Hugh Jackman is known for his versatility as an actor and performer, but his iconic role as Wolverine in the X-Men film franchise seems to have had an unexpected impact on his musicality.
The Australian actor recently spoke candidly about the damage done to his singing voice by playing a superhero who growls, yells and screams.
“I’ve done some damage to my voice as Wolverine,” he said. “My voice teacher in drama school would’ve been horrified by some of the things I did [as Wolverine].”
Jackman’s voice has been an important part of his career, appearing in Les Miserables, The Greatest Showman, Oklahoma!. He has received critical acclaim and numerous awards for his work in these productions. However, his stint as Wolverine seems to have had a lasting impact.
Despite his vocal difficulties, Jackman has no regrets playing the beloved X-Men character. “I loved playing Wolverine, and I still do,” he said. “I never thought in a million years I would have played a superhero, but it changed my life.”
Jackman’s ability to balance action-packed superhero roles with stunning musical performances is a testament to his talent and versatility as an actor.
And even though his falsetto might not be as powerful as it once was, his devoted following will undoubtedly continue to enjoy his stage and screen performances, whether he’s belting out show tunes or slaying bad guys as Wolverine.
Proper Technique
While appearing on the BBC’s Front Row, Jackman explained that his acting school training taught him the proper technique of shouting and yelling without damaging his voice. However, he ignores some of these teachings while playing Wolverine, he says, causing some damage to his vocal cords.
“We learned the technique [in school] of how to shout and how to yell without ruining your voice. However, during Wolverine, I did some screaming and yelling and things that I think did damage my voice, which I think I’m working on,” he elaborated.
“I work with a singing teacher, and I make sure that I try not to hurt myself. And I really put a lot of effort into both physical movement, and my vocal preparation for every role.”
The Australian actor, who won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance in The Boy from Oz, stated that he now takes great care in preparing his voice for every role, including working with a singing teacher and focusing on his physical movement.
Jackman is expected to reprise his role as Wolverine in the upcoming Deadpool threequel, but he has assured fans that he plans to approach his yelling in a healthier manner this time around.
The 53-year-old actor has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for decades, impressing audiences with his acting, singing, and dancing abilities. Despite the damage that playing Wolverine may have caused his vocal cords, it’s clear that Jackman’s talent and dedication to his craft remain unshakable.
Hugh Jackman
Jackman is a name that has become synonymous with Hollywood action films, but he’s much more than just an action hero. Born in Sydney, Australia, on October 12, 1968, Hugh Michael Jackman started his career in acting on stage, working in various musicals and plays before transitioning to the big screen.
He first caught the public eye playing Wolverine, a mutant with retractable claws, in the X-Men film franchise, which he continued to play for nearly two decades. Despite being primarily known for his action roles, Jackman has always maintained his passion for musicals.
Before making it big in Hollywood, Jackman’s career began on the stage. He performed in various musicals such as Beauty and the Beast, Oklahoma!, Sunset Boulevard, and The Boy from Oz. The latter earned him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 2004.
In addition to his acting and singing talents, Jackman is also a versatile dancer. He showcased his dance moves in the 2001 film Happy Feet and even hosted the Academy Awards in 2009, where he wowed the audience with his opening musical number.
Jackman’s performance in the 2012 film adaptation of Les Misérables earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He played Jean Valjean, a French convict who breaks parole and starts a new life while being pursued by a ruthless inspector.
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Wolverine
Wolverine, also known as Logan, is one of the most popular superheroes in the Marvel Comics universe. He is a mutant who possesses a number of extraordinary abilities, including retractable claws made of adamantium, a healing factor that allows him to recover from any injury, and heightened senses.
Wolverine is often depicted as a brooding and complex character, with a mysterious past and a fierce loyalty to his friends and allies.
Wolverine was first introduced in The Incredible Hulk #180 in 1974, as a minor character who is sent to stop the Hulk. He was created by writer Len Wein and artist John Romita Sr., and his popularity quickly grew among fans. In 1975, he joined the X-Men, a team of mutant superheroes, and became a mainstay of the series.
Over the years, Wolverine has been featured in numerous comic book series, as well as several animated television shows and video games. He has also been portrayed on the big screen by actor Hugh Jackman, who played the character in nine films in the X-Men franchise, as well as in two standalone Wolverine movies.
One of the most iconic aspects of Wolverine’s character is his adamantium claws, which are sharp and deadly weapons that he uses to fight his enemies. The claws are often depicted as extending from the back of his hands, and are capable of cutting through virtually anything.
The adamantium also makes Wolverine’s bones virtually unbreakable, adding to his already impressive physical resilience.
Photo: Api
