The Bert Show: Vault – Hugh Jackman Joins The Show

Date: April 1, 2026
Special Guest: Hugh Jackman
Host/Cast: Bert, Kristin, Abby, Cassie, Tommy & The Bert Show Crew

Episode Overview

This engaging episode features a light-hearted, candid conversation with internationally adored actor Hugh Jackman. The morning radio show crew chats with Jackman about the breadth of his career, his down-to-earth personality, the pitfalls of fame, and his reflections on Hollywood culture—delivering plenty of laughs and memorable stories throughout.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The "Perfect" Hugh Jackman?

[00:41 – 01:39]

• The hosts kick off by humorously listing Jackman’s many talents: film, stage, television, singing, physical fitness, and being “talented in every area.”
• QUESTION: What doesn’t Hugh Jackman excel at?
  • Hugh Jackman [01:41]: “DIY, do you call it DIY here, 'Do it yourself'... The only thing handy about me, my wife says, is that I'm close by. That's about it really.”
  • Jackman describes himself as “pathetic” at handyman work, recalling a story from his time at a gas station, faking expertise about car maintenance.

2. On Avoiding Typecasting in Showbiz

[02:38 – 03:14]

• Co-hosts admire Jackman’s ability to avoid being pigeonholed as an actor, spanning roles from Broadway to blockbusters.
  • Hugh Jackman [02:52]: “The thing I've always loved is doing different things. And pretty early on... not all of them worked, but I try to surprise people... For me, I find doing the same thing, I get a little stale.”

3. Playing Wolverine & Creative Fulfillment

[03:14 – 03:41]

• Asked if Wolverine is professionally fulfilling:
  • Hugh Jackman [03:19]: “Oh, yeah. Unbelievable. I mean, there's no way I wouldn't do it otherwise... Wolverine is... This is Mad Max. This is Dirty Harry. This is Han Solo.”

4. Being Named Sexiest Man Alive

[03:41 – 04:10]

• Hugh Jackman [03:48]: “It was relief, you know, man, I've been working at that for so long, trash talking Clooney and Pitt, all these guys, for years. It's lonely. I laughed, and then I thought, oh, I'm gonna get so much crap from my friends in Australia, which can I tell you? I did.”
  • Jackman received embarrassing teenage photos from friends as a joke.

5. Hollywood’s Seriousness

[04:25 – 04:53]

• Hugh Jackman [04:34]: “Come on. We... At the end of the day, we're dressing up and pretending to be someone else. You know what I mean? It's a great job. I love it.... But it's fun. I'm a big believer that life's meant to be fun. And if you're going too long where it's not fun, then you're probably heading down the wrong track.”

6. Celebrity Sightings (Fan Stories & First Starstruck Moment)

[05:02 – 06:24]

• A co-host shares her excitement at seeing Jackman at the W Hotel in LA.
• Jackman recounts being awe-struck meeting John Travolta on set.
  • Hugh Jackman [05:26]: “I grew up... I think I saw Grease 50 times... when John Travolta walked in, I was like, there's no way in hell I can act with this guy. I'm just staring, you know?”

7. Autographs, Fan Access, and Cricket Legends

[06:24 – 07:24]

• Discusses his openness to fans and autographs, referencing an unfulfilled childhood dream to get Don Bradman’s autograph.
  • Hugh Jackman [06:30]: “If anyone wants an autograph from me, all you gotta do is, by the way, just come up and say, listen, my son. I go, no problem. You got it.”
• He enjoys interacting with fans and the energy of movie audience screenings.

8. At Movie Screenings Incognito

[07:24 – 08:02]

• Jackman describes going to the midnight screening of “Wolverine” and being recognized by the crowd.
  • Hugh Jackman [07:46]: “At one point, I thought I was going to have to leave because there were about 50 people around me and the movie had already started trying to get an autograph. And I was like, unreal... I'm like, hey, I want to watch the movie.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Handyman Skills:

  • Hugh Jackman: “The only thing handy about me, my wife says, is that I'm close by.” [01:47]
  • “I'm pathetic.” [02:18]

• On Avoiding Typecasting:

  • “I try to surprise people... I find doing the same thing, I get a little stale.” [02:52]

• On Playing Wolverine:

  • “This is Mad Max. This is Dirty Harry. This is Han Solo.” [03:19]

• On Sexiest Man Alive:

  • “I've been working at that for so long, trash talking Clooney and Pitt, all these guys, for years.” [03:48]

• On Celebrity Culture:

  • “We're dressing up and pretending to be someone else. You know what I mean? It's a great job... But it's fun. I'm a big believer that life's meant to be fun.” [04:34]

• On Meeting John Travolta:

  • “There's no way in hell I can act with this guy. I'm just staring, you know?” [05:26]

• On Autographs:

  • “If anyone wants an autograph from me... just come up and say, listen, my son... You got it.” [06:30]

Episode Highlights & Timestamps

• Jackman’s DIY Confessions: [01:41 – 02:25]
• Typecasting and Acting Philosophy: [02:38 – 03:14]
• Sexiest Man Alive Reactions: [03:41 – 04:10]
• Thoughts on Hollywood: [04:25 – 04:53]
• First Celebrity Starstruck Story: [05:26 – 06:24]
• Autograph Philosophy and Don Bradman Story: [06:24 – 07:24]
• Wolverine Screening Madness: [07:24 – 08:02]

Tone & Atmosphere

Friendly, humorous, and conversational—the show’s genuine admiration for Jackman is matched by his warmth and self-deprecating wit. There’s a consistent vibe of playful banter between co-hosts, with moments of personal connection and infectious laughter.
Jackman’s humility and openness shine through, making the episode as charming as it is entertaining.

For All Listeners: This episode is a treat for fans of Hugh Jackman and anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes realities of fame, sprinkled with authentic humor and inspirational perspectives on life and career.