Ryan Reynolds has always been known for his humor and wit, but during his recent surprise appearance at Hugh Jackman’s concert series at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, the actor demonstrated a more sincere side, paying a heartfelt tribute to his close friend and co-star. This moment at Jackman’s opening night of From New York, With Love became a standout of the show, showcasing the powerful bond between the two actors.
A Surprise Appearance
The evening at Radio City Music Hall, which marked the start of Hugh Jackman’s much-anticipated concert series, was filled with energetic performances and musical highlights from his iconic roles in Broadway and film. However, the real surprise came during the “Ask Me Anything” segment of the show when Reynolds appeared unexpectedly, much to the delight of the audience.
Reynolds, always quick with a joke, began his appearance by humorously commenting that he had been informed the concert would be a comedy version of Les Misérables—a one-man show featuring him. His light-hearted quips set the tone for the evening, with the audience enjoying the banter between the two stars. Reynolds continued with his usual charm, roasting Jackman about his decision to perform solo in a concert. “We all said it was a terrible idea, but he carried on,” Reynolds quipped, adding to the friendly teasing that the two often share.
A Heartfelt Tribute
However, the mood quickly shifted as Reynolds turned serious, taking a moment to reflect on their long-standing friendship. “This was the first major movie star I ever worked with, 16 or 17 years ago on X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” Reynolds began, recalling their first collaboration. The actor admitted to feeling nervous and intimidated when he first met Jackman but went on to praise his friend’s professionalism and kindness.
Reynolds spoke about what it was like working with Jackman, describing him as “a capital M movie star” who treated everyone on set with utmost respect. He fondly remembered how Jackman always made an effort to connect with everyone, from crew members to cast members, always making them feel valued and appreciated. “He showed a kind of courtesy, gentleness, and curiosity that I have never forgotten,” Reynolds added, reinforcing the idea that Jackman’s character shines just as brightly as his talent.
In a deeply emotional moment, Reynolds declared, “I love this man, I care about this man. He is genuinely the best human being I know — and I have four children!” The crowd erupted in applause, clearly moved by Reynolds’ sincerity. His tribute was not just about Jackman’s incredible talent but about the man he is off-screen—a man of integrity, kindness, and generosity.
Jackman’s Warm Response
In typical Jackman fashion, he responded with affection and humor. “I love you, Ryan Reynolds, I love you, man,” Jackman said, before teasing his friend about asking for a free ticket to the concert. Their banter, while playful, was filled with genuine warmth, and the crowd could feel the deep affection between the two.
Their camaraderie was evident as they shared the stage together, each acknowledging the importance of their friendship. For the audience, it was a rare and intimate moment that revealed the true depth of their relationship, beyond the laughs and playful jabs that are often seen in their public personas.
The Concert Experience
The concert itself was a massive success. Jackman, whose versatility as a performer has been showcased on both stage and screen, dazzled the audience with a setlist that included songs from his most beloved roles in films like The Greatest Showman, Les Misérables, and The Boy from Oz. Each performance was met with roaring applause, and the audience was clearly captivated by Jackman’s magnetic stage presence.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening came when Jackman, in his trademark style, performed a high-energy jump rope routine, humorously suggesting that it should have been part of the opening of Deadpool & Wolverine, rather than Deadpool’s solo dance to *NSYNC. The crowd was also thrilled when Jackman donned a sparkly American flag vest and led them in a sing-along of Sweet Caroline, adding a personal touch to the night’s festivities.
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Humor and Heartfelt Moments
Throughout the evening, Reynolds’ surprise appearance served as a perfect blend of humor and heartfelt emotion. He jokingly described how he was ready to be “taken away by security” during his speech, imagining an exaggerated scenario involving tasers and being thrown into a garbage dump. His ability to switch between humor and sincerity is part of what makes his friendship with Jackman so special.
Jackman, ever the gracious host, responded by affectionately calling Reynolds his “fifth-best friend,” a playful jab that added to the lighthearted nature of their friendship. It’s clear that the bond between the two goes beyond their professional collaborations—it’s a genuine, heartfelt connection that has stood the test of time.
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