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Hugh Jackman mourns ‘extraordinary’ father after his death

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 26: Hugh Jackman performs during a media announcement at Museum of Contemporary Art on February 26, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Don Arnold/WireImage)
Hugh Jackman performs during a media announcement in 2019. (Don Arnold/WireImage)

Hugh Jackman has paid tribute to his “extraordinary” father after his death.

The Greatest Showman star, 52, revealed his father Christopher died on Sunday, which was Father’s Day in his native Australia.

He wrote on Twitter: “In the early hours of Father’s Day (AU), my Dad peacefully passed away.

“And whilst there is deep sadness, I’m filled with such gratitude and love.

“My dad was, in a word, extraordinary.

“He devoted his life to his family, his work and his faith.

“I pray he’s now at peace with God.”

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Jackman’s parents moved to Australia from England as part of the Ten Pound Poms migration scheme in the 1960s.

SYDNEY, NSW - MAY 22:  Actor Hugh Jackman's father Chris Jackman and his stepmother Elizabeth Jackman attend a charity screening of
Actor Hugh Jackman's father Chris Jackman and his stepmother Elizabeth Jackman attend a charity screening of "X-Men:The Last Stand", 2006 in Sydney, Australia. (Patrick Riviere/Getty Images)

He has previously revealed his mother left Australia and returned to England when he was a child, leaving his father to raise five children alone.

He has since reconciled with his mother and shared a photo of her on Instagram last month.

The Wolverine actor has praised him as a formative presence in his life, previously writing on Instagram: “Happy Father’s Day to the man who taught me to show respect for others, for education, for being led by your passions.

“Who taught me to never stop growing and learning.

LOS ANGELES - APRIL 27:  (L-R) American musician Richie Sambora, Australian actor Hugh Jackman, and his British-born father Chris confer at the Lakers v Timberwolves in game 4 of the first round of the 2003 NBA playoffs at the Staples Center April 27, 2003 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
Richie Sambora, Australian actor Hugh Jackman, and his British-born father Chris confer at the Lakers v Timberwolves game 2003 (Vince Bucci/Getty Images)

“To work hard and realise that preparation is the bedrock for success.

“And above all, to find purpose beyond oneself.

“I love you dad!”

Watch: Hugh Jackman talks to Yahoo about his new film Reminiscence