Christopher John Jackman: What Happened To Hugh Jackman’s Father?

Christopher John Jackman

Christopher John Jackman is the father of award-winning actor Hugh Michael Jackman. Christopher’s son Hugh Jackman is one of the most recognized faces in the entertainment world. He has headlined films in various genres, provided voice roles in animated films, and has even been the face of several high-profile brands. He is a global ambassador for Montblanc and also the brand ambassador of R. M. Williams.

Christopher John Jackman: Bio Summary

NameChristopher John Jackman
Gender Male
Died September 5, 2021
Famous as father of Hugh Jackman
Birthplace England, United Kingdom
Parents Percival Henry Jackman and Gloria Margaret Bellas
Spouse Grace McNeil
Children Hugh Jackman, Sonya Jackman, Ian Jackman, Ralph Jackman, Zoe Jackman
Occupation Accountant

Who Is Hugh Jackman’s Father?

Christopher John Jackman happens to be the father of X-Men superhero, Hugh Michael Jackman. Christopher’s parents are Percival Henry Jackman and Gloria Margaret Bellas, per a source. Christopher was a Cambridge-educated accountant, from England, United Kingdom. He was born in 1937 in London, Greater London County, England United Kingdom, per a source. He met and eventually married Grace McNeil (née Greenwood).

Christopher John Jackman and Grace McNeil were English and had come to Australia in 1967 as part of the “Ten Pound Poms” immigration scheme. Christopher and his then-wife Grace were devout Christians, having been converted by Evangelist Billy Graham after their marriage. The then couple was blessed with five children.

Hugh Jackman, Sonya Jackman, Ian Jackman, Ralph Jackman, and Zoe Jackman are the names of Christopher John Jackman and Grace McNeil’s children. For some unknown reasons, Christopher and Grace’s marriage began to fall apart. They were unable to save their marriage so it ended in a divorce. They got divorced in 1976.

Also Read: Ralph Jackman: Everything To Know About Hugh Jackman’s Brother

Christopher Was A Solo Parent

It’s amazing how he was able to do it and do it so well! Christopher John Jackman was the one who raised his boys after he got divorced from his wife Grace McNeil. Christopher and Grace’s children didn’t get the opportunity to grow together. They were separated just like their parents separated. Christopher and Grace gave birth to two girls and three boys.

Following the divorce, Grace decided to move back to England with their two girls, leaving their three boys behind. The boys remained in Australia with their father Christopher John Jackman. One of the boys, Hugh Jackman who is now famous, has praised his father Christopher for being able to raise him and his brothers. He said:

“I stayed in Australia with my father and two brothers, and had a tough time for a while. But, you know, I had a very good father who was always there for us and I could never even imagine what it must have been like to raise kids on his own the way he did for many years. I don’t think I could have done that. You need an iron will and I never heard him complain about himself or his lot in life.”

Also Read: Grace McNeil: Is Hugh Jackman’s Mother Still Alive?

After Christopher’s ex-wife Grace McNeil left, she did visit the family but it was once a year. Grace was suffering from undiagnosed postnatal depression at the time she left her boys with her ex-husband Christopher. Hugh Jackman said in an interview:

“The thing I never felt – and I know this might sound strange – I never felt that my mum didn’t love me. I’ve spoken about it at length with her since and I know she was struggling. She was in hospital after I was born, suffering from post-natal depression. There wasn’t a support network for her here.”

Christopher’s Relationship With His Son, Hugh

Hugh Jackman adores and loves his father Christopher John Jackman. Hugh told The Guardian that he and his father Christopher “ were close”. Hugh said: “Here’s a great way to describe my relationship with my dad: we could go to Test cricket and be totally comfortable sitting together, and over a seven-hour Test we’d talk for 20 minutes”.

Also Read: Ian Jackman: Who Is Hugh Jackman’s Brother?

Hugh Jackman has displayed how his father is important to him and some of the lessons he learned from his father. “My mother left when I was eight, so my father raised us. He taught me really great values. He was never really interested in things like fame and money. He was always encouraging about education and treating people well and keeping your word”, Hugh said.

Christopher John Jackman would even visit his son Hugh Jackman on set and sit quietly doing his crossword or sudoku puzzles and occasionally glancing at Hugh to give him a thumbs up. “He saw everything I ever did. He never said a bad word about anything,” Hugh stated. “A lot of who I am today is because of him.”

Hugh Jackman has mentioned: “My father is a rock. My father is my rock. It’s where I learned everything about loyalty, dependability, being there day in, day out, no matter what“. Hugh once shared a post on his Instagram handle where he indicated that his “Father taught me to always keep my promises … Even if it turns out that there’s a better option or something that will benefit me more. Be true to your word. #happyfathersday”

What Happened To Hugh Jackman’s Father?

Sadly, Hugh Jackman has to live without his father whom he adores and appreciates so much. His father Christopher John Jackman left this world on September 5, 2021, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was living with Alzheimer’s for 12 years and his health had been deteriorating, per The Guardian.

Christopher John Jackman is believed to have been around the age of 84 when he left his family and loved ones behind. His son Hugh shared the sad news on social media. Christopher died on September 5, which marked Father’s Day in Australia. Sharing a picture of his dad on his Twitter and Instagram accounts, Hugh Jackman wrote:

Also Read: Zoe Jackman: Everything About Hugh Jackman’s Sister

‘In the early hours of Father’s Day (AU), my Dad peacefully passed away. And whilst there is deep sadness, I am 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 is now at peace with God.’

Author

  • Ruth Kai Botchway is a Senior Editor at Dicytrends.com. She is a graduate of All Stars Media College (2021) with a Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies. With more than two years experience in Journalism, she has served as an intern at Accra FM and worked with Green TV and Ashiaman TV. She worked as a Maritime Journalist/ influencer, producing Port and Maritime agenda initially aired on Ashiaman TV. You can reach her via email: Ruthbotch1912@gmail.com

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Ruth Kai Botchway

Ruth Kai Botchway is a Senior Editor at Dicytrends.com. She is a graduate of All Stars Media College (2021) with a Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies. With more than two years experience in Journalism, she has served as an intern at Accra FM and worked with Green TV and Ashiaman TV. She worked as a Maritime Journalist/ influencer, producing Port and Maritime agenda initially aired on Ashiaman TV. You can reach her via email: Ruthbotch1912@gmail.com

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