Hugh Jackman Opens Up About the Most Embarrassing Career Moment

While Hugh Jackman has enjoyed a career filled with critical acclaim and global stardom, there are certain moments from his journey he would likely prefer to strike from the record. The actor recently reflected on his most humiliating professional experience, describing the incident as an absolute doozy.

I pissed my pants on stage, Jackman confessed during an interview. He noted that the embarrassing event took place back in 1995 while he was starring as the villainous Gaston in an Australian stage production of Beauty and the Beast.

At that point in his career, Jackman was still finding his footing as a performer and was actually learning how to sing for the very first time. The mishap occurred because he was trying to follow medical advice while dealing with a physical ailment.

The doctor told me I was dehydrated so, following direction, I drank so much water that by the time I was doing this number – in red tights, as Gaston in Beauty and the Beast – I basically had a choice of pissing my pants or not singing, he explained. Faced with the pressure of a live audience, he chose to keep the show going.

Despite the unfortunate wardrobe issue, Jackman looks back at that era as a pivotal time for his development as an artist. His contract for the musical required him to take weekly vocal lessons, which sparked a lifelong passion for the medium.

I came to singing late, Jackman previously told Playbill. He admitted that during those early performances, he was essentially learning on the job and had not yet discovered his true voice.

Even decades later, the actor remains self-critical of his early vocal work. I find it really difficult to listen to myself sing. I’ll be listening to the Broadway channel sometimes, and they’ll announce me, and I immediately turn it off, he admitted.

However, he still finds a sense of magic in the act of performing live when everything goes according to plan. When it’s all flowing, it’s as free and as exhilarating as anything I’ve ever experienced in my life.

In 2026, Jackman is as busy as ever, successfully balancing high-stakes action movies with his deep love for musical theater and live entertainment. He has recently been headlining a monthly residency at Radio City Music Hall titled From New York, With Love, where he performs hits from his most famous stage and screen roles.

On the big screen, fans are eagerly awaiting his gritty turn in The Death of Robin Hood, directed by Michael Sarnoski. The film, which is slated for a 2026 release through A24, features Jackman as a battle-worn version of the legendary outlaw alongside Jodie Comer and Bill Skarsgård.

In addition to his dramatic work, the actor is also set to star in the quirky mystery-comedy Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Movie. This unique project features an ensemble cast including Emma Thompson and Nicholas Braun, following a shepherd who reads mysteries to his flock.

Jackman also recently starred in the musical biopic Song Sung Blue opposite Kate Hudson, portraying a Neil Diamond tribute artist. The film was directed by Craig Brewer and has received praise for its heartfelt performances and musical authenticity.

Which of Hugh Jackman’s legendary roles is your absolute favorite, or do you prefer his live musical performances? Share your thoughts in the comments.