Hugh Jackman wins Golden Globe for Les Miserables, but says he almost gave up the role

AS he accepted his Best Actor award at the Golden Globes, Hugh Jackman revealed he nearly quit his role in Les Miserables.

Hugh Jackman Deborra-Lee Furness

AS he accepted his Best Actor award at the Golden Globes, Hugh Jackman revealed he nearly quit his role in Les Miserables before his wife Deborah-Lee Furness convinced him not to give up.

"I never told you this," he said to Director Tom Hooper while on stage, "but three weeks before we started filming, we had a terrible day of rehearsal. A humiliating day. You know the one" he said, gesturing to Hooper in the crowd.

"And I told my wife, it's time. I have to ring him and tell him someone else should play the role. I've bitten off more than I can chew.

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The emotional actor said it was Furness who convinced him not to quit.

"My wife talked me off the cliff like she does most days," he said. "Baby, I will say it in front of the entire world - thank you for always being right, baby. I love you."

Jackman, told the crowd that someone stole the tires off his bike while he was auditioning for Les Miserables, adding that he had now made peace with the thief and would leave the frame "in exactly the same place".

The Aussie actor, who said he was battling the flu, was up against Jack Bernie (Bernie), Bradley Cooper (Silver Linings Playbook), Ewan McGregor (Salmon Fishing in the Yemen) and Bill Murray (Hyde Park on Hudson) for the award.

"I was kicking myself for not getting the flu shot but it appears you don't need one - I feel great!" he said at the beginning of his speech.

Jackman called the movie a "project of passion" and thanked the cast and crew, director Tom Hooper and his wife.

"She's the greatest woman in the world," he said.

The Best Actor Golden Globes trophy comes just days after Jackman was also nominated for Best Actor by the Academy Awards. He also received a nomination from the Screen Actors Guild in the same category.

Anne Hathaway who won the Best Supporting Actress Award for her role in Les Miserables also paid tribute to her fellow winner Jackman during her acceptance speech.

"Hugh Jackman, my friend, you are brilliant in this role. I love you," she said.

Fellow nominated Aussies Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban and Naomi Watts missed out on taking home a trophy.