Hugh Jackman Loses His Father On Father's Day

 

CREDIT: Emilio Madrid-Kuser

Hugh Jackman has recently revealed that he lost his father Chris on Father's Day.

He shared the news on Instagram saying, "In the early hours of Father's Day, my Dad peacefully passed away. And whilst there is deep sadness, I am filled with such gratitude and love. My Dad was, in a word, extraordinary. He devoted his life to his family, his work and his faith. I pray he is now at peace with God."

Hugh has stated in the past that his father was his "hero" after he helped him through watching his mother, Grace, leave her family with no warning to move back to the UK.

Her decision was told to them late via telegram.  

CREDIT: Christopher Polk/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images

"I can remember the morning she left, it's weird the things you pick up. I remember her being in a towel around her head and saying goodbye, must have been the way she said goodbye."

"As I went off to school, when I came back, there was no one there in the house. The next day there was a telegram from England. Mum was there. And then that was it."

"I don't think she thought for a second it would be forever. I think she thought it was, 'I just need to get away, and I'll come back.' Dad used to pray every night that Mum would come back."

Hugh's mother, father, and four siblings (Ralph, Zoe, Sonia, and Ian), migrated to Australia in 1967. They were part of The Ten Pound Poms migration scheme. Hugh was born in Sydney in 1968.

Grace moved back to the UK in the late 70s. She and Chris late divorced, Hugh's sisters eventually joined Grace in the UK, while his brothers stayed in Sydney with Chris and Hugh.

He eventually gained a relationship with his mother again, years later.

CREDIT: theprofile.substack.com

"As I grew older I gained an understanding of why Mum did leave. We have definitely made our peace, which is important."

"The thing I never felt and I know this might sound strange, I never felt that my mum didn't love me. I've spoken about it at length with her since and I know she was struggling."

Hugh now has two adopted children with wife Deborra-Lee Furness and has continued to have a loving relationship with his father who was his "rock."

"My father is a rock. My father is my rock. It's where I learned everything about loyalty, dependability, being there day in, day out, no matter what...It's always about the family."

Hugh has regularly shared his father's advice that he received every year on Father's Day.

Last year he said, "My Father taught me to always keep my promises...Even if it turns out there's a better option or something that will benefit me more. Be true to your word."

In 2019 he said, "Growing up, my father taught me many lessons. For example: before eating any snacks, you have to pass them around to everyone else FIRST. People thought I was so well mannered. But, honestly, I was just hungry."

In 2018 he said, "Happy Father's Day to the man who taught me to show respect for others, for education, for being led by your passions. Who taught me to never stop growing and learning. To work hard and realise that preparation is the bedrock for success. And, above all, to find purpose beyond oneself. I love you Dad."