Jackman: I owe Crowe my career! (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Jackman: I owe Crowe my career!

1:29pm Monday 26th November 2012 in National Entertainment News © Press Association 2013

Hugh Jackman has credited Russell Crowe for helping him get two of his biggest film roles.

The Australian actors may star together in Les Miserables as rivals Jean Valjean and Inspector Javert, but Hugh revealed they are actually good friends in real life.

"Russell and I actually became very close friends. We were good friends before," he told Entertainment Weekly.

"Russell has given me advice several times at key moments in my life that helped with my career. I also owe him because two of the biggest roles I've ever had in my life, he turned down - and suggested me for them."

He added: "On X-Men, he was Bryan Singer's first choice for Wolverine, and he mentioned me also for Australia. He really is incredibly smart, and generous. It was a joy to work with him."

Hugh - who plays Jean Valjean in Tom Hooper's big-screen adaptation of the hit musical - admitted that it was challenging playing enemies on screen.

"We really pushed each other. That rivalry at the beginning, it really is a constant throughout. It had to be strong, and it's really one of the spines of the story, that runs from beginning to end. It's a real challenge, and we were there for each other," he explained.

Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried and Helena Bonham Carter also star in Les Miserables, which has already had triumphant previews and is now considered a contender for the Oscars.

Hugh said to Deadline.com: "When I saw it in its entirety - I knew intellectually it was a big risk - I said 'Wow, man. This is massive, a big bone to chew on, that one'. I felt so proud to be part of it."