**Hugh Jackman Celebrates Rupert Murdoch’s 95th Birthday in NYC**
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Renowned Australian actor and singer Hugh Jackman took to the stage on Saturday night to honour media mogul Rupert Murdoch at his lavish 95th birthday celebration held in New York City. The event took place at The Grill in Midtown Manhattan and attracted a variety of high-profile guests from different sectors.
Among the highlights of the evening was Jackman’s engaging performance, where he delighted attendees with a selection of songs from *The Greatest Showman*, along with classic hits including Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” and “New York, New York.” The show concluded with a touching rendition of “I Still Call Australia Home,” a source close to the event revealed.
The guest list featured an array of notable figures, including English playwright Andrew Lloyd Webber and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. Additionally, Doug Burgum, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, was among the illustrious attendees, further underscoring the significance of the celebration within political and cultural circles.
Celebrated for his musical talents and charisma, Jackman was cheered on by his friend Ivanka Trump during his performance. The Australian actor, known for his affable nature, has long maintained a friendship with Ivanka and her husband, Jared Kushner, which he clarified in a 2018 interview. Jackman stated that their bond should not be seen as a reflection of shared political beliefs, explaining, “I’ve known those guys for 15 years, and we don’t talk politics at birthday parties.”
Notably absent from the festivities was Sutton Foster, who is both Jackman’s girlfriend and his former co-star in the Broadway revival of *The Music Man*. This raised questions about her absence, though the specifics have not been disclosed.
Rupert Murdoch attended his birthday gathering accompanied by his wife Elena Zhukova, whom he married in 2024, alongside their son Lachlan, who is set to inherit a substantial media empire that includes prominent outlets such as Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and the New York Post.
Significantly, Murdoch’s other children, James, Elisabeth, and Prudence, were not present at the celebration. Their absence followed a tumultuous family dispute over a trust that culminated in September. This family saga will soon be explored in a forthcoming Netflix documentary series entitled *Dynasty: The Murdochs*, which promises to provide insights into the rivalry among the siblings for control of their father’s media legacy.
The recent agreement concerning the family trust allows Rupert and Lachlan to buy out James, Elisabeth, and Prudence, who are each expected to receive a substantial $1.1 billion. Additionally, new trusts are set to be established for Lachlan as well as Grace and Chloe Murdoch, Rupert’s youngest daughters from his third marriage. Interestingly, Jackman and fellow Australian star Nicole Kidman are the godparents of these younger Murdoch daughters.
The exclusive gathering featured an impressive roster of guests, including significant figures from the world of sports, such as Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who mingled with the media elite in attendance.
With a blend of iconic performances and a gathering of influential personalities, Rupert Murdoch’s birthday celebration served as not only a personal milestone but also a vivid reminder of his enduring impact on global media and culture. Jackman’s appearance, alongside a string of high-profile guests, reflects the ongoing intersection of entertainment, politics, and media that has characterised Murdoch’s long and storied career.