Logan's Claws, Jackman's Paws

The mean slicin’ n’ dicin’ regenerating beast has become an icon to many. His adamantium claws are a symbol of sheer ferocity, brutality and badassery. Yet, how many of us know who the Wolverine is when his weapons are sheathed, while his paws are playful and he’s wearing the mask of Hugh Jackman? Let’s take a look at the man behind the wild animal when the cameras stop rolling.

- Josephine Yeo and David Yeo

Quick, think of these characters: Harry Potter, Dead pool, Han Solo! Let me guess, you thought of Daniel Radcliffe, Ryan Reynolds and Harrison Ford. These are actors who owned their iconic characters so much that, no matter what other roles they play, they will always remain in our collective memories as those particular characters. Now there is one more person who joins that esteemed rank – award winning actor, singer, producer, People’s Sexiest Man 2008, with 47 movies under his belt but most widely known for his role as Wolverine – Hugh Michael Jackman.

While his mutant alter ego is roguish, uncouth and at times aloof, the multi-talented star from Down Under is a vastly different person from the character he plays in the X-Men universe.

The man behind the sideburns

When he’s not playing the mean villain-shredding machine or belting out songs onstage, Jackman, 48, is a true blue family man. For him, family always comes first, above all else. He has a strong marriage of more than two decades and regards his wife as his best friend and closest confidante.

Married in 1996, Jackman credits their happy, solid marriage to meditation.Deborra-Lee Furness, his soul mate and senior of 13 years concurred, “We meditate together and sometimes we have friends over to do it too. It is a lovely Sunday morning thing… and then we have breakfast.” The lovebirds also believe that a good sense of humour goes a long way and keeps their lives interesting.