In 2001, Hugh Jackman turned down a role that won Richard Gere a Golden Globe
Hugh Jackman has said he regrets turning down a role in the 2002 film musical *Chicago*, where he was offered the part of lawyer Billy Flynn, later played by Richard Gere. Jackman felt he was too young to convincingly portray the character, but subsequently wondered whether make-up and prosthetics might have solved the problem.
At the time, Jackman was 30, while Gere was 52; John Travolta had also turned down the role. Gere won a Golden Globe for his performance, and *Chicago* went on to win six Oscars. Jackman later became widely known as Wolverine and starred in *Les Misérables* in 2012, but before then he appeared in *Swordfish* and *Kate & Leopold*.
In short
- Jackman turned down Billy Flynn in *Chicago* because he felt too young.
- Richard Gere, 52, played the role and won a Golden Globe.
- Jackman later wondered if make-up could have made him look older.
Explained simply
Chicago is a film musical set in 1920s Chicago, where two women accused of murder seek fame and freedom with help from a lawyer. Billy Flynn is a smooth-talking defence lawyer whose public image is central to the story.
The film was adapted from a stage musical, itself based on a 1926 play. Its 2002 release won six Academy Awards, and Richard Gere received a Golden Globe for playing Flynn. Hugh Jackman later became known for roles including Wolverine and the musical film Les Misérables.