Hugh Jackman says he performed Les Miserables song with Neil Diamond at karaoke
By Hannah Roberts, PA Senior Entertainment Reporter
Actor Hugh Jackman has revealed he performed Les Miserables song I Dreamed A Dream with veteran singer Neil Diamond at karaoke.
The Wolverine star, 57, who played Jean Valjean in the 2012 film adaptation of the famous musical, also sung Diamond’s classic, Sweet Caroline, with the musician.
The Australian actor stars in a new biographical movie, titled Song Sung Blue, about a Neil Diamond tribute act, and said the 84-year-old New York born-singer cried when he watched it.
Jackman told The Graham Norton Show: “When you watch it (the film) part of you is going to say: ‘Hollywood, take it down a notch, it’s already a good story’, but everything is true. It’s an extraordinary story and they had an unbelievable ride.”
The movie follows two down-on-their-luck musicians, Mike, played by Jackman, and Claire, played by Kate Hudson, as they begin a tribute act and find love.
Asked what it was like impersonating a real person who in turn was impersonating a real person, Jackman said: “It was confusing, but I had to sort of lose myself as a performer to become Mike and for Mike to become Neil. It was awesome.”
Jackman added: “Neil rang me crying because he was so moved by the movie. I went to meet him and actually stayed the night.
“It was so great, when at dinner time, he suggested karaoke. We sang, I Dreamed A Dream from Les Mis, Can’t Help Falling in Love, and Sweet Caroline. It was wonderful.”
Asked if he would play Wolverine again, he said: “Maybe. I’m never saying ‘never’ ever again. I did mean it until the day I changed my mind.
“I did mean it for quite a few years. I have done ten films now, so I think they have enough for an AI version of me.”
Hudson said: “I was brought up really near where he (Diamond) lives but I had never met him so I asked if I could visit.
“It was such a lovely emotional meeting. He loves Mike and Claire and he loves the movie. He was so grateful for it which I was not expecting.”
Also joining Norton on the sofa this week is Zoolander star Ben Stiller, Oscar-winning-actress Da’Vine Joy Randolph and US singer Sombr, who performs his single 12 To 12 in the studio.
The Graham Norton Show will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 10.40pm on Friday.
