Heartbreak for Hugh Jackman as influential figure from Hollywood star’s childhood passes away

Hugh Jackman has been left heartbroken after an influential figure from his childhood died this week.

The Hollywood star, 55, took to Instagram to share that his former high school music teacher Brian Buggy passed away at the age of 83 on Tuesday.

Alongside a precious photo of Mr Buggy hard at work leading an orchestra, Hugh shared his devastation as he paid tribute to the influential teacher.

He told how Mr Buggy first fostered his love of music, which he has taken into his career, showcasing his singing talents in Les Misérables and The Greatest Showman.

‘I want to pay tribute to Brian, OAM,’ Hugh penned in a touching message.

‘He was in charge of music at Knox High School. He taught me, and literally thousands of students across the years, a deep love and joy for music.’

‘That love has stayed with me all my life. His lessons were filled with humour and he effortlessly held a room in the palm of his hand.

‘To Brian’s family, I send my deepest condolences, immense respect and unending gratitude.’

Hugh Jackman (pictured) has been left heartbroken after influential figure from the Hollywood star’s childhood died this week

The Wolverine star, 55, shared a post to Instagram revealing that his old high school music teacher Brian Buggy passed away on Tuesday at age 83

Hugh was born and raised in Sydney and attended Pymble Public School before developing his love of music and acting at Knox Grammar School.

Mr Buggy, who was born in Brisbane in 1939, worked as Knox Grammar School’s Director of Music for over three decades, from 1975 until 2007.

During his time, he helped mentor a variety of youth orchestras to achieve their musical goals.

Mr Buggy was also the Musical Director of a variety of popular musicals when they played in Australia throughout his celebrated career, including Fiddler on the Roof and My Fair Lady.

In 2007, he became the conductor of the Sydney Youth Orchestra Philharmonic.

Sydney Youth Orchestras also paid tribute to Mr Buggy in a heartfelt statement.

The group shared: ‘SYO was blessed to have Brian lead the SYO Philharmonic for 14 years, becoming our first Conductor Emeritus in 2021.

‘Brian will be remembered for his generosity, wit, vast musical knowledge, and passion for teaching, along with a love of a good piece of cake and a chat.’

Mr Buggy was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 1998 for his long-standing services to music.

Hugh fostered his love for music at  Knox Grammar School, where Mr Buggy (pictured) worked as the Director of Music for over three decades, from 1975 until 2007