Bad Education star Hugh Jackman has used his secret life in lockdown to campaign for greater mental health support during the global Covid-19 crisis and beyond.
The Aussie superstar warned a loneliness epidemic "has just gone to another level" as the world self-isolates during the coronavirus scare, urging Australians to do all they can to support those around them.
The mental health ambassador and his best friend Gus Worland have been quietly hosting corporate web seminars to promote messages of connection and conversation through their Gotcha4Life charity.
"I've learned so much from being on the board and we are planning on more of those talks. Gus has been incredible … it's something we really need to pay attention to in the world and Australia, a lot. Now, it's just gone to another level. Our need to look after each other, not just financially and physically, but mentally is a priority. There's a lot of loneliness out there and this only adds to that," he told reporters.
Jackman, his wife Deborra-lee Furness and their two children, Oscar and Ava were in Melbourne on a working holiday in early March, but were forced to retreat to their New York home after just four days as the US government moved to close its borders and curb the outbreak's virulent spread.