Australian actor Hugh Jackman, 46, best known for his role as Wolverine in the "X-Men" movie franchise, is a chameleon when it comes to his film roles—from playing a mutant to a pirate, a magician to a tortured ex-convict. The actor has shown the ability to seamlessly transition from one character to another.
But when it comes to his personal life, especially when it comes to his Christian faith, Jackman is a solid rock. During an interview with Parade Magazine, Jackman revealed that he was actually inspired to pursue a career in acting after watching pastors speak in church.
"I'm a Christian. I was brought up very religious. I used to go to different evangelists' [revival] tents all the time," he said. "When I was about 13, I had a weird premonition that I was going to be onstage, like the preachers I saw."
Jackman was asked what he gets from acting, and he answered: "That's the best question I've ever been asked. Peace. There are things driving me that aren't all healthy—[needing] approval and respect to fill some hole who knows where in me. Am I worthy? All those fears. Through acting, I'm able to find a level of bliss and peace and calm and joy. And it feels natural."
The actor dedicates all of his performances to God, and in that sense, he feels happy and liberated.
"I feel what everyone's searching for, the feeling that unites us all. Call it 'God.' Before I go onstage every night, I pause and dedicate the performance to God, in the sense of 'Allow me to surrender,'" he shared. "When you allow yourself to surrender to the story, to the character, to the night, to the audience, transcendence happens. And when that happens, there is nothing like it on the planet. It's the moment people experience when they fall in love, which is equally frightening and exciting. That's what it feels like."
