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Hugh Jackman ‘Aussies are crazy enough to take up extreme sports!’





It was a winter wonderland in Bondi Junction yesterday evening at an advanced screening of Eddie the Eagle at the Event Cinema.

Walking the white carpet was movie star Hugh Jackman, who was joined by his wife Deborra-Lee Furness.

Hugh Jackman was joined by his wife Deborra-Lee Furness. Photo: Getty
Hugh Jackman was joined by his wife Deborra-Lee Furness. Photo: Getty

PHOTOS: Hugh Jackman Joins Aussie Stars At Eddie The Eagle Screening In Bondi Junction

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Hugh, 47, told Yahoo 7! Entertainment that the inspiration for his character Bronson Peary - fictional ski instructor to British ski jumper to Michael 'Eddie the Eagle' Edwards - was from a drummer in a British 60's rock band!

“The story is true, all the incredible stuff about his [Eddie’s] jumping and the Olympics is true," the actor says. "He had about 30 coaches in real life. He would just join a team. Eddie said to me, the best advice he had was from a 13 year old jumper. So I drew inspiration for this character of Bronson from Ginger Baker.

"He's from a band called Cream. There’s a great documentary called Beware of Mr. Baker. He’s the ultimate in rock and roll, and my character is very rock and roll.”

Hugh stars alongside Taron Egerton, who plays Eddie. Photo: Eddie the Eagle
Hugh stars alongside Taron Egerton, who plays Eddie. Photo: Eddie the Eagle

Hugh says that he first learnt to skiing on the Australian slopes in Perisher, but reveals he’s never had a strict instructor in real life.

Hugh Jackman on the 'white' carpet in Bondi Junction. Photo: Yahoo 7!
Hugh Jackman on the 'white' carpet in Bondi Junction. Photo: Yahoo 7!

“Let’s face it, if your ski instructor is a tosser then you’re not turning up the next day,” the Aussie star says.

And when asked whether this movie will inspire people to become ski jumpers, he added, “Australian’s are crazy enough to do it. There will be some guys out there saying, ‘Let’s go.’ I mean, please don’t.

"It’s awesome. I don’t know if we’ll ever have an Australian ski jumper. We’ve got the mentality for it, but maybe not the conditions.”


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