Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesHugh Jackman had one heck of a 45th birthday party. The Wolverine actor invited 4,500 guests to celebrate the occasion, but there was a caveat—admittance didn't come cheap. The Aussie sang, danced and made people laugh at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 12, where his One Night Only act raised $1.85 million for the Motion Picture & Television Fund. Backed by a 17-member orchestra, Jackman performed a modified version of his recent Broadway show.
Famous attendees included actors Tom Cruise, Olivia Munn, Terrence Howard, Kristin Davis, Darren Criss and Maria Bello; musicians Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and Neil Sedaka; fashion designers Diane von Furstenberg and Michael Kors; and professional soccer player Robbie Rogers.
"A lot of guys would say to their wife, 'Do you mind if I go play golf with my buddies?' That's how I am about the show," Jackman told the Associated Press afterward. "I love it. If there's a song I don't like, I cut it and bring in a new song. Everything is something I want to do. So to be here tonight, supporting this cause—and it couldn't have been a more generous crowd if it tried—In every way it was great."
The married father of two said he donated his birthday performance to the Motion Picture & Television Fund because it's akin to the "unconditional helping hand you get in a family." Since 1921, the organization has provided healthcare and wellness services for entertainment-industry workers and retirees.
Jackman also auctioned off a Fiat 500e, a pair of Wolverine claws and two sweaty undershirts he wore during the show. There are now nine cars up for auction on eBay, and each has been personalized with a sliver nameplate etched with a celebrity's signature on the glove box. Jennifer Lawrence, Clint Eastwood, Anne Hathaway, Ron Howard, Barbra Streisand, Hans Zimmer, Kate Hudson, Will.i.am and Ryan Friedlinghaus provided the autographs for the sale, which ends Oct. 22.