‘Inching Ever Closer to the Bright Lights of Broadway’: Actor & Skin Cancer Survivor Hugh Jackman Preps for ‘The Music Man’ With Uplifting Tap Dance

In a new video Jackman shared to Instagram, he gives fans an inside peek as he prepares for his starring role as Professor Harold Hill in the revival of Broadway’s The Music Man. The musical was twice delayed due to COVID-19 and due to its embattled former producer, Scott Rudin. Finally, though, preview performances are set to begin at the Winter Garden Theatre on December 20. The show’s opening night will be February 10, 2022.

In the video, a hoofing Jackman taps his heart out as a dance coach/choreographer looks on and claps in time.

 

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The pandemic led to the shutdown of theaters nationwide, including those on Broadway, and people are excited to fill those plush velvet seats again to watch their favorite musicals. The majority of Broadway shows will return in September.

Hugh’s Skin Cancer Battle

Jackman isn’t just a star of stage and screen, he’s also an inspiring skin cancer survivor. He has fought this disease many times. Jackman has been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, or "BCC." The disease first presented in 2013 for the actor, and he has battled it six times.

Related: Am I at High Risk for Melanoma?

Basal cell carcinoma the most commonly diagnosed skin cancer in the U.S. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), 5.4 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the U.S. Jackman's most recent battle with basal cell carcinoma was in 2017.

Which Sunscreen Should I Choose To Prevent Cancer?

Protecting Your Skin from Skin Cancer

As Jackman has shared in the past with fans and followers, It's important to protect your skin with regular checks and sunscreen. There are other steps you can take, too, to lower your skin cancer risk factor.

Related: Choose the Right Sunscreen and Use it Often

Dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman outlines in an earlier interview five easy ways to protect your skin. She says:

1. Avoid sun during peak hours. This means from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It doesn't mean you should never go outside during the middle of the day, but make sure you're protected when you do venture outdoors.
2. Cover your skin and eyes. A wide brim hat and sun glasses will protect your face, the top of your head, your ears, and the delicate skin around your eyes.
3. Wear an SPF of 30 or higher. Plenty of facial moisturizers have SPF built into them. Reapply often.
4. Get an annual skin check. You can check your own skin for anything that looks out of the ordinary, but you should still get a yearly check to make sure you didn't miss anything. If you do happen to notice anything out of the ordinary in between checks, schedule an appointment to talk to your doctor about it ASAP it is always worth it to make sure.
5. Avoid tanning beds. "There's absolutely no benefit to going to a tanning bed," Dr. Engelman says.

Top 5 Ways to Protect Your Skin From Skin Cancer

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