front of me, 'That's him!' 'That's not him!' I pulled out my license to settle the argument. It took me a few years just to feel grounded."
The incident was both strange and entertaining, illustrating how swiftly fame can alter the everyday life of actors and how unprepared he felt during that encounter. However, Erivo, in her supportive role, pointed out how age and experience influence actors' reactions to such significant career changes. While Jackman acknowledged that it took him years to find his footing, Erivo mentioned that her rise, starting 10 years after his, allowed her to maintain a steadier path. She remarked, "I have really good people around me who are helping to make sure that I'm still connecting with the floor."
Jackman's humorous and lighthearted memory and Erivo's insightful viewpoint ultimately highlight the shared truth that while fame can arrive suddenly, the ability to remain grounded is a lesson that actors learn over time.
