For over two decades, Hugh Jackman has been one of Hollywood’s most admired figures — a man whose charm, discipline, and humility have made him a global icon. From his unforgettable portrayal of Wolverine in X-Men to his moving performance in The Greatest Showman, Jackman has always seemed like the man who had it all. But behind that radiant smile and unstoppable optimism, the actor has now admitted that there’s one decision in his life that continues to haunt him every single day.
In a deeply emotional interview earlier this week, Jackman opened up about what he calls “the one thing I wish I could undo.” According to him, the regret stems from a choice he made nearly 20 years ago — something so personal that he had kept it locked away in his private journal for years. “I thought I could live with it,” he confessed, his voice trembling. “But it’s something I think about all the time, especially now.”
Sources close to the actor revealed that Jackman had been revisiting his old diaries while working on a new memoir project. It was during this process that he rediscovered painful memories he had long tried to bury. “There’s an entry,” one insider shared, “where he wrote about a moment that changed everything — not in his career, but in his personal life. It involved someone he loved deeply, and a decision he made that he’s never forgiven himself for.”
While Jackman didn’t name the person involved, many speculate it could be linked to his late marriage to actress Deborra-Lee Furness. The two, who were married for nearly three decades before their separation in 2023, always spoke about their bond with tenderness and respect. Yet Jackman’s recent words hint at unresolved emotions that may have weighed heavily on his heart. “I thought I was protecting someone I loved,” he said softly. “But sometimes protecting means losing — and I learned that the hard way.”
The revelation comes at a time when Jackman seems to be reevaluating everything in his life. Friends describe him as more introspective, quieter, and more open about his struggles. “He’s always been the rock,” a close friend explained. “But now he’s allowing himself to be vulnerable, to admit that he’s not invincible. That’s a huge step for him.”
Jackman also revealed that his private regret once nearly pushed him to quit acting altogether. “I remember being on set one day, and I couldn’t focus,” he said. “It was as if everything I’d worked for suddenly didn’t matter. I questioned who I was, what I was doing — and whether I even deserved any of it.”
It was only after confiding in a close mentor that he found the strength to continue. “They told me that pain doesn’t mean failure — it means you still care. That stuck with me,” Jackman said. Since then, he’s used that lesson to channel emotion into his performances, particularly in roles that explore vulnerability and loss.
Today, the Australian actor says he’s still learning to forgive himself. “I don’t think regrets ever disappear,” he reflected. “But they can become a reminder to live better, to love deeper, to never take a single moment for granted.”
Fans across the world have reacted with overwhelming support, praising Jackman for his honesty and courage. Social media flooded with messages like, “This makes me love him even more,” and “We all have regrets — but few are brave enough to face them.”
Perhaps that’s what makes Hugh Jackman truly remarkable — not his fame, nor his flawless performances, but his willingness to confront his own humanity. Behind the muscles, the songs, and the smiles, he’s just a man who, like the rest of us, carries the weight of the past — but chooses every day to keep moving forward.
