Hugh Jackman’s dad broke dress code at Carnegie Hall and it carried a meaning he’ll never forget

Actor Hugh Jackman, like the rest of us, had his fair share of small, simple victories before achieving fame. Standing behind him in support and love has been his late dad, Chris Jackman, who passed away a few years ago, according to PEOPLE. One of his most cherished memories of his father comes from the star-studded performance of Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Carousel" at Carnegie Hall, where a nervous Jackman felt his eyes water upon looking out into the audience. Revealing the tale on the Graham Norton Show in late November 2025, Hugh said that his dad broke the dress code when he showed up to watch his son perform — and all for the sweetest reason.

As he spoke about his dad, the actor mentioned how he was always supportive from the time Hugh was a child. From taking him to every show at the theaters to giving him a subscription to the Sydney Theatre Company for his birthday just so he could be inspired, the big guy left no stone unturned to make his son’s dream come true. “One time, I was offered to do ‘Carousel’ in Carnegie Hall, and I told my dad, and he said, ‘I’m coming!’” Hugh recalled. This determination to come was from a place of love and sacrifice. A person who had never skipped work in his life was willing to take three days off so he could travel across the globe to watch his son. 

Hugh mentioned that his dad booked a 24-hour flight to New York just to see him perform at Carnegie Hall and then another 24-hour flight back to his office in Sydney. At first, Hugh thought the dress code was black tie, but when he arrived, he learned it was just casual. He called his dad to make sure he knew. Assuring him he’d figure it out, Chris made one request — for his son to allow him the honor of walking him to the stage from his room before his performance. “And my dad never asks for stuff like that, so I said, ‘Sure,’” the actor recalled. Standing at his door, Hugh saw his dad in a complete black tie. 

“I was like, ‘Dad, no, no, no, only the choir are wearing black tie,’” he recalled. That’s when Chris said something Hugh would never forget. “My son is singing at Carnegie Hall. It is a black tie event for me." Though it happened years ago, that moment meant everything to the budding star; he felt seen, appreciated, loved, and so much more with that simple statement. The "Wolverine" actor got a chance to relive that memory when he met Isaiah Garza on December 25. The popular icon on Instagram has been meeting with artists, actors, and others to spread joy through kindness. When they met Hugh during the holiday season, they decided to surprise him with something special. 

Garza relayed the entire story back to the actor, whose eyes immediately lit up, visualizing the experience. They revealed the beautiful gift in honor of his dad and that memory — a picture of Hugh and Chris together, with a profound message engraved. It read, “To the man in black tie watching over you. It has always been about family. Keep changing the world, Hugh.” The actor was overcome with emotion as he gazed at the man who inspired him to be who he is. And his moment’s silence, with a bittersweet smile, could tell that grief, love, pride, and so much more met all at once. Chris showed up in unimaginable ways, and it’s one of the greatest gifts to give a child.

Donna Matthews, a Developmental Psychologist and author, revealed that showing up makes more of a difference than one can imagine, per Psychology Today. She explained that having support from parents can help a child feel seen, safe, soothed, and secure. Whether it’s just watching them as a tree in the background or watching them play a match, having a parent there makes a difference. And Matthews added that this continued even in early adulthood. @jmg.001 said, “Parents supporting you is the best feeling, no matter your age.” @0zzyphotos added, “That’s gonna be hung up as soon as he gets back to his house. What a gift.” 

You can follow Isaiah Garza (@isaiahgarza) on Instagram for more content on humanity and kindness.

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