Australian actor Hugh Jackman, known for his warmth and wit, recently honored a cherished figure in his life—Ryan Reynolds’ mother, Tammy Reynolds—on her 80th birthday. The touching Instagram tribute not only highlighted Jackman’s close bond with Tammy but also shone a light on his personal journey of healing after his own mother abandoned him at the age of eight.
Here's ads banner inside a post
A Special Birthday Tribute
On Wednesday, Hugh Jackman, 56, shared a carousel of heartfelt and humorous photos with Tammy and her son, Ryan Reynolds, 48. In his caption, Jackman affectionately referred to Tammy as “Tam Tam,” expressing his admiration for her while teasing Ryan in his signature playful style.
“Happy Birthday to the one and only, Tam Tam!” Jackman began. He humorously mentioned Ryan’s older brothers, Patrick, Terry, and Jeff, calling himself Tammy’s “emergency, stand-in son.” He then jokingly stumbled over Ryan’s name, calling him “Ray. Rolf…? Ryan?” The post showcased the lighthearted banter that has come to define Jackman and Reynolds’ widely-loved friendship.
Here's ads banner inside a post
Ryan’s Playful Rebuttal
True to their tradition of good-natured mockery, Ryan Reynolds responded with a witty comeback on Instagram Stories. Re-sharing Jackman’s post, Ryan wrote, “I am NOT her emergency stand-in son. My official job description is ‘emergency harvestable organs.’ In case she goes down with appendicitis or her tonsils are no longer viable. I’ll be there.”
The exchange delighted fans, who are well-acquainted with the duo’s comedic rivalry, often played out on social media and in interviews.
Ryan Reynolds Honors Tammy
In addition to engaging with Jackman’s tribute, Reynolds shared his own Instagram post for his mom, marking her milestone birthday with a hilarious yet heartfelt message. Accompanied by a video montage of their funny moments together, Ryan’s post took a comedic turn as he recalled a fictional encounter with Tammy inspired by the 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.
Here's ads banner inside a post
“I still remember the first time I saw her,” Reynolds began. “I was sitting in the backyard one night, holding a flashlight and dozing off. Suddenly she just came waddling out of the shed. It scared the s**t out of me!”
He went on to narrate a whimsical tale of flying bicycles and spacecrafts, concluding with a sweet note: “Happy Birthday mom. You are the best mom. We love you. Your grandbabies love you. Most importantly, @thehughjackman loves you.”
Jackman’s Painful Past
While Jackman’s tribute to Tammy Reynolds was filled with warmth and humor, it also carried a poignant undertone. The Greatest Showman star has spoken candidly about his difficult childhood, marked by the traumatic departure of his mother, Grace, who left their family in Australia to start a new life in the UK when he was just eight years old.
Jackman and his brothers stayed in Sydney with their single father, Christopher, while his sisters moved with Grace to England. The separation left a lasting impact on Jackman, who has described the experience as “traumatic.”
“I thought she was probably going to come back. And then it sort of dragged on and on,” Jackman shared in a past interview with Who magazine.
Healing Through Therapy
In recent years, Jackman has sought therapy to address the lingering effects of his childhood trauma. He revealed that he began therapy while filming The Son in 2022, a movie that explores the emotional challenges of parenting a suicidal teen. The film’s dark themes prompted the cast to receive therapeutic support, which Jackman found transformative.
“Therapy has helped me a lot,” he told The Sun in February 2023. “With therapy, it either works for you or it doesn’t. For me, it’s been incredibly helpful.”
Jackman’s sessions have allowed him to understand the complexities of his mother’s struggles, including her battle with post-natal depression and the challenges of raising five children in a new country with limited support.
“Having children of my own gave me another level of empathy and understanding,” he explained. “There comes a certain point in life when you have to stop blaming other people for how you feel or the misfortunes in your life.”
Making Peace
Despite the pain of his past, Jackman has made peace with his mother and built bridges over time. In 2021, he described the importance of forgiving her and moving forward: “I know she was struggling. Parents make mistakes, and now I understand that.”
This understanding has also informed Jackman’s approach to his own family. He and his ex-wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, share two adopted children, Oscar (22) and Ava (17), whom he has always prioritized despite the demands of his career.
A Bond with Tammy
For Jackman, Tammy Reynolds represents a nurturing and loving maternal figure, a role he cherishes deeply. His heartfelt tribute, combined with his reflections on his own past, highlights the strength of his connection to the Reynolds family. The photos of Jackman with Tammy and Ryan underscore their bond, one that has brought joy and laughter to their lives.
Hugh Jackman’s tribute to Tammy Reynolds is a testament to his resilience and capacity for love despite a painful past. By celebrating Tammy’s milestone birthday with humor and heartfelt words, Jackman not only honored his close relationship with the Reynolds family but also reminded fans of the importance of cherishing the people who bring light into their lives.
As he continues to navigate his own healing journey, Jackman’s openness and vulnerability serve as an inspiration to many. And with his playful banter alongside Ryan Reynolds, he proves that even in the face of past hardships, laughter and connection can pave the way forward.
