Hugh Jackman Tests Positive for COVID, Pulls Out of ‘Music Man’ Shows

Hugh Jackman poses as he arrives for the 75th Annual Tony Awards in New York City, US, June 12, 2022. (Reuters)
Hugh Jackman poses as he arrives for the 75th Annual Tony Awards in New York City, US, June 12, 2022. (Reuters)
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Hugh Jackman Tests Positive for COVID, Pulls Out of ‘Music Man’ Shows

Hugh Jackman poses as he arrives for the 75th Annual Tony Awards in New York City, US, June 12, 2022. (Reuters)
Hugh Jackman poses as he arrives for the 75th Annual Tony Awards in New York City, US, June 12, 2022. (Reuters)

Actor Hugh Jackman has had to back out of performing in Broadway show "The Music Man" for the next week after he tested positive for COVID-19 a second time.

The Australian star, 53, posted a video message on his Twitter page late on Monday. The news came a day after the "X-Men" and "The Greatest Showman" actor performed at the Tony Awards.

"I wanted you guys to hear it from me first that unfortunately this morning I have frustratingly tested positive for COVID again," said Jackman, who plays con man Harold Hill in the musical revival.

"So my incredible standby Max Clayton is going to go on for me. Max and I have been working together on this show for over two years... I can tell you from being in the room with him and from experience he's absolutely extraordinary so I'm just frustrated that I won't get to see him and cheer him on."

The production, showing at New York's Winter Garden Theatre, cancelled performances last December after Jackman contracted the virus.

"This is another reminder to me... that the real heroes of Broadway are our standbys, our understudies and swings and never has that been more obvious than in the past year," Jackman said.

"They give meaning to the phrase 'The show must go on' and it will go on and it will be amazing."

Jackman said he would be back as soon as possible. A post on the production's Twitter page said he would return on June 22.



Arnold Schwarzenegger and Carrie-Anne Moss Make Magic in 'Fubar' Season 2

Cast members Arnold Schwarzenegger, Fortune Feimster, Fabiana Udenio, Monica Barbaro, Barbara Eve Harris, Aparna Brielle, Travis Van Winkle, Carrie-Anne Moss, Milan Carter and Guy Burnet attend a premiere for season 2 of the television series FUBAR in Los Angeles, California, US, June 11, 2025. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
Cast members Arnold Schwarzenegger, Fortune Feimster, Fabiana Udenio, Monica Barbaro, Barbara Eve Harris, Aparna Brielle, Travis Van Winkle, Carrie-Anne Moss, Milan Carter and Guy Burnet attend a premiere for season 2 of the television series FUBAR in Los Angeles, California, US, June 11, 2025. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
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Arnold Schwarzenegger and Carrie-Anne Moss Make Magic in 'Fubar' Season 2

Cast members Arnold Schwarzenegger, Fortune Feimster, Fabiana Udenio, Monica Barbaro, Barbara Eve Harris, Aparna Brielle, Travis Van Winkle, Carrie-Anne Moss, Milan Carter and Guy Burnet attend a premiere for season 2 of the television series FUBAR in Los Angeles, California, US, June 11, 2025. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
Cast members Arnold Schwarzenegger, Fortune Feimster, Fabiana Udenio, Monica Barbaro, Barbara Eve Harris, Aparna Brielle, Travis Van Winkle, Carrie-Anne Moss, Milan Carter and Guy Burnet attend a premiere for season 2 of the television series FUBAR in Los Angeles, California, US, June 11, 2025. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Austrian and American actor Arnold Schwarzenegger had to admit that it took him a lot of practice to nail the tango scene with Canadian actor Carrie-Anne Moss for season 2 of the Netflix action-comedy series "Fubar."

"We practiced. We practiced a lot, and she didn't need as much practice as I did, but I really practiced," the former California governor told Reuters.

The "Terminator" actor recalled doing the first take for the dance scene and impressing everyone with how ready they were.

"They just thought we were rehearsing, but they did not know that we were that prepared for the whole thing," Schwarzenegger said with a smile.

"Fubar" season 2, created by Nick Santora and produced by Skydance Television and Blackjack Films, premiered on Netflix last Thursday.

The story follows Luke Brunner, played by Schwarzenegger and his daughter Emma, played by Monica Barbaro, who are both CIA operatives.

Their fellow CIA team members include Barry Putt, played by Milan Carter, Boro Polonia, played by Gabriel Luna, Roo Russell, played by Fortune Feimster and Aldon Reese, portrayed by Travis Van Winkle.

In season 2, Brunner is back to working with his CIA team, but things take an unexpected turn when he encounters his ex-lover Greta Nelson, played by Carrie-Anne Moss.

Greta is a former East German spy who ends up going up against Brunner in both the tango and a tussling battle.

"Most of my scenes are with Arnold, so we developed this incredible friendship," Carrie-Anne said.

Schwarzenegger humorously recalled the "Matrix" actor bringing what he dubbed as "secret oil" to the set and putting it behind his ears before shooting a scene.

"Peppermint oil. I'm a big peppermint oil or just essential oil person," Carrie-Anne clarified.

"It was like some magic power because as soon as she smeared the stuff behind my ears, I mean it was like ‘pum!’ and we were kind of out of the gate doing our scenes in the most perfect way," Schwarzenegger added.