Hugh Jackman raises $1.85m for charity

OHMYGOSSIP — Hugh Jackman raised $1.85 million for charity by giving a special show on his 45th birthday on Saturday (12.10.13). ‘The Wolverine’ actor celebrated his 45th birthday with a show at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre, where he sang, danced and told stories for ‘One Night Only’, backed by a 17 member orchestra.

The benefit concert – attended by 4,500 people – raised the huge sum to benefit the Motion Picture & Television Fund.

The show was a variation on the star’s run on Broadway in New York, where he also sang and danced and shared stories.

He joked with the audience: “I’m 45 or as they call it here in Los Angeles – 36. It opens me up to more commercial opportunities. Maybe I can start advertising Viagra now.”

The night included a few film clips, selections from Hollywood musicals, including a high energy tap-dancing routine through ‘Singin’ in the Rain’, and selections from ‘Guys and Dolls’ and ‘Les Miserables’.

Hugh talked about his family and paid tribute to his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness and shared music from his home country, Australia.

Speaking after the show, he said: “This is probably the most narcissistic way to spend your birthday. I chose my favourite songs and told stories about my life.

“A lot of guys would say to their wife, ‘Do you mind if I go play golf with my buddies?’ That’s how I am about the show.

“I love it. If there’s a song I don’t like, I cut it and bring in a new song. Everything is something I want to do. So to be here tonight, supporting this cause – and it couldn’t have been a more generous crowd if it tried – in every way it was great.”

At the climax of the show, the crowd joined in singing happy birthday to Hugh, and he held a quick auction, where two of his sweaty shirts from the night’s performance went for $11,000 each.