Hugh Jackman: Model for a Mystery Novel Hero

In a few weeks my new novel, “Murder Down Under,” will come out. Hugh Jackman is the model for my mystery novel hero. The story is set in Australia and the protagonist is Maynard Christy, a Sydney detective who owns a sheep station in Northern Territory. Christy embodies all those values Australians hold dear. Think Ned Kelly.

I selected Hugh Jackman as a model for my mystery novel because of his personal values and because of the role he played in the epic movie, “Australia.”

Forty-three year old, 6 foot 3 Hugh Jackman was born in Sydney, Australia. His father must have instilled in him some important Australian ethics. Consider Jackman’s expression of his philosophy: “I’ve always said yes to the thing I’m most scared about.” (imdb.com). This certainly symbolizes the bold character Australians respect. My character could have spoken these very words.

Jackman has a giving heart. He supports several charities—Microcredit, Global Poverty Project, Bone Marrow Institute, and Operation Hope—to name a few. Generosity is another Australian ideal. It’s an ideal of my character as well.

Hugh Jackman is an achiever. He sings and plays the guitar and piano. He acts in films and on the stage. He won a Tony Award for his role in The Boy from Oz. Australians strive for their personal best. So does my character.

Although Jackman is best known for the role of Wolverine in the X-Men series, I liked him best in his role in the movie Australia. He plays a cattle drover in the outback. His character exhibits the tough, independent, principled spirit so admired by Australians. Australia opened to mixed reviews, but Jackman liked his role. About the movie Jackman said, “This is pretty much one of those roles that had me pinching myself all the way through the shoot. I got to shoot a big-budget, shamelessly old-fashioned romantic epic set against one of the most turbulent times in my native country’s history, while, at the same time, celebrating that country’s natural beauty, its people, its cultures…CV.

This is the Hugh Jackman model for my novel.

Photo: Helloboston

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