#168 - Hugh Jackman: Reflections on acting, identity, personal transformation, and the significance of being Wolverine

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Jul 12, 2021

Hugh Jackman, the award-winning actor famed for his role as Wolverine, dives deep into his introspective journey. He shares insights on navigating criticism and the impact of personal trauma on driven individuals. Jackman candidly discusses balancing fame and family while exploring self-identity and personal transformation. He reflects on the spiritual connection he finds in acting and the importance of maintaining mental and physical health. The conversation highlights the essence of relationships and the pivotal decisions that shape both his career and personal life.

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ANECDOTE

Career Turning Point

Hugh Jackman felt confident in his acting abilities after being cast by Trevor Nunn.
Nunn's belief in him validated his talent and marked a turning point in his career.

INSIGHT

Spiritual Connection on Stage

For Hugh Jackman, performing on stage evokes a profound spiritual experience.
This sacred space creates a unique connection with the audience and a sense of timelessness.

INSIGHT

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Peter Attia struggled with imposter syndrome until about a year ago.
He realized the importance of separating identity from work through therapy and focusing on his eulogy, not his resume.

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Hugh Jackman is an award-winning actor and an overall fascinating and introspective individual. In this episode, Hugh reflects upon his acting career, including how he navigated many tough decisions that led to important professional turning points for him. Peter and Hugh have an intimate discussion related to handling professional criticism, self-identity, spirituality, raising kids, and the role that past trauma often plays in extremely driven individuals. Hugh gives the inside scoop on some of his most well-known character roles and explains how he finds the energy to consistently perform. Finally, they tie the conversation together with a discussion on the importance of physical and mental health and wellbeing. We discuss:

Hugh’s voracious curiosity and early years of his acting career [2:15];
Self-identity, overworking, and the importance of living well [9:15];
Handling criticism and letting go of the desire to please everyone [18:30];
Dismissing vitriol on social media, and the challenge of communicating science [28:15];
Going with your gut and the value in finding the right partner [31:30];
A hard decision that lead to a turning point in Hugh’s life [40:15];
How driven personalities often develop from a place of trauma, and how to avoid going from productive to destructive [47:00];
The effect of fame on Hugh’s family [58:45];
How Hugh finds the energy to consistently perform, and the spiritual connection he feels when acting [1:07:15];
Hugh’s experiences on the set of The Fountain and the meaning behind the film [1:26:30];
The potential of imagination, the idea of a higher power, and thoughts on science vs. religion [1:33:45];
The deep connection Hugh felt to Logan (his character in Wolverine) [1:41:45];
Reflections on physical aging, emotional wellbeing, and longevity [1:55:15]; and
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