Hugh Jackman, Nelson Mandela and Les Miserables

I had the fantastic opportunity to sit opposite the super-talented Hugh Jackman and ask him a few questions about his role in the film version of Les Miserables, directed by Tom Hooper, who gave us the award-winning The King’s Speech. Hugh is one of my favourite things about the musical-turned-movie. He is full of passion, vigour, tenderness, and just a thrill to watch onscreen.

But there’s another reason to love the Australian actor. He told me he looked to Nelson Mandela as part of his preparation to play Jean Valjean, one of literature’s archetype characters.

This was before Madiba was hospitalized. No doubt Hugh, like the rest of us, wishes him a speedy recovery.

Les Miserables opens in the US on Christmas Day and in South Africa on January 18.