Last night Hugh Jackman was recognized for his astounding contributions to the Broadway community. But the award was particularly special for Jackman due to its presenter: his wife Deborra-Lee Furness.
Jackman said that he was surprised to see his wife step up on stage, telling the crowd that Furness had just excused herself to go “use the lou.”
“She’s never kept her secret her whole life.”
The former Tony Award winner said that he was also surprised because Furness hates speaking in public.
“I know how much you hate public speaking. This is probably the greatest thing you’ve ever done for me. Really, it means the world to me.”
Jackman was honored for using his show “Hugh Jackman Back On Broadway” to raise nearly $2 million on behalf of Equity Fights AIDS.
Furness said:
“It’s my pleasure to present a special Tony Award tonight to my husband, Hugh Jackman. Hugh is being recognized tonight for his extraordinary contributions to the Broadway community. Both as a performer, and a humanitarian.”
Here’s a video of Hugh Jackman accepting his special Tony Award.
Jackman won the Best Actor Tony Award in 2004 for his role in “ The Boy From Oz.” He’s also hosted the award three times.
You can see a complete list of the 2012 Tony Award winners here.