Nicole Kidman surprised a Broadway audience by bidding $100,000 for a hat signed by Hugh Jackman after a performance of The Music Man in New York City on Saturday, November 26.
The video shows an auction for the charity Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS at the Winter Garden Theatre.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS about us section reads, “Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is the philanthropic heart of Broadway, helping people across the country and across the street receive lifesaving medications, health care, nutritious meals, counseling, and emergency financial assistance.”
Shocking the audience, Kidman stood up and shouted her bid of $100,000, leading to gasps and cheers from the crowd.
In a video posted by Jackman to his official Twitter account, he can be heard joking with Kidman, saying, “I just want to be clear, this is not Australian dollars.”
Nicole Kidman responded, “I love you. I love Broadway. And I love what they do, Broadway Cares, but I also want to say this show is extraordinary.”
Jackman said, “I’ve known Nic for almost 30 years. I’ve worked with her. I can tell you this is not a surprise to me. She is one of the most generous souls I know,” Jackman followed. “You’re a beautiful person. I love you. Thank you.”
The caption of Jackman’s Twitter post read, “the generosity emanating from Nicole Kidman leaves me speechless! You ARE amazing. Thank you for your friendship and support!”
The generosity emanating from #NicoleKidman leaves me speechless! You ARE amazing. Thank you for your friendship and support! @MusicManBway @NicholastheWard @BCEFA pic.twitter.com/ZMUsgdIqAU
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) November 27, 2022
Broadway Cares executive director Tom Viola said, “Broadway Cares is blessed with friends across Broadway. But we have no greater champion than Hugh Jackman. This extraordinary gift from his pal Nicole Kidman is by far the largest donation for any one auction item ever. That’s 20,000 meals and 2,000 doctor visits this holiday season for those living with HIV/AIDS, struggling with COVID-19 or facing other life-threatening challenges. Donations made at The Music Man, all across Broadway, Off-Broadway, and at national touring productions will provide meals and medication, health care, and hope this holiday season.”
Credit: Virginia Cavaliere via Storyful | Variety
