Advertisement

Hugh Jackman's heartbreak as his dad dies on Father's Day

Hugh Jackman has revealed the devastating news that his father passed away on Father’s Day.

The 52-year-old Australian actor took to his Instagram account to let his fans know that his ‘extraordinary’ dad, Christopher, had died.

Hugh Jackman and his dad
Hguh Jackman's father, Christopher, has passed away. Photo: Instagram/Hugh Jackman

“In the early hours of Father’s Day (AU), my Dad peacefully passed away,” he wrote.

“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.”

Friend and fellow actor Ryan Reynolds commented saying: “I was lucky to have met him.”

RELATED

Hugh has previously written tributes to his father on Father’s Day, last year writing: “My Father taught me to always keep my promises ... Even if it turns out that there’s a better option or something that will benefit me more. Be true to your word.”

Hugh Jackman and his dad in a picture together
'My Dad was, in a word, extraordinary' Hugh wrote on Instagram.Photo: Instagram/Hugh Jackman

And in 2018 he wrote: “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 realize that preparation is the bedrock for success. And, above all, to find purpose beyond oneself. I love you Dad.”

The sad news comes just days after Hugh shared a rare photo of his mother to his social media, who abandoned him when he was a child.

The Wolverine actor was eight years old when his parents divorced and his mother moved back to England, leaving the rest of her family behind in Sydney.

Eventually when the divorce was finalised, Hugh’s older sisters Sonya and Zoe moved to live with their mother while he was left with his two brothers Ralph and Ian and their father Chris.

Hugh previously opened up about his “traumatic” childhood in a tear-filled interview with 60 Minutes back in 2012.

Hugh Jackman and his dad outside
Hugh was raised by his dad. Photo: Instagram/Hugh Jackman

“I can remember the morning she left, it’s weird the things you pick up,” he said. “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.”

With extra reporting by Lachlan Guertin

Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter .

Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com.