Hugh Jackman experienced a delightful surprise from his talented friend and Deadpool & Wolverine co-star Ryan Reynolds during the thrilling opening night of his concert series at the iconic Radio City Music Hall in New York. This unexpected moment added a special touch to an already memorable evening, showcasing the camaraderie and playful banter shared between two of Hollywood’s beloved stars.
On Friday, January 24, the 56-year-old Australian superstar kicked off his highly anticipated and sold-out show, titled From New York, With Love. The excitement in the air was palpable as Reynolds, 48, decided to make his presence known by playfully interrupting the performance from the audience, stepping up to deliver an impromptu and amusing speech that had the crowd roaring with laughter.
?I was under the impression this was going to be a comedic twist on Les Mis as a one-man show. We all thought it was a ludicrous idea, yet here we are, and he has once again pulled the wool over my eyes!? Reynolds humorously remarked, eliciting chuckles from the audience and highlighting their long-standing friendship filled with light-hearted teasing.
After sharing a few more laughs, Reynolds shifted gears and expressed heartfelt sentiments about Jackman, showcasing the deep respect and admiration he holds for his friend. This heartfelt moment resonated with the audience, reinforcing the bond between these two talented actors.
?This man was the first major movie star I collaborated with, nearly 16 or 17 years ago on X-Men Origins: Wolverine,? Reynolds reminisced, as reported by People. ?At that time, I was still quite young and impressionable. I walked onto that movie set, uncertain of what to expect. What I witnessed was nothing short of extraordinary and inspiring, a remarkable experience for anyone aspiring to make a name in the industry.?
Reynolds elaborated, ?I encountered a true movie star, a capital M movie star? I observed this phenomenal gentleman, who, despite his fame, took the time to know each and every crew member’s name, even if he had to invent some of them. His kindness, humility, and genuine curiosity made every person feel valued, which is an exceptional trait in this competitive world.?
The Canadian actor, seated prominently in the center orchestra next to Deadpool & Wolverine director Shawn Levy, affectionately dubbed Jackman as ?my gotcha for life,? showcasing the deep and enduring friendship between the two actors.
?I genuinely mean it,? Reynolds proclaimed. ?I know we planned to wrap this segment with two security personnel attempting to take the mic from me ? leading to a comedic struggle where they tase me and I dramatically collapse, only to be hog-tied and tossed into the Radio City music garbage dump before being set ablaze. But I felt compelled to express my love and appreciation for this remarkable man. He is truly the best human being I know, and I have four children!?
Jackman, responding to Reynolds’ heartfelt tribute, exclaimed, ?I love you, Ryan Reynolds, I truly do,? while playfully teasing that Reynolds ranks as his fifth best friend. He added jokingly, ?Thanks for showing up and asking for a complimentary ticket!? This light-hearted banter further showcased their close friendship.
In October 2024, Jackman enlisted Reynolds for a humorous promotional video to announce the Radio City concert series, which premiered to great fanfare featuring musical numbers from his acclaimed 2017 film The Greatest Showman and his latest Broadway production, The Music Man. This concert marked Jackman?s much-anticipated return to the stage after five years and also included beloved songs from Les Misérables and The Boy From Oz.
Initially set for 12 performances, From New York, With Love received an overwhelming response from fans eager to see Jackman perform live. Due to the high demand for tickets, the show has been extended to 24 performances, spanning over eight weekends through October, providing more opportunities for fans to experience the magic of Jackman’s live concert.
