Howard Stern, the famously unfiltered radio personality, recently made a startlingly candid remark to actor Hugh Jackman during a recent interview. Stern boldly declared he’d be willing to offer Jackman a “hand job,” immediately clarifying, with characteristic bluntness, that it wasn’t an indication of any broader attraction.
The exchange occurred while discussing Jackman’s enduring good looks and his natural aging process. Stern, 71, didn’t hesitate to express his admiration, even stating he never looked as good as Jackman, even at his own peak. He then implored the actor to resist the allure of cosmetic surgery, urging him to preserve his natural appearance.
Stern’s history is peppered with controversial moments over his decades on the air. He’s faced over $2.5 million in fines for indecency and profanity, and his interviews have often pushed boundaries, sparking outrage and debate.
His past controversies include mocking singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez after her tragic death, a move that led to an arrest warrant. He also subjected actress Dana Plato to harsh questioning during a vulnerable period, and made disparaging remarks about the weight of actresses Gabourey Sidibe and singer Sam Smith.
Stern’s penchant for provocative questioning extended to Spice Girls star Emma Bunton, where he inquired about her virginity and menstrual cycle. He also faced criticism for a manipulated audio clip of Dolly Parton’s autobiography, which the country icon described as “shocking, hurtful, and humiliating.” More recently, he publicly questioned the veracity of Kim Kardashian’s account of a traumatic robbery in Paris, a claim Kardashian later addressed with frustration.
While Stern’s comments about Jackman were delivered with his signature candor, they come amidst a period of personal transition for the actor. Jackman and his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, announced their separation after 27 years of marriage last year, citing a desire for individual growth.
The split was followed by a surprisingly candid statement from Furness, speaking of the “traumatic journey of betrayal” and finding liberation in returning to oneself. A source close to Jackman reportedly expressed his disappointment with the public nature of her remarks.
Shortly after filing for divorce, Jackman was linked to actress Sutton Foster, whom he met while co-starring in a Broadway production. Foster herself recently filed for divorce from her husband of ten years, screenwriter Ted Griffin.
Their romance blossomed into a public display of affection, confirmed by photographs of them holding hands in Santa Monica. Jackman recently shared a glowing tribute to Foster on social media, praising her performance at New York City’s Café Carlyle as “magical.”
