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Hugh Jackman says he tested positive for COVID-19

By Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
By Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Days after actor Hugh Jackman lauded the work done by swing performers on Broadway, the dancing man has announced he has tested positive for COVID-19.

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Last week, Jackman’s co-star in the Broadway revival of “The Music Man,” Sutton Foster, had tested positive for the coronavirus on Dec. 23. At noon, swing performer Kathy Voytko was tapped to play Marian the Librarian, the role performed by Foster, for that night’s performance, the fourth preview of the show’s run, Us Weekly reported.

At the end of the performance, Jackman took a moment to praise not only Voytko but all swings for the job they have to do, especially during the pandemic.

Jackman’s speech, in which the Wolverine actor calls swings the “real superheroes”, has been viewed more than 1 million times.

On Tuesday, Jackman took to social media to tell fans that he had tested positive for the virus. He said the symptoms are mild and feel like a cold with a “scratchy throat and a bit of a runny nose.” He will be back on stage as soon as he is cleared.

Entertainment Weekly reported the show is on break with shows canceled through Jan. 1.

Jackman is scheduled to return to his role as Harold Hill on Jan. 6 with Foster returning before him on Jan. 2.

Broadway has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

New York theaters were dark for 18 months with shows only resuming earlier this year.

But a dozen shows have canceled performances because of outbreaks among the casts, including “The Lion King,” “Aladdin” and “Hamilton,” CNN reported.

“Waitress” the musical also had canceled some shows, with a plan to resume performances on Dec. 25, but on Dec. 23, producers announced the show’s permanent closure effective immediately. The musical had been planned to close on Jan. 9, but because of COVID-19 cases and only two weeks of shows left, the decision was made to cancel the rest of the schedule, the show announced on Twitter.

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