©Jackson Lee / Splash News
Hugh Jackman may be best known for his big muscles, but the biggest one is definitely his heart. In between grabbing box office gold with "Real Steel" and his starring role on the Great White Way with "Hugh Jackman: Back on Broadway," the Aussie entertainer managed to find time to launch Laughing Man Coffee & Tea, a beverage company with a charitable mission.
"At Laughing Man, we have a very simple policy -- we want to make money then we want to give it away," Jackman noted at the company's launch at ABC Kitchen in NYC.
©Jackson Lee / Splash News
So how did an actor end up brewing coffee? The World Vision Ambassador was inspired after he planted coffee trees alongside an Ethiopian coffee farmer named Dukale. According to Jackman, Dukale has five children and is working hard to climb out of the cycle of poverty and give back to the rest of the community. Their meeting prompted the "Wolverine" star to make a big gesture. "I made a promise to him [Dukale] right there [that] I would do everything I could to use my voice to actually get his message out about how people can help growers like that."
A little over a year later, he made good on his promise and created Laughing Man Coffee & Tea. "It excites me to be part of a company that is providing firstly a great product, supporting the growers and their families, providing employment here in the states, and giving back," he said. "I feel blessed to be a part of it. But mostly … and selfishly, I love the coffee."
The 43-year-old says giving back runs in the family. "My dad taught all of us … giving back is really another word for 'community.' We all need help at some point, and it is important to step up and do whatever we can."
And as dad to Oscar, 11, and Ava, 6, Jackman is teaching his kids the same values. "Both of them at this age have a natural desire to help out."
Despite his hectic schedule (he met the Queen of England the day after his company's launch!), Hugh still makes plenty of time for his family. "Sunday is the most joyous. We all cook pancakes together," he shared. "But right now with me doing theater for the next 10 weeks, let's just say it is more like brunch!"
Check out Laughing Man's website for more info, or as Hugh joked, "Coffee makes a great gift! Let me remind you, it is only [one month] till Christmas. [Log on to] Livelaughingman.com and all your problems are solved!"
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