Hugh Jackman steps back from 'Music Man' due to COVID-19 contraction
Hugh Jackman (L), Sutton Foster (R), and the cast of "The Music Man" perform at the 75th Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York, U.S., June 12, 2022. (AP)


After contracting COVID-19 for a second time, famous actor Hugh Jackman has had to step back from performing in "The Music Man" throughout the next week.

The Australian star, 53, posted a video message on his Twitter page late on Monday. The news came a day after the "X-Men" and "The Greatest Showman" actor performed at the Tony Awards.

"I wanted you guys to hear it from me first that unfortunately this morning I have frustratingly tested positive for COVID again," said Jackman, who plays con man Harold Hill in the musical revival.

This image released by O & M Co./DKC shows Hugh Jackman, foreground left, and Sutton Foster with the cast during a production of "The Music Man" in New York, U.S. (AP)

"So my incredible standby Max Clayton is going to go on for me. Max and I have been working together on this show for over two years ... I can tell you from being in the room with him and from experience he's absolutely extraordinary so I'm just frustrated that I won't get to see him and cheer him on."

The production, showing at New York's Winter Garden Theater, canceled performances last December after Jackman contracted the virus.

"This is another reminder to me ... that the real heroes of Broadway are our standbys, our understudies and swings and never has that been more obvious than in the past year," Jackman said.

Hugh Jackman performs at the 75th Annual Tony Awards in New York City, U.S., June 12, 2022. (REUTERS)

"They give meaning to the phrase 'The show must go on' and it will go on and it will be amazing."

Jackman said he would be back as soon as possible. A post on the production's Twitter page said he would return on June 22.