Hugh Jackman reveals he's had four skin cancers removed in 18 months.

by Mamamia Team May 11, 2015

UPDATE: Actor and all-round decent human being Hugh Jackman is continuing to do good things for the sun safety cause.

Aside from openly discussing his experience with skin cancer, and launching a line of kids’ sunscreen, Jackman has been raving about his Australia co-star Nicole Kidman ‘s diligence in looking after her naturally fair skin.

“Nicole told me when she was a kid she used to be made fun of all the time in Australia because she used to stay in the shade and she had whiter skin. And no one is making fun of her now,” the X-Men star tells People magazine.

Nicole Kidman (Getty)

This mightn't seem like a big deal, but in Australia the typical beauty ideal has long revolved around glowing, sun-kissed skin. Ask any pale-skinned Aussie about their complexion and they'll probably tell you about all the times well-meaning relatives and strangers have told them to "go get some colour" because it'll make them "look healthier".

The irony being, of course, that spending a lot of time in the sun without adequate protection can lead to serious health issues, as Jackman knows all too well.

"I'm really heartened to see in general the idea that to be sexy and beautiful you have to be tan is gone," Jackman continues. "Nicole has the most beautiful skin." (Post continues after gallery.)

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Nicole Kidman

Hugh Jackman isn't the only high profile Aussie advocating sun smarts. Channel 9 presenter Georgie Gardner had a skin cancer removed from her upper lip last week, and shared a photo on Instagram with an important message for her followers.

"Gentle reminder to be sun smart & get skin checked - squamous cell carcinoma cut out #sore," Gardner, 43, wrote. We hope she's all healed up now.

The Glow reported last week:

There are plenty of good reasons to admire Hugh Jackman.

First of all, he's a talented Aussie 'triple threat' who's achieved international fame and respect. Also, by all accounts he's a super nice guy — remember when he rushed to Jennifer Lawrence' s aid when she tripped up the stairs at the Oscars? Swoon.

Now the Les Miserables star has proved once again what a deadset legend he is. For a couple of years, Jackman has been using his profile to raise awareness of the dangers of too much sun exposure — a message that's especially pertinent here in his sun-soaked homeland.

In a new interview with People magazine, the 46-year-old reveals he's had four skin cancers removed from his nose and shoulder over the past 18 months. "I go every three months for checkups. It's the new normal for me. My doctor says I'll likely have more and if that's your cross to bear in life, you should be so lucky," he says. (Post continues after gallery.)